THE SACRED MYTHOLOGY OF EDEN: Transcending Time, Returning Home with Rabbi Ariel Hendelman — Tuesdays, October 27, November 3, 10, and 17 7-8:15 pm ET / 4-5:15 pm PT
According to Joseph Campbell, mythology is "the story that never happened and is always happening." When we engage with the stories of Torah in this way, they become ours — continually revealing deep truths for the present moment. The Garden of Eden is a prime example of this; an archetypal story about falling out of belonging, shame, transformation, and return. Jewish tradition tells us that there are two entrances back to Eden — one guarded by the ever-turning fiery sword, and the other through the ancestral cave of Machpelah (doubling). Both have to do with our ability to transcend time in order to reclaim wholeness.
We will immerse ourselves in Eden as a living mythology through text study, as well as chant practice and guided meditation.
About Rabbi Ariel Hendelman: Rabbi Ariel Hendelman loves teaching Torah through mythological and mindful lenses. She is the Rabbi of B'nai Or Boston, a Jewish Renewal community, and the founder of Ma'agal, a monthly, moon-centered chant and ritual circle in Cambridge. Click to read more →
This Course Will Have Four Sessions:
1. Kedem and the Ever-Turning Fiery Sword
2. The Cave of Doubling
3. The Serpent as Agent of Transformation
4. The Tree of Life — Medicine from the Poison Root
Course Details:
Sessions will be taught via Zoom and can also be accessed via phone.
While live attendance is encouraged, all sessions will be recorded, allowing you to engage with the material even if you’re unable to attend in real time.
For financial assistance and scholarship opportunities, please contact liviah@beitkohenet.org.
Tuition & Registration:
$150 tuition + $25 non-refundable registration fee
Choose your preferred payment option below:
Rabbi Ariel Hendelman
Rabbi Ariel Hendelman loves teaching Torah through mythological and mindful lenses. She is the Rabbi of B'nai Or Boston, a Jewish Renewal community, and the founder of Ma'agal, a monthly, moon-centered chant and ritual circle in Cambridge. Ariel is grateful to be part of the Institute of Jewish Spirituality's Marbeh Fellowship for Senior Jewish Mindfulness Teachers.
Ariel's written words appear in Ayin Press, Double Blind Magazine, and most recently, on her Substack. She is in the process of writing a book on Cain's twin sister's rite of passage return to Eden. Ariel’s debut album, Prayers for Fire & Water, is a soulful blend of folk and niggunim (wordless devotional melodies). Her new EP, Magic All Around, was released this winter.
As a Sapphic mystic, Ariel believes in walking the path of Love, the most rigorous path there is, and offering experiences where everyone can reclaim belonging. In her free time, you'll find Ariel singing around the bonfire or learning about owls.