Prophecy and Revelation
Exploring the Voice of God, the Soul of the Prophet, and the Pathway of Divine Communication
From the thunder at Sinai to the whisper heard by Elijah, the Jewish Bible is filled with encounters between humanity and the Divine. But what exactly is prophecy? Is it merely a historical event—or a spiritual state still accessible today? This course explores the theology and mysticism of prophecy and revelation, tracing how divine communication operates through the soul, history, and sacred language.
Using Derech Hashem by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto (Ramchal) as the primary text, students will explore the structure, stages, and purpose of prophecy as understood in classic Kabbalistic theology. Supplementary insights from the Guide for the Perplexed, the Zohar, and the teachings of Rav Kook will expand the discussion to include both philosophical and mystical dimensions of revelation.
This course will explore:
The soul structure of the prophet and the divine flow of information
The difference between prophecy (nevuah), divine inspiration (ruach hakodesh), and mystical revelation (giluy)
The hierarchy of prophetic levels and the process of preparation
The unique level of prophecy attained by Moshe Rabbeinu
The decline of prophecy and its concealed remnants in later sages
The role of the Hebrew language and symbols in divine communication
The future return of prophecy in the Messianic era and its implications for humanity
Kabbalistic perspectives on how spiritual refinement enables personal revelation
This course is ideal for those who wish to understand the inner workings of God’s communication with humanity, not only in biblical history but as an ongoing reality accessible through spiritual elevation. Students will gain a deeper understanding of revelation, the nature of the soul, and the enduring voice of the Divine throughout Jewish tradition.
Course Workload and Expectations
This is a 3-credit, 12-week seminary-level course requiring approximately 6–9 hours of engagement per week. The course blends intellectual rigor with contemplative study, guiding students through classical texts and mystical frameworks that explain the inner mechanics of prophecy and divine communication.
Students will engage in the following weekly workload:
Assigned readings from Derech Hashem by the Ramchal, with select passages from Moreh Nevuchim, the Zohar, and Rav Kook
Video lectures offering structured, in-depth explanations of prophetic theology and soul dynamics
Analytical assignments exploring biblical prophetic episodes in light of Kabbalistic interpretation
Short essays comparing prophetic levels or tracing themes of revelation across texts
Journaling exercises focused on refining personal receptivity and inner clarity, modeled after prophetic preparation
Weekly check-ins or class reflections to reinforce concepts and maintain spiritual engagement
A final integrative project, such as a comparative study on prophetic types or a thematic presentation on the future of revelation
This course fulfills seminary-level standards by combining close textual study with spiritual application. Students will come away with a deeper understanding of both the prophetic voice in Scripture and the potential for divine communication in their own inner life.
This course is also available for 100% online, self-paced personal study, and may be purchased individually for those seeking personal spiritual growth and character development outside of a formal degree program. Mentorship is available for this course at an additional cost.
NOTE: This class is temporarily unavailable to new students until AFTER you've completed the prerequisite class: Spiritual Attainment in Jewish Kabbalah.