Exploring the Eternal Journey of the Soul through the Wisdom of Jewish Mysticism
Where do we come from? Why are we here? And what happens to the soul after death? In Jewish mystical tradition, the soul is not a one-time creation, but a divine spark on a multigenerational journey of rectification (tikkun), returning again and again to fulfill its unique purpose in this world.
This course offers an in-depth exploration of the Kabbalistic doctrine of gilgul neshamot—the reincarnation of souls. Using Gilgul: Transmigration of Souls by Rabbi Yonah Binyamin Weisbrod as our primary textbook, students will engage with the most authoritative teachings from the Zohar, Arizal, and later sages to uncover how the soul is shaped by previous lives, and how each incarnation is part of a divine system of spiritual correction and cosmic unfolding.
In this class, students will explore:
The five levels of the soul (Nefesh, Ruach, Neshamah, Chayah, Yechidah)
How and why souls reincarnate
The difference between gilgul, ibbur (soul impregnation), and dybbuk (possession)
Soul roots (shoresh neshamah) and spiritual lineage
How Biblical figures like Elijah, Pinchas, and Adam reveal reincarnational mysteries
Signs of previous gilgulim in one’s character, tests, and life patterns
The role of mitzvot, prayer, suffering, and teshuvah in soul rectification
The ultimate goal of reincarnation: the soul’s return to its divine source
Far from being abstract or speculative, the teachings of gilgul offer a deeply practical and transformative view of life’s challenges and spiritual growth. This course is ideal for those seeking clarity on the soul’s purpose, human suffering, divine justice, and the continuity of identity across lifetimes.
 
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 combines rigorous textual learning with deep personal reflection, designed to help students understand the mystical journey of the soul across lifetimes and apply these insights to their current spiritual growth.
Students can expect the following weekly workload:
Assigned readings from Gilgul: Transmigration of Souls by Rabbi Yonah Binyamin Weisbrod, along with select excerpts from the Zohar, Sha’ar HaGilgulim, and writings of the Arizal and other sages
Video lectures explaining complex ideas in accessible and structured formats
Written assignments including guided questions, midrashic comparisons, and theological reflections
Short essays applying concepts like gilgul, tikkun, or soul roots to Torah narratives or personal experience
Journaling exercises focused on spiritual identity, soul correction, and awareness of inner patterns
Weekly check-ins via online discussion or reflection submission to the course administrator
Final project or essay synthesizing the soul’s journey with Torah themes, personal application, or a textual analysis of a Zoharic or Arizal-based teaching
This course meets the expectations of graduate-level spiritual study and requires both intellectual discipline and openness to introspection. Students will gain not only theological clarity but also deeper insight into their soul’s mission and the hidden spiritual architecture of their lives.
 
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.