Kabbalah for Mental Wellness
This comprehensive course, Kabbalah and Mental Health: Discovering Inner Strength and Resilience, invites you to explore the timeless wisdom of Kabbalah and its practical applications for enhancing emotional and mental well-being. Over four immersive classes, attendees will journey through profound teachings and biblical stories that reveal essential strategies for navigating life’s challenges with inner strength, clarity, and purpose.
The course begins with understanding how to overcome apathy and rediscover a sense of purpose, inspired by the story of the widow’s cruse of oil and insights from Rabbi Schneur Zalman. The second class delves into the dynamics of love and commitment, drawing lessons from the relationships of the patriarchs to highlight sustainable, deep-rooted bonds and emotional resilience. In the third session, participants will learn to harness gratitude as a powerful tool for transforming shame and sustaining hope, guided by the perspectives of Rachel and Joseph. Finally, the course concludes with an exploration of the unconscious self, using the story of Judah and Tamar to demonstrate how accessing our deeper essence can help reignite passion and purpose during moments of emotional desolation.
Through this course, participants will gain not only a deeper understanding of themselves but also practical methods to build resilience, foster meaningful relationships, and maintain mental wellness, all rooted in the rich spiritual tradition of Kabbalah.
How the Course will work:
You will receive a workbook and pre-recorded lecture in the beginning of the week so you can study and prepare yourself.
There will be two ways to take the class:
IN-PERSON: In Montreal at Rohr Chabad NDG on Wednesdays November 13 & 20, December 4 & 18 at 7:30pm EST.
ONLINE: On ZOOM on Thursdays November 14 & 21, December 5 & 19 at 7:30pm EST.
The ONLINE interactive session will allow you to attend from anywhere. Plus, if you can't make it to a class we will send you the recording. (If you're a University Student trying to earn Jewish U Credits, you must attend in person).
The course will be completely in English and you don’t need any previous knowledge to join. Though, if you have been exposed to these teachings you will gain even more insight from these classes.
This BRAND NEW Four-Part Series begins Wednesday November 13, 2024 at 7:30pm
$99 for the Entire Course (Special Early Bird $75 if You Register Before November 7)
No prior study or experience is required to join this class; just an open mind and a willingness to learn.
Once you sign up you will receive a pdf workbook.
Questions? Call us 514.507.8800 or email rabbi@jewishndg.com
About the Instructor
Cherished for his incredible warmth and non-judgmental personality, this hipster is not your typical rabbi. He is real, raw, unconventional and loved by thousands across the world. Rabbi Bernath has been teaching Kabbalah for almost 20 years. He is also the author of three books, and continuously produces engaging content on his many social media & podcast platforms.
Course Outline
Class #1 | Apathy, Loss of Purpose & Finding Yourself Again.
IN PERSON: Wednesday November 13 at 7:30pm EST | ONLINE: Thursday November 14 at 7:30pm EST
This class explores the delicate balance between ignorance and apathy, drawing from Kabbalistic teachings and the profound story of the widow’s cruse of oil from the Book of Kings. Participants will delve into the human experience of emotional numbness, loss of purpose, and spiritual exhaustion. Rabbi Schneur Zalman’s insight on maintaining faith and inner fire amidst such challenges offers practical guidance on identifying and nurturing the ‘cruse of oil’ within—the unassailable essence of our soul. Through understanding the power of consistent actions, even when devoid of passion, attendees will learn how to prepare for moments when their inner vitality reawakens, allowing them to fill their lives with profound meaning and resilience.
Class #2 | Love & Relationships
IN PERSON: Wednesday November 20 at 7:30pm EST | ONLINE: Thursday November 21 at 7:30pm EST
This class explores the dynamics of love, commitment, and emotional resilience through the Kabbalistic lens of the patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—and their respective marriages. By examining Isaac and Rebecca’s relationship, where love followed marriage, we uncover a crucial lesson in building long-lasting, deep connections that transcend initial excitement and endure through life’s monotony and challenges. Participants will learn the difference between love born out of passion and love cultivated through consistent dedication, reflecting Isaac's embodiment of the afternoon prayer, mincha, symbolizing steadfast commitment amidst life’s daily grind. This session offers insights into fostering sustainable emotional wellness, emphasizing that true mental strength and marital love deepen not just in moments of exhilaration or crisis, but through unwavering loyalty and trust built over time.
Class #3 | Turning Shame into Gratitude
IN PERSON: Wednesday December 4 at 7:30pm EST | ONLINE: Thursday December 5 at 7:30pm EST
In this class we will explore the power of gratitude as a tool for mental and emotional resilience, even during times of profound distress. Drawing from Rachel’s transformative perspective in the Torah and Joseph’s steadfast joy amidst trials, the session will highlight how embracing gratitude can shift one's focus from what is lacking to recognizing hidden blessings. Participants will learn how gratitude not only enriches moments of joy but becomes a lifeline during struggles, creating space for healing, hope, and strength. By internalizing these Kabbalistic insights, individuals will discover how to remain grounded in appreciation and maintain mental fortitude in challenging times.
Class #4 | Tapping into the Sub-concious
IN PERSON: Wednesday December 18 at 7:30pm EST | ONLINE: Thursday December 19 at 7:30pm EST
This class explores the transformative power of accessing the unconscious self during times of emotional desolation. Drawing on Kabbalistic teachings and the story of Judah and Tamar, participants will examine the concept of the "levirate marriage" as a metaphor for rekindling inner strength when conscious emotions seem lifeless. This class will guide attendees through the process of finding the deep, unchangeable spark within—the super-conscious self—that can reignite passion and purpose even in moments of numbness and despair. Emphasizing that the lowest points can be opportunities for profound self-discovery, this session provides practical insights into maintaining mental resilience and embracing the hidden potential within each soul.
