This three-part series explores the luminous poetry of Kabbalah, where love, longing, and the search for the Divine intertwine. Each session focuses on one timeless poem, uncovering its layers of mystical symbolism, spiritual yearning, and poetic beauty.

Exploring the poems in translation and the original, we will reflect on how themes of intimacy, devotion, and divine union resonate in Judaism and in our own spiritual lives.

Each class stands on its own, offering a rich encounter with one masterpiece of Jewish mystical poetry. Come for a single session or for the full journey—either way, you will leave with a deeper appreciation of how Kabbalah speaks of the soul’s deepest desire: to unite with the Beloved. No previous experience required.

Session 3: Ana B’Choach (Please! With Your Strength…)
A poem, a prayer, and a magical incantation. A mysterious song of many layers. This acrostic prayer, attributed to the early Kabbalists, has been recited for centuries as part of Shabbat and daily liturgy, carrying with it associations of divine names, cosmic protection, and the hidden powers of sacred language.

Geo Poor is a doctoral student at the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership, where he is focusing on Kabbalah. He is the Director of Operations and Finance at the Vilna Shul in Boston. In his spare time, he creates daily(ish) memes about Talmud and Kabbalah on Instagram, bakes babka/challah of wacky and delicious flavors, and plays archery dodgeball.