Jewish mysticism often speaks of a world filled with Divine light—but what happens when that light feels hidden? In this class, we'll study a poignant teaching by Rabbi Kalonymus Kalman Shapira, a 20th-century Hasidic master, about the third meal of Shabbat afternoon—a time steeped in longing, quiet, and transition. Together, we’ll ask: how do we experience God in moments of spiritual darkness? Texts will be provided in Hebrew and English; no prior experience necessary.

Jonah Mac Gelfand (he/him) is a rabbinical student at Hebrew College and the co-founder and editor-in-chief at Gashmius Magazine. He got his Master's in Jewish Studies from the Graduate Theological Union, where his research focused on neo-Hasidic leadership, and his writing has been published in both popular and academic journals.