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Kabbalah Experience provides an open, safe and non-judgmental environment for students to learn the teachings of Kabbalah in order to become more spiritually aware, express more fully their creativity and deepen their compassion for themselves and others.  While Jewish in its origin and language, the Kabbalah Experience curriculum has a universal spiritual message. The adult centered method of learning appeals to people who learn best when their own thinking process is encouraged and engaged.

“thought-provoking, transformative, creative, eye-opening, mind-bending, illuminating, inspiring, participatory, safe, reverent, joyful and unique.”   – KE Students

Mission Statement:

Kabbalah Experience engages students in a process of questioning that leads to personal discovery and enlightened spiritual awareness through the study of Kabbalah for the purpose of improving oneself and the community.

History:

2003-2006

In October 2003, Dr. David Sanders begins teaching Kabbalah to a small group of Jewish men. Within two years, study groups form by word of mouth and grow to over 30 men and women learning in people’s homes.  Kabbalah classes are based on text study and group discussion. There is no formal curriculum.  In April 2006, Dr. Sanders convenes a number of KE students to discuss creating a Board of Directors to envision the development of KE.  Out of this process a Board of Directors forms, files for 501C3 status and commits to be founding members.  Mr. Elliot Husney assumes the Presidency of the Board. In its initial year of operation, KE receives additional community support with a significant three-year sustaining private donation from Celeste Grynberg.  Classes are centralized at our new location, Kohelet House, where almost 50 students attended weekly classes.

2006-2009

Over its first four years (2006-2010) of more formalized learning (a first year curriculum is developed in 2007 and a second year curriculum in 2008),  KE expands from a Jewish spiritual program of learning for primarily affiliated Jews to a learning community that attracts and connects with unaffiliated Jews and people of other faiths. Both Rose Community Foundation and the Allied Jewish Federation award KE grants to build its organization and implement its programs. Over 100 students attend classes regularly.

2009-2010

Sally Stich assumes the Presidency of the Board. KE adds teachers and administrative staff (funded by a Rose Community Foundation Grant) and collaborates on programs with the Loup Jewish Community Center (Kabbalah Live Speaker Series, Mindful Parenting Series and Introductions to Kabbalah). KE offers beginning classes through the JCC.

With the continued support of our dedicated Board of Directors, community volunteers, partners and funders and look forward to expanding; offering more classes and enriching the learning experience through bringing new programs to our community and being a place of learning and community for spiritual seekers. However much we grow we remain committed to provide an intimate learning environment that values each person’s learning needs and their unique contributions.

Tuition covers less than half of our costs. Donations help us keep our tuition affordable, allows us to offer scholarships and maintain the administrative functions that run the organization.

The Kabbalah taught at KE is translated into a reverence for questioning and distinguishing between religious doctrine and spiritual guidance.