Kabbalah expert to speak in Costa Rica

From the print edition

Rabbi Gershon Winkler, a star of the Kabbalah theosophy, will give a series of talks about the spiritual movement next week in Costa Rica.

The polemic tradition of ancient Jewish mysticism garnered mainstream attention with celebrity converts like Madonna and Demi Moore. Winkler, who has authored 15 books on the practice, will address the dicey issues about Kabbalah and several other intriguing topics. In addition to one $50 chat called “The Controversy: Is Kabbalah for Everyone?”, Winkler will speak on the soul and death, and also the “joys of sex in Jewish law and lore.”

Miriam Maron, Winkler’s wife and a rabbi, cantor and healer, also will be present at some of the talks. She’s released albums of spiritualistic Kabbalah music.

Winkler has spoken throughout the Americas and in Europe, and is founder of the Kabbalah nonprofit organization Walking Stick Foundation.

Winkler gained experience as a rabbi in West Virginia, in the United States, where he worked as a rabbi with two federal prisons and was Hillel director at West Virginia University in Morgantown. He also worked for several years in Missoula, Montana, and Durango, Colorado.

Winkler has gained acclaim for his storytelling on Jewish folklore and philosophy. According to his website, as far back as 1992, the Wall Street Journal described the rabbi as one who “travels an unusual path and ruffles feathers.”

Kabbalah Series in Costa Rica

$75 events
• “Dance of the Cosmos and the End of Times: Ancient Jewish Perspectives on our Rapidly Changing Times,” July 22, 9-11:30 a.m.
• “Across the Threshold: Ancient Jewish Teachings about the Journey of the Soul, Before, During and After Life,” July 22, 2-4:30 p.m.

$50 events
• “Kabbalah, The Controversy: Is Kabbalah for Everyone?” July 23, 9-11:30 a.m. or 7-9:30 p.m.
• “Sacred Secrets: The Joys of Sex in Jewish Law and Lore,” July 24, 9-11:30 a.m. or 7-9:30 p.m.
• “The Keepers: Jewish Teachings about Angels,” July 25, 9-11:30 a.m. or 7-9:30 p.m.

Location: Hacienda Villa Hermosa, in La Garita, northwest of San José, in the province of Alajuela.
For more information, contact the Keshet Holistic Studies Institute at www.kenshethsi.com, call 2433-9538 or email info@keshethsi.com.