Michael Franco

Rationalism vs. Mysticism Episode 16: Prophetic Kabbalah Part 2

In this class, we continue to explore throne mysticism and transition into the unique and intriguing approach of Rabbi Abraham Abulafia.

Parashat Sav 2022: Andre Agassi, Sacrifices, and How to Change

In this week's podcast, we learn from a turning point in the great career of tennis legend Andre Agassi. We see how this connects to the sacrificial ceremony and that we have many opportunities in our lives today to practice these lessons about how to spur positive change.

Rationalism vs. Mysticism Episode 15: Kabbalah Part 8: Prophetic Kabbalah

In this class, we enter the realm of prophetic Kabbalah, full of its many mysteries and secrets. Enjoy!

Rationalism vs. Mysticism Episode 14: Kabbalah Part 7: Drawing Down Divine Grace

In this class, we begin by exploring the concept of grace as it appears in the Eastern traditions. We transition into a discussion of a kabbalistic view of grace and how the saddik is called upon to be a bridge to the spirit world.

Rationalism vs. Mysticism Episode 13: Kabbalah Part 6: Addressing God’s ”Needs” Part 2

In this class, we begin with some excerpts from the late great Thich Naht Hanh and from the Tao te Ching. We close off our discussion of Addressing Divine needs by exploring some very interesting rabbinic statements and Talmudic Aggadoth.

Parashat Vayakhel 2022: My Heart is with the Ukrainian People

In this week's podcast, we connect the events unfolding in Ukraine to the underlying theme in our parasha. We learn important lessons from Gary Chapman's The Five Love Languages.

Rationalism vs. Mysticism Episode 12: Kabbalah Part 5: Taoism vs. Addressing Divine Needs

In this class, we begin with some quotes from the Tao te Ching and other Taoist texts. We compare this way of thinking with many of the Kabbalistic texts discussing humans playing a key role in addressing God's "needs."

Parashat Ki Tissa 2022:The Covenantal American Story

This President's weekend, we connect the parasha to some remarkable historical facts about the very beginnings of life in America.

Rationalism vs. Mysticism Episode 11: Kabbalah Part 4: Mystical Intimacy and Mescaline

In this class, we conclude our discussion of mystical intimacy, touching on popular ideas like love of God, the apparent gap between us and God, and "En od milevado" -- there is none but God. We close with a riveting account by John Blofeld on his experience taking the psychedelic compound Mescaline.

Rationalism vs. Mysticism Episode 10: Kabbalah Part 3: Mystical Intimacy

In this class, we begin to discuss the different approaches towards relating to infinity in a more intimate fashion. We learn that some seek a complete merging with the Divine, while others are content in maintaining separateness. The key to it all, it seems, is opening oneself to the love of God.