There’s more to unpack in this video than meets the ear upon first listen…

Around 26 minutes in Rav Pinson describes something similar to recollection (suspension of the faculties) and the infused contemplation found in Christian mysticism.

The discussion of the menorah and the metaphysics of the flame toward the end of the discussion is very fascinating.

The subject of unification comes up in Christian mysticism in the sense that the mystical path consists of three “phases” or movements: purgation, illumination and unification (not necessarily in that order)…

Rav’s insights into right-brained thinking and left-brained thinking and prayer are very enlightening and applicable, I believe, to traditional Christian (Catholic) meditation & meditative approaches.

For instance, St. Teresa of Avila – a great saint and mystic of Jewish heritage – preferred the Kataphatic (discursive: using thoughts: lightsome: Via Positiva) meditative technique which I believe would fit Rav’s description of the Left-Brained approach, thinking style, interior disposition and personal preference.

St. John of the Cross – another great saint and mystic of Jewish heritage and friend of St. Teresa’s – taught the Apophatic (non-discursive: suspension of thought: darksome: Via Negativa) right-brained approach, that I personally prefer when meditating, since it appeals to my way of thinking, personality and sensibilities.

You know it’s a good lecture when time seems to fly while watching and you can come back to it and mine valuable jewels of truth upon each viewing. Even though I’m not familiar with some of the words and concepts from the Jewish theological point of view, I’m interested in the connections I can make to enhance my own understanding.

Theological differences aside, the conceptual universality of Rav’s Jewish particularities, in this regard, is a stamp of authenticity.

The truth has a particular ring. Can you hear it?

I’ll have to check out some more of his videos…