THIS WEEK'S CHASSIDIC/KABBALAH STORY
from R. YERACHMIEL TILLES
#1466
(for a free weekly email subscription, click here)

 

"Holy Murderers and a Crazed Jew"

He had been a normal, sensible religious Jew with a wife and family until one day he suddenly lost his mind and began screaming and thrashing about for no apparent reason.

 

 

 

The Ascent storyteller's
WHATSAPP group and EMAIL list:

a different Audio,
Video and Print story
each Saturday night!

TO JOIN "TillesTells";
and for more about the group,
CLICK HERE

 


Insight of the Week

23 TEVET 5786 / January 12, 2026 / Parshat Va'eira


But what was the purpose of taking away Pharaoh's free choice? Maimonides explains that losing his free choice to repent was itself Pharaoh's punishment.


[the whole article]

Find out even more about Kabbalah


English Language Events

Check out MyAscent.orgAscent of Safed is designed to be a place for relaxation, reflection, interaction, and spiritual exploration, where you can grow and learn in your own way, at your own pace, in an open atmosphere. You can experience a wide range of learning, volunteer, creative, recreation and other opportunities at Ascent as well as in the Old City of Tzfat.

We can help you create a personalized study plan, you can join one of our weekend or weekday retreats, or you can come to relax and attend study and meditation sessions at your leisure, while staying in our great hostel with its spectacular views.

Please visit MyAscent.org or our Facebook page for full information and to make reservations


Visit:


for the most comprehensive Kosher Kabbalah website around. No experience or background needed.


Now offering a special new
Bar-Mitzvah program
:


 

THIS WEEK'S ESSAY FROM RABBI SHAUL YOSEF LEITER
(for a free weekly email subscription, click here)

Va'eira

Through the enslavement in Egypt, grueling hard physical labor using bricks and mortar, the Jewish people merited the most important single event of the entire creation - receiving the Torah at Mount Sinai.

 

[continue reading >>]   

  


   Donate!   


Recent Additions and Changes

Don't forget to check out What's New on this site. There's always an opportunity to learn more about Kabbalah here.


Kabbalistic Books by Ascent Staff

"Festivals of the Full Moon" (Koren)

If you enjoyed Saturday Night Full Moon", you're sure to want its sequel. Another collection of intriguing Stories of Kabbalah Sages, Chasidic Masters and other Jewish Heroes by Ascent's storymaster, Yerachmiel Tilles.

Available now at Ascent of Safed. Read Reviews


"Apples from the Orchard"

OUT OF PRINT; now in its 3rd 4th printing!
Deep mystical insights from the teachings of Rabbi Yitzchak Luria on the Weekly Torah, translated into English by Moshe-Yakov Wisnefsky.


Read a review of this important English Kabbalah book
.


"GPS for the Soul"

A summary of lessons conducted at the Ascent Institute in Safed by Nadav Cohen on the first 12 chapters of the Tanya, on its themes, including stories and examples.


Read a review of this book.



 


Redesign and implementation - By WEB-ACTION