Published: August 26, 2026
Originally recorded: August 24, 2026

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Lesson Highlights

• Curses and pain are self-created
• From the Creator there are only blessings
• The letter samech (a circle) represents repetitive patterns, fears, same relationships and reactions
• Every day is a new beginning
• Elijah the Prophet tells Rav Shimon, "all the promises and comforts are inscribed in the curses" --wake up.
• The discomfort we run from is often the doorway to breakthrough
• Choosing enthusiasm and presence at every moment
• Revisiting excitement and joy
• Become a partner, not just a project
• Shifting from "I need to fix myself" to "I am your vessel Creator, what do you want from me?"

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Lesson Description

The Torah's portion Ki Tavo explains the cause and hidden meaning of curses and pain. Kabbalah reveals that curses and pain are created by our own choices when we get trapped in routines of comfort, inflexibility, sameness and security symbolized by the letter samech, a circle with no beginning and no end. The antidote is reshit, the energy of new beginnings, excitement and wonder. Every spiritual practice can be experienced as brand new if we choose to inject that consciousness each day. As we approach Rosh Hashanah, we are reminded that all goodness and blessings always come from the Creator.

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About This Course

Written 2,000 years ago by Rav Shimon Bar Yochai, the Zohar explains all of the secrets of the Bible, the Universe and every aspect of life. The Zohar class is a weekly journey to understand the energy and challenges that will confront us during the week and how we can elevate our consciousness to prevent chaos from occurring in our lives.

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