Our Mission
Contemporary Applications of Ancient Wisdom
The Contemporary Kabbalah Institute introduces and develops contemporary kabbalistic theology to enhance personal spiritual experience for individuals from any religious background. We bridge ancient wisdom with modern spiritual needs.
What is Kabbalah?
Kabbalah, meaning "receiving," is a philosophy that experiences divinely emanating energies flowing into us. Kabbalists strive to connect to these flows of:
What We Offer
- Beginning and advanced online classes
- Academic conferences and scholarly research
- Spiritual retreats for religious organizations
- Speakers for schools, universities, and congregations
- Weekly online study groups via Zoom
- Interfaith programs exploring Christian Kabbalah
Programs & Learning
Educational Opportunities for All Levels
Weekly Kabbalah Study Group
Join Dr. McCrensky's ongoing study group for deep exploration of kabbalistic texts and wisdom. Open to all levels of experience.
Contact: info@contemporarykabbalah.org for information and the Zoom link to the class.
Recorded Introductory Courses
Access recordings of past CKI introductory courses through the Jewish Study Center on YouTube. Click the links below:
Online Classes
Beginning and advanced courses in kabbalistic studies, designed for students, institutions, congregations, seekers, academics, and clergy.
Academic Conferences
Scholarly gatherings to present papers, foster research, and share ideas related to contemporary Kabbalah among leading voices in the field.
Spiritual Retreats
Immersive experiences for religious organizations, congregations, and schools seeking deeper connection to kabbalistic wisdom and practice.
Speaking Engagements
Presentations on contemporary Kabbalah and its applications to modern spiritual life for schools, universities, and congregations.
Interfaith Programs
Exploring historical Christian Kabbalah and applications of contemporary kabbalistic interpretation to Christianity and other traditions.
Essential Reading
Dr. McCrensky's Books on Kabbalistic Wisdom
The Surreptitiously Subversive Zohar: The Case of Moses
A groundbreaking exploration of the Zohar as a cryptic, subversive biblical commentary that challenges traditional rabbinic interpretation. Through the figure of Moses and the Sefira of Netsach, this work reveals how Zohar conceals radical theology within symbolic language.
Coming Soon!
Connecting to Judaism: Spirituality through Kabbalah
An accessible introduction to Judaism through the spiritual lens of Kabbalah, revealing the deeper meaning of Jewish rituals, holidays, prayer, and sacred practice. This work bridges tradition and mysticism, offering readers a framework for experiencing Judaism as a living, spiritual path.
View on Amazon
Understanding Evil and Ethics through Kabbalah
A profound examination of evil, ethics, and repentance through kabbalistic theology, addressing humanity’s most difficult moral questions in the shadow of historical tragedy. Drawing on Zoharic insight and biblical foundations, this book offers a spiritual framework for ethical responsibility and contemporary life.
View on AmazonDr. Jay McCrensky
Founder & CEO, Contemporary Kabbalah Institute
Dr. Jay Frederick McCrensky brings over 40 years of teaching kabbalistic wisdom to his role as founder and CEO of the Contemporary Kabbalah Institute, a nonprofit think tank of rabbis, scholars and students working to revive Kabbalah as the core of contemporary Jewish spirituality. His approach bridges ancient mystical traditions with contemporary spiritual needs, making Kabbalah accessible to modern seekers.
Academic Background
- PhD in Jewish Studies - Baltimore Hebrew University & Towson University
Concentration: Kabbalah & Jewish Philosophy | Minors: Rabbinic Literature & Sociology of Judaism - MBA - Stanford University
- BA - University of Rochester
- Former Professor - Department of Philosophy & Religious Studies, St. Mary's College of Maryland
The honors college of the University of Maryland System
Scholarship & Research
- Author of Understanding Evil and Ethics through Kabbalah (2000, 2014, 2022)
- Author of Connecting to Judaism: Spirituality through Kabbalah (2013, 2022)
- Forthcoming: The Surreptitiously Subversive Zohar: The Case of Moses
- Dissertation: The Concept of Receiving in Contemporary Kabbalah
- Current Research: Sefirot of Netsach and Hod in the Zohar, Zoharic symbols and anagogies
- Conference Presentations: Association for Jewish Studies (2024), Midwest Jewish Studies Association (2005)
Professional & Personal
- President - Marketshare Management, Inc. (startup consulting)
- Co-founder & MC - Machaya Klezmer Band (accordionist & dance leader)
- Certified Professional Ski Instructor
A leading teacher and speaker on Kabbalah, Dr. McCrensky teaches at universities, community centers, and synagogues throughout the Washington area. He conducts a free weekly online Kabbalah course open to all and applies kabbalistic insights across all aspects of his work, from business consulting to music and skiing.
Contact Us
Discover the Wisdom of Kabbalah
General Information & Mailing List
Dr. Jay McCrensky, President
Membership & Donations
The Contemporary Kabbalah Institute is a 501(c)(3) tax-deductible non-profit organization. Support enables our teaching, scholarship, and public programs, and helps make authentic kabbalistic wisdom accessible to a wider audience.
Click to Donate/Join