By examining “Neum: The Oracle or the Declarations” through a Kabbalistic lens, this study guide invites you to explore profound themes such as Divine unity, prophecy, spiritual ascent, the governance of creation, and the process of healing and restoration. The reflection and exploration questions encourage deeper engagement with the mystical ideas in the text, fostering both personal and communal growth, should you choose to use this guide for group discussions. Readers are encouraged to move beyond theological learning and engage in Neum’s words through righteous actions, the works of God.

Further Exploration Questions

1. The Relationship Between Israel and the Divine

• The Oracle will repeatedly address Israel (and Judah) and its relationship with The Lord throughout her pronouncements. In Kabbalah, Israel is considered a vessel for Divine light. How does Neum‘s emphasis on Israel’s unique role as a “holy people” correspond to the Kabbalistic concept of Keter (the Crown) and Malkhut (the Kingdom)?
• How might Israel’s role in the spiritual realm be understood as part of the process of Tikkun Olam, or the restoration of the world, through the channeling of Divine energy (the light of Christ)?

2. Healing and Restoration through Divine Light

• Neum speaks throughout the text of healing and remedy being provided by The LORD. In Kabbalah, healing is often linked to the restorative power of Chesed (mercy) and Tikkun (spiritual repair). How does the text’s promise of healing and restoration resonate with the Kabbalistic understanding of the healing power of the light of Christ?
• What might the process of spiritual healing look like in the Kabbalistic framework? How can individuals draw on the flow of Chesed and Tiferet (beauty/harmony) to bring about healing in their own lives and in the world?

Application Activities

1. Meditation on Divine Unity

Activity:

• Meditate on the concept that “In YHVH are all things One.” Visualize the interconnectedness of all aspects of creation and allow yourself to feel the unity between the Creator and the creation (all things in the world). Reflect on your personal connection to God and the Holy Spirit  through this unity. 

Reflection:

• How does contemplating the oneness of the Creator affect your understanding of your place in the world? What changes might this bring to your spiritual practices or daily life?

2. Spiritual Dance of Union with the Divine

Activity:

• Reflect on the Oracle’s description of dancing in prophecy. In Kabbalah, the dance can symbolize the dynamic interaction between the soul (the portion of ourselves that is created when we are born again) and the Holy Spirit. Engage in a physical or meditative practice that embodies this “dance” — such as rhythmic prayer, sacred movement, or contemplative silence — to align yourself with the flow of the Holy Spirit.

Discussion:

• How can you incorporate the concept of spiritual “dance” or movement into your own spiritual practices? What does it mean for you to align your soul with the Divine flow?

3. Exploring Divine Providence

Activity:

• Spend time reflecting on the concept of Divine Providence (Hashgachah Pratis) in your own life. Journal about moments when you felt guided or protected by the Holy Spirit, and consider how Hashgachah Pratis has manifested in your experiences.

Discussion:

• How can you strengthen your awareness of Divine providence in your daily life? How can you align your actions with the flow of Divine governance described in Neum’s utterances?

4. Practicing Tikkun Olam

Activity:

• Reflect on the concept of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world). Identify one area of your life or community where you feel called to act for spiritual healing or social justice. Take steps to engage in this work as a way of embodying the healing power of the Divine.

Action:

• What concrete actions can you take in your community to help repair the world? How can you bring the light of Chesed (mercy) and Tiferet (beauty/harmony) to others?