Religion: Embodying the Light, Honoring the Darkness: The Kabbalah of Chanukah

Estelle Frankel is a practicing psychotherapist, spiritual advisor, and seasoned teacher of Jewish mysticism who blends depth psychology with the wisdom and healing practices of Kabbalah. She has taught Jewish studies in Israel and the U.S. for over 30 years and was ordained as a Rabbinic Pastor and spiritual guide (mashpiah ruchanit) by Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi. While living in Israel from 1970-1978 Estelle attended the Michlalah College for Jewish Studies in Jerusalem and taught at several Yeshivas, including Neve Yerusyhalayim and Shapell (Beruriah). Estelle is currently on the teaching faculty of Chochmat Halev: Wisdom of the Heart Meditation Center, where she teaches Jewish mysticism, meditation and healing, and offers group spiritual guidance. Estelle has also been an instructor at Lehrhaus Judaica Adult School for Jewish Studies since 1978 and has been involved in organizing several symposia on Judaism and Psychology. She is a popular public speaker and chant master, and has been a keynote speaker and presenter at many professional conferences.

In addition to Sacred Therapy, Estelle is the author of numerous essays on Jewish mysticism and psychology that have been published by a variety of professional and spiritual journals including: Tikkun Magazine, Women and Therapy: A Quarterly Journal, The Responsive Community, and Parabola Magazine. Several of her essays have been selected for publication in professional and literary anthologies.

Estelle lives in Berkeley, California with her husband, Dr. Stephen Goldbart and two children, Miriam and Elan. Her hobbies include playing guitar, singing, hiking in nature, ocean snorkeling, reading poetry, and creating ritual art.

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