What does it mean to truly transform? This free class explores the mystical principle of “die before you die”—a call to let the ego and old patterns fall away so that a new, luminous self can emerge. Through the lens of alchemy and resurrection, we will journey from the ashes of the Phoenix to the myths of Adonis, Dionysus, Osiris, and Jesus, discovering how these stories speak to our own inner renewal.
We will also draw on the Jewish path of rebirth—from the destruction of the Temple (Tisha B’Av) to the joy of Tu B’Av—and see how endings can give birth to new spiritual realities. This session connects these themes to the Opus Magnum, the alchemical “Great Work,” where symbolic death leads to illumination and wholeness.
Join us for an exploration of death, rebirth, and transformation to begin your own alchemical journey.
Event image is taken from Andreas Libavius' Alchymia book published in 1606. It is showing the phoenix atop of all other symbolic elements, representing the transformation of the Philosopher’s Stone. It's a rather authentic alchemy imagery. If the whole picture doesn't get in - so please capture just the top, with the Phoenix.
Rabbi Sa'ar Khai Shaked is a community organizer, scholar, and activist initiated in several traditions in addition to Judaism, including Freemasonry and ubungoma African traditional healing. Born in Israel in 1975, he was ordained as a rabbi in Jerusalem in 2004, received his MA in hermeneutics in 2006, and moved to South Africa in 2013.
Rabbi Shaked has served several congregations, among them Beit Daniel (Tel Aviv), Achvat Israel (Rishon Lezion), and Beit Emmanuel (Johannesburg). Since 2023, Rabbi Shaked has led The Almond Rod Chaplaincy & Consultancy. He resides and works at Ha Phororo Youth Retreat Community, North West Province, South Africa.
