Radio: Niglah v'Nistar

In Jewish sources, they sometimes speak of niglah and nistar, the revealed and the hidden, the exoteric and esoteric dimensions of Jewish teachings. The relationship between these two types of knowledge can change over time (some say, for example, that Kabbalah, which was once reserved for the spiritual elite, in our own time now needs to be shared with any and all who are open to its message) or depend on the person receiving it (some people are simply not open to the esoteric, while others "get" it).

I just had an experience that was both niglah and nistar simultaneously. How so? I was interviewed on the radio, broadcasting me to millions of potential listeners. However, since the program broadcast from 1-3AM, the contents of that program remained hidden from all but a few. My host was the very gracious Rick Barber, whose's "After Midnight" show broadcasts out of Denver on 850 KOA-AM. We had a wide-ranging discussion of Jewish esotericism over the course of two hours, but one that mostly focused on mythic traditions of the Bible. I came away very impressed with Mr. Barber's familiarity with Western occult traditions (A thanks also to Steve Seidenfeld, his producer). To hear the interview, see the April 2 podcasts at:

http://www.koaradio.com/cc-common/podcast/single_podcast.html?podcast=overnight.xml

The radio interview was the last stage in my Rockies Spring tour on behalf of the Encyclopedia of Jewish Myth, Magic, and Mysticism. I had wonderful speaking engagements at synagogues (Congregation Albert in Albuquerque) and bookstores (Noble Path in Albq. and Isis Books in Denver).

Well, its Pesach (Passover) beginning tonight, so I'm going to turn my attention to the last household cleanup and getting my brisket in the oven. A Chag Sameach to my Jewish readers, and a happy Spring holiday of your choice to my non-Jewish readers. I'll be posting again chol ha-moed, during the intermediate days of Chag ha-Matzot, the Matzah holiday.