The beginnings of Jewish Mysticism are shrouded in unknown secrecy. For years it was common to suggest that there are some early elements already towards the end of the Second Temple period. However, this hypothesis has been attacked lately and seriously questioned to the effect that Jewish mysticism was dated much later. In this class we will read and discuss the relevant texts from the late Second Temple period, including apocalyptic texts and some of the Dead Sea Scrolls in combination with the scholarly discussion surrounding the quest.