Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Top 8 reasons to learn Kabbalah

BS"D

The Lubavitcher Rebbe constantly stated that our generation is the last generation of Golus (Exile) and the first generation of the Messianic Redemption by Moshiach (Geulah).

As we approach the Jewish year 5770, with so much talk and "signs" about Moshiach coming in 5770, and the anticipation of both Jews and non-Jews alike for the "end of days", I decided to dedicate a blog to the teaching of authentic Kabbalah, the ancient traditions of the prophets discussing the process of creation and how it relates to our purpose in this world.

A quick word before I say anything else - everything I say is only based on my inherently limited understanding of the material. I have been around people who learn Kabbalah and I try my best to understand and explain the information as clearly as possible, but nobody's perfect...

The following are in my opinion the top 8 reasons for learning Kabbalah:

1) Kabbalah discusses G-d and His relationship with us, learning it is the greatest form of divine worship available today.

2) Kabbalah starts where traditional science gets stuck. Science discusses the workings of creation, but is limited to the point where creation took a corporeal "existence" form. Kabbalah goes much further, far beyond where quantum physics is approaching just now.

3) The Holy Zohar states that in the last generation of exile, everyone will be able to learn Kabbalah, and through the study of Kabbalah people will be redeemed from their own personal exile.

4) Kabbalah discusses the structure of the soul and its relationship with our body. Understanding this is key to healthy mental and physical health, relationships, etc.

5) The study of Kabbalah strengthens the mind, body, and soul, and dissipates envy, competition, and hate, leading to harmony and the Utopian world characterized by Moshiach.

6) Through daily effort and commitment, a Kabbalah initiate can transform his or her perception of the world around him/her and even attain divine revelation and prophecy.

7) Through the study of Kabbalah you will discover the beauty in creation and come to appreciate life more fully.

8) The study of Kabbalah is a mitzvah incumbent on everyone