Basic Concepts in Kabbalah

Michael Laitman

Jan 2006 · Laitman Kabbalah Publishers

About this ebook

By reading in this book, one develops internal observations and approaches that did not previously exist within. This book is intended for contemplation of spiritual terms. To the extent that you are integrated with these terms, you begin to unveil the spiritual structure that surrounds you, almost as if a mist had been lifted.

Ratings and reviews

Modern science is a wonderful thing. Using the scientific method man has investigated the world around him and discovered why and how all sorts of things do what they do when observed through our five senses. However, the question of why anything exists at all has not been answered. Kabbalah says this is because we need to develop a sixth sense in order to reveal the answer to this ancient and persistent query. Michael Laitman’s Basic Concepts in Kabbalah was written to start the growth of such an additional sense in the reader.

Although on the surface the title might imply that this is a book only for beginners, I would disagree. It is certainly very appropriate for beginners as it serves to introduce us to the basic concepts in Kabbalah as stated. However, by reading this book over and over it will do more than just that. This book is all about contemplating spiritual terms and thereby expanding our inner vision…our consciousness. There is a spiritual structure that is ever present around us and it is up to our efforts to learn how to see, feel and experience these hidden worlds. Kabbalah is all about attracting the Light that corrects and this book attracts much Light.

As a beginner in the study of Kabbalah this book meant so much to me. When I moved to more advanced study the concepts stayed with me assisting understanding of spiritual terms and encouraging contemplation of the wisdom of Kabbalah. The Basic Concepts in Kabbalah begins with the beautiful and powerful poem, The Tree of Life, setting the tone for the entire book. In the introduction I saw a depiction of my condition as a part of the stark situation humanity finds itself in, but there also followed a description of the way to resolve each issue that stands between man and the Upper Worlds. The foundation of Kabbalah is explained through the perception, purpose and giving of Kabbalah, these chapters were particularly useful in getting started with my study. If I were to choose the most inspiring, uplifting part of the book it would be the chapter AfterWord to the Zohar. It offered me an understanding and concise description of attaining adhesion with the Creator, just what that means and how to go about arriving at the closest place or state to the Creator that can be obtained. Near the end of the book is the section on key concepts, this is a beautifully enlightening list of things that is in itself an education in Kabbalah. It is, and will be, a reference for me in my study of Kabbalah.

About the author

Kabbalist Rav Michael Laitman, a PhD in Philosophy and Kabbalah and an MS in Bio-cybernetics, is the founder and president of Bnei Baruch—Kabbalah Education & Research Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing widespread knowledge of Kabbalah. For twelve years he studied closely at the side of his mentor, Kabbalist Baruch Ashlag, the first-born son and successor to Kabbalist Yehuda Ashlag, author of the Sulam commentary on The Zohar. Once he received Rav Ashlag's teachings, he was committed to circulating it to others. He resides in Bnei Brack, Israel.