Most people have heard something or other about Kabbalah. But it is highly unlikely that what is going around in the general marketplace posing as Kabbalah is anywhere close to the real thing.
What most people have been exposed to is a smorgasbord of pop psychology and self-help that pretends to have some connection to Jewish mysticism, but it rarely, if ever, does.
It is easy to see how people are fooled. In most disciplines, you expect to know and understand something after studying it. But when it comes to mysticism, people expect to be mystified. So they are willing to accept incomprehensible mumbo-jumbo. Kabbalah is supposed to be mysterious and enigmatic. It's mysticism after all!
So much nonsense is presented in the name of Kabbalah, it is important to have some sort of forum where people can find the basic understandings that they crave.
In this series, we will attempt to present the central ideas of Jewish mysticism in a methodical and intelligent manner, minimizing abstruse terminology and shying away from a sense of the incomprehensible.
What Kabbalah Is and Isn't
In order to understand what Kabbalah is and what it isn't, let us use the following illustration.
A researcher sits in his lab examining all sorts of atomic phenomena. He smashes atoms at great speeds, and records what he sees happening. He is very meticulous in his work, and may even draw some immediate conclusions from the data at hand. But he leaves it at that.
The kabbalist describes the abstract, but is grappling with a concrete solid reality.
A great scientist picks up these notes, reads them and ponders their meaning. He begins to construct a mega-picture. He tries to envision what the entire system may be like. He knows that there are no instruments, nor can there be, to actually see the particles he imagines, and therefore he gropes for metaphors that will accurately connect the bits of data that the physicist collected. Thus, he begins to speak of "super strings," "atomic tunnels," "energy bridges," and "ten dimensions."
A third person, who has a highly fertile mind but with no sense of science, is eavesdropping. His imagination has been fired and, in no time at all, he is carrying forth about people that have mysteriously disappeared in "atomic tunnels," and unlimited sources of energy contained in various of the "ten dimensions."
These three people illustrate the different approaches to Kabbalah.
The "data" or facts that Kabbalah deals with are the narrative of the Torah, and its entire body of religious law. The "researcher" represents a person who sees the laws and narrative as they are, understands their immediate meaning, but does not get the larger picture.
The "great scientist" represents the Kabbalist who sees the various local points and then begins to get a feel for the greater picture. He needs metaphors to describe the abstract unity he perceives, and he is aware that this tool is likely to be vague and only approaching the understanding that he has acquired. Although limited by the tools at his disposal, the complex picture the great scientist communicates can still give us a sense of the reality that he is grappling with.
And then there is the pseudo-Kabbalist -- "the eavesdropper" -- whose Kabbalah is basically unrelated to Torah, except perhaps as a springboard for his imagination. He has discovered "sources of energies," "divine emanations," and ways to "expand consciousness," but it all stems from his fanciful illusions.
In Summary
Kabbalah is to Torah what philosophy is to science.
Like science, the Torah gives us the facts that are fully perceived sensually and rationally quantifiable.
Like philosophy, Kabbalah gives us the grander abstract picture that the facts present.
The upcoming segments of this series will explore the fundamentals of Kabbalah.
(59) Ryan, December 1, 2020 5:57 PM
A practical resource
So thankful that this page is still up after all these years. I've used Aish website for a long time as a resource for biblical based information. Thank you to everyone who makes this page possible.
(58) Anonymous, May 21, 2019 8:40 AM
Excellent !
Excellent and simple article . The three illustrations are very apt.
(57) Lee Kelso, August 22, 2017 11:33 AM
Kabbalah deals with developing the 6th sense
I read your course 8 years ago and study much while hopping on one foot. 1) If you could expound on your thought, Kabbalah is to Torah as philosophy is to science 2) I understand Kabbalah to be a science of reception and not mysticsim. So it works like material science which is based not on having to have a belief system per se but rather on performing experiments. 3) My understanding of this science is it does not deal with material matter but through matter we learn to understand the forces behind it that are operating the material matter and so it does not deal with the 5 physical senses but only the 6th. 4) In your statement "Like science, the Torah gives us the facts that are fully perceived sensually and rationally quantifiable" due to the nature of the uncorrected Yetzer Ra or lack of growth/maturity of Yetzer Tov... this "God entity" is irrational and so without studying the light that Reforms from Zohar, Torah is reduced to corporeal stories. 5) My understanding of philiosophy is it is thinking about thinking and therefore its focus is upon knowledge, which is not a bad thing but as Karl Marx said, “Philosophers have hitherto only interpreted the world in various ways; the point, however, is to change it” A Kabbalist, attempts to change the world from the inside out, while the Jew or non-Jew who wants to change the world does it from the outside. Scientist are at the doorsteps of this science of reception as they perceive based on their own discipline that material matter is illusion. More Jews need to awaken to the depths of this science of reception and not look at the actions of humanity so much as they are being deceived as to what is really happening in the world as it is only a mirror of what is inside of each of us. If I perceive something is bad in another person... the science of reception postulates that it is in me. Just A Perspective! Todah Raba for your contribution as I still learn from you.
(56) Agbozo emmanuel, May 20, 2017 7:35 PM
Your teachings are great
(55) Anonymous, September 21, 2014 9:44 PM
Intriguing
Thank you Rabbi Lieberman for an interesting intriguing class. I always wanted to learn about Kabbalah and still have difficulties understanding only because I have not studied it, but simply read the books in a superficial manner, just to have an idea of what Kabbalah really is, so that when I study the books on my second round, I will be able to understand it better. I have just started - Kabbalistic Writings On The Nature of Masculine & Feminine - by Sarah Schneider, It is a great book for someone like me who is just beginning to understand the basic of Kabbalah, Sefirot and the diminishing moon. It is truly interesting. It also made me understand your class today as it related to Kabbalah. Thank you very much again for your contribution to teaching this class.
(54) markgelfand, February 3, 2013 3:47 AM
where does a jewish man whho wisher to learn the kabbalah turn
where does a jewish man born jewish man start to learn the kabbalah without prejudice with pride and witout fear there is a lot of negative feedback about who is the master and who is the techer all i want to do is learn
Tzofiya, October 10, 2013 5:33 PM
Books you might find helpful
Always read the Torah & Tanach , these are your critical anchors.... Having said that you could get some books by Rabbi David A. Cooper, or Rabbi Laibl Wolf(practical Kabbalah)
(53) mickey, September 20, 2012 3:44 AM
lets be honest
unless you have studied Torah for basically a lifetime "40 plus years"you are not knowledgable enough to learn Kabbalah let alone teach Kabbalah.All the Kabbalah centers that have sprung up are all about the hype and making a dollar on peoples unfortunate and miss guided leaders.
(52) Susana, September 5, 2012 9:32 AM
embracing
I am new to Kabbalah and very much receptive to it, I've read some of your teachings and I feel that I am being told clearly what I have been searching for. Thank you!
(51) daniella, August 29, 2012 1:34 AM
As my rabbi once said "its like teaching trigonometry to a first grader" never forgot that quote...
(50) Anonymous, July 18, 2012 12:39 PM
I was asked not to return if I didn't donate $2,700.00.
I attended Kaballa services on Saturday morning for about 10 years. While I didn't donate any money, I did alot of volunteer work. I had a feeling they didn't like me because I didn't give any money, but I liked the services so I continued to attend. I didn't give any money because I heard they were after money so that the Rav and his wife could live in luxury.
(49) Emilio, July 18, 2012 5:01 AM
great,
Needed, so much to here about Kabbalah like that, becouse whatever is out, can not be undesrtood.
(48) Anonymous, July 17, 2012 6:15 PM
Thank You
After researching the meaning(s) in the Kabbalah, I felt so frustrated and then I found you. I can breathe again. Thank you so much for your clarity on this matter.
(47) John S., July 5, 2012 12:47 AM
Thank you
I first came across this article in 2006 or so. I am very glad to have found it again.
(46) brad seruya, May 14, 2012 3:38 PM
written in simple words that are clearly understood.I am 48 yrs. old and finally have some insight.I loved the article, Thank you!
(45) Sarah, April 18, 2012 1:55 AM
Explaining the unexplainable
Can a person who is born blind, see colors? Can a person born deaf hear music? Kabbalah might be able to give some good foundations for living, but it cannot explain the unexplainable. G-d will never be understood by human beings because we do not have the capacity to understand. To study and wonder is good though, and we need that.
(44) Anonymous, November 7, 2011 8:28 PM
Torah is the revelation of the Way to man through the narrative of creation, history and prophecy. Kabbalah tells us of the inner workings of the divine intent and enables us to feel the breath of God hovering over the face of the waters at the beginning of time. Torah guides us in the ways of doing and not doing. Kabbalah is to be understood by prayer, reflection and study. Torah and Kabbalah are inseperable. Together they can lead gentiles like me to tranqulity and piety.
(43) Nidia Gladys, August 16, 2011 5:26 PM
Excelente temas
(42) Mawloud Ould Daddah, June 12, 2011 1:51 PM
Thanks
THANK YOU AND G-D BLESS YOU
(41) Anonymous, December 23, 2010 5:45 AM
excellent article and so well presented
(40) Cheryl Katz, December 14, 2010 6:58 PM
Science's truths are metaphors for what we cannot understand - as is the Torah.
Einstein looked at the bigger picture through science and saw patterns. Parallel lines are without end - boggles my mind that is so immature. Kindergarten children look at a seed or things with signs of life the same way. Fire, energy, our souls. WHY do we give up on our sense of wonder in our mid-lives?
(39) Michael, December 14, 2010 5:15 AM
GOD
Spiritually is far more than we perceive.
(38) Magaly, October 26, 2009 3:18 AM
Truly Insightful
I'm an Eclectic Pagan who rejoices in the study of spirituality and embracing the similarities of different spiritual paths. I must say that I had never heard about Jewish Kabbalah until I stumbled onto Judaism 101. The entire concept sounds very interesting and I'm glad to have found a source with scholarly inclinations. Thanks so much for sharing this information with the world. I hope you don't mind asking some questions in the future, for I know I will have many. Blessings.
(37) israel lover, May 1, 2009 8:18 PM
thanks
Thank you for giving the meaning of kabbalah in a more simple way.
(36) Daubmir, December 9, 2008 3:57 AM
Just a word of congratulation
I''ve been following Aish for close to 8 years now, and I always found it extremely rewarding.
I especially find Rabbi Lieberman very helpful and very clear: thank you.
With this said, I am an Italian/Jewish atheist residing in the Celtic regions (ancient Alba, that is) and looking for answers I cannot seem to get.
Blessings all the same,
Daubmir
(35) WENDY, July 24, 2008 12:05 PM
BINAH
Ihave long wanted to see what the Kabbalah was all about and I found it very informative. I see a great contrast here as liken to the Psalms of David...He had a relationship far reaching any other...We can only read and try to see into what he was singing of and how great the relationship of he and his creator must have had to inspire such knowledge,emotion and prose.
(34) lela, July 19, 2006 12:00 AM
In search of the truth as was written n its true meaning from those who are in touch wth its true source.
(33) Chakhamma Punchaichira, July 11, 2006 12:00 AM
Simple and Straight
Only thing is that, I wonder why he equates Torah with empirical findings and facts of a scientist without any element of imagination and deductive surmises.
(32) Eduardo, September 16, 2005 12:00 AM
Solid foundational wisdom...simple/insightful...
Always enjoy reading your teachings... super insightful...packed full of wisdom, yet easy to read/understand...can only imagin what it would be like to attend your class in the physical...a super big thank you for passing on your wisdom and insight...
(31) Strasz, November 3, 2004 12:00 AM
A new approach
Thanks for that. As a Gentile who was erring towards the "eavesdropper" approach, this is proving to be a great way to actually understand without all the things that have been added or detracted from the original.
(30) Susan, May 28, 2004 12:00 AM
Your words gave me an inkling of meaning.
Your explanation almost makes Kaballah sound dangerous. It is the watering down of THE Truth. Why can't people swallow the Whole truth?!?!?!? I guess lies and half truths are tastier.
(29) d brooks, March 7, 2004 12:00 AM
that TOTALLY rawked!!
i REALLYREALLY REALLY enjoyed reading that succinct little gem by the Honorable Rabbi Leiberman. Thank you, on behalf of my entire family.
(28) Anonymous, January 29, 2004 12:00 AM
Thank you for the truth
enjoy this lesson on Kabbalah
(27) Janice Brown, January 29, 2004 12:00 AM
Excellent explanation
Very succinct explanation - given the topic.
(26) roger silva, January 28, 2004 12:00 AM
Thank you for explaining this to me.
I really enjoy this page and have learned so much! I will continue to look for new articles.
Yours Truely
Roger E. Silva Jr.
(25) Michal, January 27, 2004 12:00 AM
Thanks so much for your article!
Until now, what I heard about the Kabbalah, sounded in my ears like "rubbish". Then, in one of Rabbi Shraga Simmons' audio minute I heard something wonderful about converts, who, Kabbalah tells, have been standing at Mount Sinai and answering:
"Yes, I will keep all the 613 mitzwoth." Since then I subjectivly have the impression, that the Kabbalah is something beautiful. Now I will be able to learn. I am looking forward to the next articles. Shalom u'vracha!
(24) betti miner, January 27, 2004 12:00 AM
I like it!!!
I liked your interpretation of what Kabbalah is. What it isn't is what Madonna thinks it is, she is into some weird New Age belief that has nothing to do with Judaism. She isn't even Jewish so its not Kabbalah. Kabbalah is serious business and beautiful. May HaShem bless you for your series, I look forward to each segment. Thank you
(23) wanda kennedy, January 27, 2004 12:00 AM
great, glad to see this lesson
i love this site and am so glad i found it. i find it to be very educational and hope it continues
(22) Glen Priddy, January 26, 2004 12:00 AM
I like your candid approach
I have read various approaches to the subject of kabbalah, but you have a solid mind view that I can appreciate. Thank you.
(21) Anonymous, January 25, 2004 12:00 AM
thanks
I am grateful that you have begun this series. Thank you. May G-d continue to bless all your endeavors.
(20) Deborah Kleszczewske, January 25, 2004 12:00 AM
Thank You!
I am sick of hearing people (pop-stars) propogating something that they have absolutly no real understanding of! They take only one segment of the whole picture and try to make it into some kind of 'religion' in and of itself!
(19) Idritza Perez, November 1, 2003 12:00 AM
Wonderful.
(18) Adam Margulies, October 29, 2003 12:00 AM
Molecularly delectable
Thank you for taking the initiative to broaden people's mind and rid them of any misconceptions they might of had before reading your article. You truly broke down the meaning of Kabbalah into bite-sized molecules that can easily be digested. Yasher Koach. And may the Force be with you!
(17) stuart Goodman, March 4, 2002 12:00 AM
I am doing a self study. I enjoyed your perspective.
(16) a levi, January 22, 2002 12:00 AM
graceful language
I believe that a true kabbalist would not call other people's work "rubbish" even if he went on to show that that's what it really is. That goes for any Torah scholar or Musar student as well.
(15) Suzi O'Dell, November 16, 2001 12:00 AM
Rabbi,
Thank you. I have wanted to understand the proper perspective on this ancient practice. Your comparisons, I suspect are painfully accurate. I hope to understand better through your work.
(14) annette baumgard, November 14, 2001 12:00 AM
thank you, Reb Lieberman!
I am so very grateful to have this series of your available just at a time when I wish to re-study The Kaballah. Thirty years ago, I was a "spiritual seeker" who dabbled in what you have defined as "eavesdropping". I will begin to correct my misconceptions by studying these articles; they are, indeed, what you claim them to be. Thank you, sir.
(13) Anonymous, November 1, 2001 12:00 AM
I don't think the analogy is correct. Kabbalah is not philosophy or like philosophy. It's a crucial aspect of the Pardes, and authentic Kabbalah can't be ignored. However, in our times, Kabbalah cannot be studied without Chassidut, which contains the entire Pardes within it.
(12) Anonymous, September 26, 2001 12:00 AM
Fantastic peice of work.
This has got to be the best most concise discription I have ever come across about the Kabbala. I'm one of those pesudo-kabbalists that shouldn't be lessened to. And yet I still see mathematical puzzle within mathematical puzzle, I keep it to myself though.
Thank You Rabbi Leiberman
(11) camille gallagher, July 30, 2001 12:00 AM
great glad I found your site
(10) Rachelle, July 24, 2001 12:00 AM
Thank you for caring to educate those of us who thirst to find meaning and want to learn.
I have taught after school Hebrew school for 12 years. Recently, I finished graduate school with my Master's degree in Social Work. I had to quit my Hebrew school job in order to work as a Social Worker. I feared losing my Jewish "connection." Since I have found you, I know that I will never be lost from my Judaism. I will miss the children though. Perhaps, through learning more, I shall be better able to share my newfound knowledge with frieds, family and the dear children I have taught and loved.
Thank you so much.
(9) LS Deangelo, July 1, 2001 12:00 AM
I am searching, perhaps this is what I am looking for?
I have a desire to learn and know more about Jewish thought and Kabbala. I believe that is where I will find what I am searching for. I believe this is a good start. Thank you
(8) kenneth detro, February 17, 2001 12:00 AM
Thank You
That is exactly what I have been doing.
I am so pleased.
The definition of Kabbalah that you give is so close to what I had been hoping for that I am overjoyed.
I will read the rest of the lessons right now!
(7) Wendy Koenigsmann, February 4, 2001 12:00 AM
I am so glad I found this site
Thank you for finally clarifying the REAL truths about the Torah and Kabbalah. I've been deluged by Christians friends who insist the Kabbalah is "wrong." Your site explains the truth in a very clear-cut and honest manner. The truth is, there are cults springing forth from the Kabbalah, just as there are cults springing forth from Christianity. The Kabbalah is NOT for everyone, I agree with this fact. As for the magickal parts of Kabbalah, any course teaching everyday folks to use Kabbalistic magick, astrology, and so forth, is CLEARLY a cult. Thanks so much again for your site.
Thanks.
Wendy
(6) Anonymous, January 29, 2001 12:00 AM
THANK YOU
Thanks for this tutorial. It feels real; a great perspective.
(5) Anonymous, January 7, 2001 12:00 AM
wonderfull web site
i have discovered by mistake this site but will definitely come back
(4) David Guttman, December 25, 2000 12:00 AM
Great Analogy!
I am an Israeli Jew who was told that the Kabbalah was off limits as I was very young. I have always been curious and now I thank you for the opportunity to be able to easily understand the series.
(3) Harry Doyle, December 23, 2000 12:00 AM
very interesting
A terse but forceful explation in easy to understand language.
(2) Scot Vessell, October 17, 2000 12:00 AM
Finally, excellence.
Shalom, rabbi. Thank you very much for something concrete to sink my teeth into. I'm very excited about completing the other articles in this series. I've had enough of the nonsense. Finally, excellence!
(1) Chaim Hellmann, April 6, 2000 12:00 AM
Kabbala at Aish?
I learned at Aish almost 20 years ago. At that time Kabbalah was discouraged. Now that I'm 40, am married and have children, I find that these questions and their answers have meaning for me!
While I try to observe as many mitzvos as possible, I cherish the insights I get from these kinds of teachings: they make me realize that this world is completely different from the one I learned about in daily (secular life) and college.
I still feel the need to find corrobation in secular theories or jewish explanations of the latest scientific throught (e.g. books like G-d and the Big Bang"). That is what I always loved about Aish: that it allowed me to delve into Judaism and still connect it back to the secular world around me. Thank you. This Web Site is by far my favorite.