From My Facebook Page Michael Laitman 9/7/18

Bus stops across London were defaced with posters in the colors of the PLO flag declaring “Israel is a racist endeavor.” Apparently, these unauthorized ads protest the British Labor Party’s decision to adopt the definition for anti-Semitism by the International Organization for Holocaust Remembrance.

Among the eleven clauses of the definition are four clauses that define a certain criticism of Israel as anti-Semitic. One of those who opposed them was Labor Party leader Jeremy Corbyn. His anti-Semitic remarks in recent months have stirred a public outcry to the point that British Jews have threatened to leave the U.K. if Corbyn wins the upcoming elections.

In light of the steep rise in violent incidents towards the 270,000 Jews of Britain over the past three years, the adoption of a new international definition of anti-Semitism is crucial there. But Corbyn’s last minute decision to adopt the clauses of the definition will not change things. Corbyn’s hatred for Jews flows in his veins by nature. And he’s not guilty of it. It is like an illness that doesn’t let him rest.

And Corbyn is not the only one suffering from this illness. The “anti-Semite” may arise in every person, in any time, by any trigger. It is like a wild animal within, demanding to release its strong aversion towards the Jews, whom it identifies as “the source of all evil.”

Therefore, we can write formal definitions on paper, but they will not alter human nature. Precise formulated phrases cannot balance the negative attitude towards Jews that is naturally embedded in the nations of the world, and especially in those who harbor anti-Semitic sentiments.

In the Book of Zohar, the greatest book in the Wisdom of Kabbalah, it was written 2,000 years ago that hatred of the Jews will last for thousands of years until a balancing force flows into the world. Kabbalist Yehuda Ashlag, who wrote the commentary on the Book of Zohar, describes it as follows: “the Israeli nation had been constructed as a form of gateway by which the sparks of purity would shine upon the human race across the world, until they develop and recognize the pleasantness and tranquility found in the kernel of love of others.”

Until this happens, the world may point blaming fingers towards Jews in any event that happens: murderous terrorist acts in Europe, the September 11 attacks, the spread of AIDS, economic crises, and even natural disasters.

Rav Kook wrote: “Any noise in the world happens primarily for Israel” (Letters of Rav Kook). The ancient Jewish sages wrote that “no calamity comes into the world, but for Israel” (Tractate Yevamot), and Tikkun 30 in the corrections of the Zohar writes that “the Jews cause poverty and ruin and robbery and killing and destruction throughout the world”.

The natural system drives all of human society towards a central pressure point – demanding the Jewish people to unite in order to fulfill their spiritual duty. To do that, the Jews were given the method of connection – the wisdom of Kabbalah, which can help them become a model for all nations.

Then, a balancing force will finally spread throughout the world, soothe the hatred towards Jews, and unite all of humanity into a global community. If British Jews were to become aware of this principle and share it with the people of their country, they would bring about a true revolution.

Filed under: Facebook - No Comments →

From My Facebook Page Michael Laitman 7/26/18

Dear Prime Minister Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu,

Thank you for your warm words about my book in Hebrew Why Do They Hate Us?.

Further to your letter, it is my hope that the people of Israel will become familiar with the beauty and depth of the wisdom of Kabbalah and will use it to help reach a brighter future.

With regard to writing a sequel entitled Why Do They Hate Us?, I promise that it will be written, but to justify this, it is important that we focus on the fulfillment of our role to set an example and be “a light unto nations,” for all nations of the world.

You may download the book in Hebrew or the booklet in English with a similar message: “Who Are You People of Israel?”.

Translation of the letter to Dr Laitman from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:

Filed under: Facebook - 1 Comment →

From My Facebook Page Michael Laitman 8/28/18

Chances are that your next CEO will be a she and your next congressman will be a congresswoman.

After thousands of years of oppression, women across the world are occupying key positions in all spheres of society. What is the root of the meteoric rise of women in our time and where does this lead human society?

The ever-evolving human desire drives the development of men and women alike. Over the past 60 years, we have witnessed a conspicuous change in women’s desire. Women wish to be less and less involved in household management and child care, and are increasingly expanding their involvement in other areas of society.

At the same time, the world is pushing towards greater equality, and women assume roles and responsibilities previously only filled by men. Technology also plays a significant role in helping free up women’s time. Just as diapers and baby formula were a tremendous help for mothers, emerging robotics and artificial intelligence solutions will reduce the burden of household management to a level we have never seen.

But it’s no wonder that women integrate seamlessly into the hyper-connected world. As the world becomes more interdependent, it demands the intervention of women, as though it were asking them to put their unique qualities into practice.

A woman’s character is much more responsible, stable and consistent. She is capable of absorbing many changes and coping with long-term challenges – a quality that comes from her natural ability to carry an embryo and develop life within her. A man, on the other hand, is better at short-term moves.

A woman is capable of holding onto a large number of tasks as well as carry them out successfully. A man, on the other hand, is more successful in linear processes aimed at a narrow goal. This is why most scientific breakthroughs, for example, manifest through the male brain.

Men and women are also different in their attitude to failure in life. Figuratively speaking, a man can be as strong as iron – and yet one blow can break him. The woman is easier to bend – but like a flexible tree branch, she is much harder to break. The mutual completion of each other’s qualities is the key to building a healthy society in the new era.

The integration of women in the leadership of society and other systems of human life is becoming necessary. The maternal qualities are expanding from the personal home to the global home. The female nature and drive to create a supportive and embracing environment will be expressed in society in creating healthy and proper conditions for bonding between people. Without such an environment that only women can design and manage, the men will continue to quarrel like children.

Filed under: Facebook - No Comments →

From My Facebook Page Michael Laitman 8/27/18

And a new king rose to power, and his name was Trump. And he ruled Israel with an iron fist, imposing economic sanctions on its citizens and stifling its international trade. And the United Nations celebrated as they finally managed to delegitimize Israel.
***
Such a horror scenario seems far from today’s reality. Trump is seen by many as an avid friend of Israel in a world that is becoming increasingly hostile toward it. However, the man who declared Jerusalem the capital of Israel, who continues to protect Israel’s position in the international arena and who cherishes the Jewish people – is certainly holding the reins. With each passing day, Israel’s future seems to be dependent on his continued support.

But behind the show of sympathy for Israel, Trump is a shrewd businessman. Like a good salesman, he first grants you a sweet taste while making sure he can demand a handsome payment afterwards. In his outlandish way, Trump is paving the way – on both the Israeli side and the Palestinian side – for a peace deal that could grant him a level of prestige that no U.S. president has ever achieved before.

However, Trump is destined to fail in this area just like all his predecessors did. Peace between Israel and the Palestinians is possible only if it is based on the laws of nature.

According to the wisdom of Kabbalah, peace between human beings in general is only possible through the activation of nature’s inherent binding force, and any plan that doesn’t take it into account will fail.

The people of Israel are the only nation founded on unity that’s based on the laws of nature. They lived by the natural system of human connection for hundreds of years until they went to a long exile, wandered the world and lost their foundation.

The creation of the Jewish people was nature’s way of making a mini-model of unity among humans that would later be extended to the whole of humanity. Therefore, Israel’s conflicts with its neighbors and with the rest of the world will gradually escalate until the people of Israel fulfill their natural role.

Thus, the only way to achieve a viable, lasting peace agreement is to first reawaken the foundation of the Jewish people. Otherwise, Trump’s efforts will fail miserably, and he will gradually change his attitude toward Israel.
So, going back to the negative scenario we began with, Israel’s troubles will intensify to an unbearable degree, until they have no other choice but to painfully evoke the power of unity from the depths of nature with all their might. And only then, peace will come to Israel and spread to the rest of the world.

However, a far more ideal scenario would be to awaken unity in advance, easily and pleasantly, by initiating an educational program that raises awareness of the unique role of the Jewish people and trains them to fulfill it.
Therefore, it would be a good idea for Trump to invest the $200 million he slashed off Palestinian aid in implementing an educational process that would drive Israel to activate the peace plan inherent in nature. This would be Trump’s best shot at going down in history as the person who brought peace to the region.

Filed under: Facebook - No Comments →

From My Facebook Page Michael Laitman 8/24/18

Yesterday in the daily Kabbalah lesson, Ahmed from Gaza sent me a question: Why is Israel constantly bombing us? Don’t the leaders understand they’re putting us through hell? Things are bad here anyway. He added with great pain: What can I do spiritually to bring peace and goodness among everyone?

This is a big problem, Ahmed, I replied to him. A very big problem in that we do not understand each other. Even though we are all subject to the same higher force, and we can be brothers, the ego games in politics instigate war between us.

Let’s clarify together the method of correction, we will examine it in depth and simply implement it. The whole method depends on the connection between human beings. I do not blame the Jews or the Arabs here, as long as we, the two peoples, have not changed or understood what is before us. Governments are only an expression of the nations.

Therefore, I hope that there will be more people like you in Gaza and other places, and we will work together. I will be happy to work on connection together. The correction of the world cannot happen the things are going today.

And what about the bombings? We’ll pray together that it will not happen again. There is no one to blame other than us, those who know what the correction of the world depends on. Therefore, those who hear this must act. If we disseminate to everyone the knowledge that the correction depends solely on the connection between us above all opinions, above all the differences, above all the events of history; if we try to reach a real connection, above the human power, then the world will look completely different. Not only in Gaza but throughout the Middle East, throughout Asia, Europe, anywhere in the world.

It all depends on spreading the awareness that connection is the correction, and in that we have no differences of opinion. This is common to those who believe in the original Islam and those who believe in the original Judaism, that is, the wisdom of Kabbalah. Abraham, our common ancestor, founded both. Yet, over time, each nation turned to its own egoistic direction, and now we must start correcting it. I hope that ahead of us is a mutual and successful process of connection.

Read more about this here >>

Filed under: Facebook - No Comments →

From My Facebook Page Michael Laitman 8/24/18

Before Rosh HaShanah there is the month of Elul.
An entire month in which we need to check how much
we are drawn to the revelation of the Creator.

Filed under: Facebook - No Comments →

From My Facebook Page Michael Laitman 8/20/18

What happens when a country collapses in a global world? And how does that, also, increase hatred towards Israel?

2.3 million people are fleeing Venezuela, half of whom are undernourished, as their economically depleted country faces a critical food shortage.

Sadly, there is no immediate way to help the millions of suffering Venezuelans.

The absurdity of our world is that there is more than enough food, clothing, and medical solutions to satisfy the basic needs of all citizens of earth, and yet, up to fifty percent of all the food produced globally is thrown to waste, while trillions of dollars are spent on global warfare.

As we head into the near future, these two opposite trends will climax: on the one hand, we will witness more and more economic crises, social unrest, hunger, sickness and human suffering. And at the same time, we are entering a highly technological and hyper-connected era with robots, self-driving cars and other developments made possible by artificial intelligence. The ability to produce an abundance of everything we need everywhere will be accessible at the touch of a button.

Between these two trends it will become as clear as a bell that nothing is missing in our world besides healthy and positive relations between human beings, to enable consideration, mutual concern and effective connections across all the inhabitants of earth. This will be the only way to help the billions of people who will suffer.

But what will enable humans to see each other as a single, global family? History shows that the love of power, money, and honor, the human ego, always has the upper hand. Humans seem to prefer to fight each other rather than embrace each other. This appears to be the bitter reality of our nature, and any portrayal of a global human family appears downright utopian.

In order to achieve a viable and lasting positive connection between human beings, so that we can reorganize society to satisfy everyone’s basic needs, a unique method for human connection is required.

Only one nation was founded on the basis of the natural, universal connection between humans. This method is what turned them into a people in the first place, and they lived by that method for a while. But when they abandoned the method, they began to wander the world, and their true origin was almost completely forgotten.

“Israel is the heart of the whole world,” writes the Book of Zohar almost 2,000 years ago, “just as the organs of the body could not exist in the world even for a moment without the heart, so all the nations cannot exist in the world without Israel.”

The Book of Zohar reveals the deeply rooted network connecting all people and all nations. Israel is a central hub within the network. However, it has forgotten how it was created in the first place and the natural role it played in the network.

As these crises, such as that of Venezuela, will continue to manifest across the planet, human suffering and frustration will accumulate and be converted into hatred towards Israel. Beneath the surface, in the world’s connected subconscious, anger and resentment will inflame towards the Jewish people. When and where will anti-Semitic events erupt above the surface? No one can predict this without seeing and fully understanding the network that connects all of humanity.

If we saw the inner map of connections, we would be startled. The hatred that threatens to erupt in our direction would push us to quickly join hands and fulfill our role towards the nations of the world, by being “a light unto nations.”

We would see that Venezuela’s crisis is yet another clarion call for us to do our part in the connected

Filed under: Facebook - No Comments →

From My Facebook Page Michael Laitman 8/16/18

The coming of the month of Elul and the Tishrei holidays symbolize the coming of a new era for man. What understanding does man reach during this period, what does the word “Elul” mean and what kind of soul-searching is done here?

Here are some videos to help you learn about the spiritual meaning of the high holidays.

Filed under: Facebook, Holidays - No Comments →

     From My Facebook Page Michael Laitman 8/12/18

“Looking back, my wife saved my life,” recalls my veteran Chinese student from Beijing. “On the night of June 4, 1989, I went to sleep in the student dormitories only because my wife insisted that I won’t spend the night in Tiananmen Square again. In the middle of the night, I woke up in panic to the heart-wrenching sounds of cries, and I realized the worst has happened: the army started shooting the protesters, who wanted to make their country better.”

“Tears shed from my eyes like a waterfall, as I was struggling to believe it actually happened. I had to go there and see for myself. My wife and I jumped on our bicycles and rode towards the square as fast as we could.”

“As we approached Changan street, a military helicopter circled above us, using a loudspeaker to warn protesters to evacuate the square immediately or else the army would act. The closer I got to place where the shooting started, the more blood I saw on the streets, and horrible cries deafened my ears. I realized that we had failed. That I had failed. That the nation had failed.”

“My dream was gone as my nation missed its best opportunity to change for the better. The sky fell and reality turned black. This was the breaking and turning point of my life. That morning I cried more than I would cry over the next decade.”

***
Twenty-six years later, I stood in that square, which can hold up to ten million people. Hundreds of thousands of Chinese surrounded me. Such a huge and unimaginable amount of people, yet I felt alone. Not because I was a stranger in a foreign culture, but because the presence of the Chinese people is fundamentally different from that of the Western man. Yet, even that is changing today.

Over the last thirty years China has been developing at lightning speed. China’s “One Belt, One Road” initiative embodies an aspiration for global domination. An ambitious attempt to connect the world through a network of roads, railways, lanes, and harbors. After many years in which China has been largely absorbing from the world, it is now breaking through and sending its “agents” to every country and in any field.

This also explains the Chinese stubbornness against Trump’s trade war, and its aggressive entry into the global economy. There is, however, a significant difference between the two superpowers: China has enormous resources —steel for example—but it doesn’t necessarily know how to best use them. America possesses the main powers to innovate, while China is best at creating high-quality copies and “Made in China” replications.

The technological and economic developments on the surface are only the side effect of the deeper desire that drives the Chinese nation. It is the will of the Chinese people that is actually leaping into a significantly new and higher level of development.

After thousands of years of surrender and obedience to the ancient Chinese philosophies that maintained the Chinese people in a balanced relationship with each other and with nature, the dormant ego of the “Chinese giant” is awakening in all its splendor. Now every Chinese has a strong desire to stand out, get rich, and be number one at everything. To fill oneself up as much as possible and no longer settle for a bowl of rice.

In other words, the development of human nature, the growing egoism that characterizes all of humanity, did not skip over the ancient and closed off empire. If during the centuries of the Middle Ages of Europe the rebirth of Western civilization took place, a similar change is taking place in China within only a few decades.

From a global perspective, the accelerated development taking place in China will happen even more rapidly in Africa and South America. The ever-evolving desire to receive pleasure, is both the engine of human development and what shapes everything we see in it—culture, society, government, economics, technology, fashion and all the rest.

Baal HaSulam, the great Kabbalist of the twentieth century, writes in his scientific language: “The will to receive is whole substance of Creation, from beginning to end. Thus, all the creatures, all their innumerable instances and conducts that have appeared and that will appear, are but measures and various denominations of the will to receive.” (“Preface to the Wisdom of Kabbalah”).

Ancient Chinese philosophy was well aware of the desire to receive that drives everyone. It also recognized the need to bring it into balance and mutual accord between people and in their relationship to nature. But it only applied these principles on the material level. Confucianism is very earthy and materialistic, it is moral, collective and simple.

Decades after the mass disengagement from the ancient philosophies that established the concept of Chinese man, additional changes today no longer allow the suppression of desire within the Chinese nation. It is a necessary, natural, and inevitable process, towards a new, spiritual level of development.

Both China and the world, the East and the West, all face a paradigm shift. The Western world has already taken a few steps forward and is sinking into a crisis. People feel emptiness, depression has become the number one cause of disability, the youth is disoriented by the virtual world, drugs and prostitution are everywhere, and the list goes on. China is now racing on the same sweet-sour track.

In the not-too-distant future, both Western and Eastern cultures will have to rediscover balance with nature on a level that we haven’t known before. The way to balance the growing desire is not through oppression, but by creating a counter-force—the sense of mutual, complete and harmonious connection between us.

Humanity is about to discover the natural binding force that connects all of us to a single human organism around the planet. Only this new awareness will enable each nation and every person to properly integrate with the rest of humanity. Then, a new spiritual space will open up, along with an understanding of how to balance the human desire without suppressing it, and how to fil it with a new kind of spiritual fulfillment.

Then every nation will find its place in the human mosaic, and the people of China will discover a new humanity, connected and round like Tiananmen Square, the largest city square in the world, called the “Gate of Heavenly Peace.”

(Reuters Image)

Filed under: Facebook - No Comments →

From My Facebook Page Michael Laitman 8/9/18

Who liked to do homework when they were little?

We always hated doing homework, we complained about it, and we looked at it as hard labor. We perceived it as a burden that enslaved us to the school and to the teachers. A burden that did not end at school, but also continued in our free time.

There was also tension in the house. Our parents would pressure and threaten us with restrictions if we did not finish all our homework, right up to the last exercise. And if we were lucky, we could do the chores instead. And when we did all the tasks, it was only out of fear that the teachers would be checking who didn’t do their homework in the next lesson. Two days later we had already forgotten what we had learned.

Thus, the new ‘no homework’ trend sweeping the U.S. and other western countries proves that the research was correct: homework has no effect on elementary school achievement, and it doesn’t significantly improve learning habits and motivation for learning.

This is why the standard format of homework is either being eliminated or significantly reduced gradually in many parts of the world, and this includes teachers not being able to punish students who do not do their homework. What will children do in the afternoon? Instead of homework, the recommendation is to encourage students to read books, get more exercise, and rest.

My opinion on the subject? Educational offices around the world have finally educated themselves. This is just the beginning of thinking correctly and finding creative ways to approach our children. Human nature only allows a person to grow where they enjoy themselves, and want to realize themselves. And the proof of that is how we completely forget everything we did not like to learn at school.

On the other hand, if children learn about life by reading the books they love and watching fascinating videos —even if it is through their mobile device, which has become their natural environment—they can surely benefit from that. Children will be more interested in what they learn, they will gain insights, they will be happier and more relaxed. In turn, both the teachers and parents will be relieved.

Science, nature, geography, archeology, sociology, and so forth could easily become engaging and captivating content for children. And after they consume the content, they should immediately have a social discussion about it. By conversing about materials they enjoyed consuming, students will have a healthy basis for communication and connection between them.

Filed under: Facebook - No Comments →