Dear friends,

We are very pleased to invite you to join us in support of our friends at the international Congress in Odessa called Unity and Dissemination, from the 12th through the 14th of September.

We invite you to come to one of three North American locations for lessons, meals, cultural events, and inspiring gatherings of friends. During the congress we will also conduct a regional gathering of friends in North America to strengthen the connection between us and support our friends in Odessa. For more details and to register please write to the group where you will be attending. Approximate cost of the event is $75 (which includes food and accommodations).

• San Francisco – [email protected]
• Saint Louis – [email protected]
• New York – [email protected]

Click here to view the schedule of the congress.

We encourage you to contact the closest and most convenient location for you, and look forward to seeing you soon!

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Laitman.com Post: An Invitation to the International Kabbalah Congress In Odessa, Ukraine

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A question I received: I strongly believe in the methods and wisdom of Kabbalah, especially after struggling with my old faith and then struggling with atheism and other beliefs. I can’t explain it – there is something in me that’s 100% sure that Kabbalah is the right way. Still, I have doubts, not about Kabbalah itself, but about its relation with our corporeal world.

For example, if Kabbalah came before all religions and religions are inspired by Kabbalah, and this is why we find some similarities between them, then why do historians say that Hinduism was founded before the birth of Abraham, historically speaking? Can you explain this please?

My Answer: There are only three religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam, and they all appeared after “the destruction of the Temple” – after Israel fell from “love for one’s neighbor” to “unfounded hatred.” First Judaism emerged, then Christianity, and then Islam.

Of course, different beliefs existed even before that period, and even before Abraham, as well as before Adam. Abraham himself, as well as his father Terach, were priests in Babylon. And various beliefs existed not only in Babylon, but all over the world.

The Torah, on the other hand, only talks about the spiritual aspect of the world. For example, it talks about the Great Flood, but this flood didn’t happen in the entire world. Likewise, there were people who lived before Adam and believed in different forces and images. The Earth has been around for billions of years, and humans appeared hundreds of thousands of years ago. However, the Torah talks only about humanity’s spiritual development – about 6000 years, starting with the first correction (starting with Adam – one who is similar to the Creator) and until the last one.

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Questions I received on crossing the Machsom:

Question: You said in one of the lessons that the crossing of the Machsom happens individually. Why isn’t the force of Arvut (mutual guarantee) enough for all the friends in the group to cross the Machsom at the same time, like the people who received the Torah at the foot of Mount Sinai? The reception of the Torah was collective, so why is the crossing of the Machsom individual?

My Answer: The force of Arvut (mutual guarantee) is definitely enough for all the friends to cross the Machsom at the same time! However, it’s also possible to cross the Machsom individually, if a person makes the needed amount of efforts (called Seah) relative the group and the Creator.

Question: I understood from your explanation in the morning lessons that everyone receives the best possible conditions for attaining spirituality. There was also a text where you explained that the Machsom can be crossed only under a certain kind of pressure, which exists in the group. We have a worldwide virtual group that has all the conditions for entering the spiritual world. Within these virtual connections, how can we reach the correct pressure for crossing the Machsom? And will it happen to everyone at the same time or individually?

My Answer: Baal HaSulam answers this in the article “The Essence of Religion and Its Purpose.” At the end of 6000 years, everyone will attain the full correction, but before that it can also be done by individuals as well as groups.

Related Material:
Laitman.com Post: It Takes Time, Effort and Experience to Reveal the Upper World
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Baal HaSulam Article: “The Arvut (Mutual Guarantee)”
“The Arvut (Mutual Guarantee)” – Selected Lessons
Lesson: Freedom of Will (Based on Baal HaSulam’s Article “The Freedom”)
Kabbalah Today Article: “Camp Mt. Sinai”

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Questions I received from students who are starting out on the spiritual path:

Question: The way I see things now, I am not sure of anything: I don’t know what the truth is, whether the Rav is real, whether I am on the right path, whether I understand the books correctly, and if I have fallen beneath reason. There are things that I have to accept without knowledge, yet still be critical of them. However, my mind is limited, and hence my criticism is also limited. The way things are going, I might as well be using red strings or thinking that there are “souls” on a plate of food that I eat (“correct”). Is there some basic rule of thumb that I should accept, and then use it to discern the true direction, instead of remaining a puppet that’s controlled all the time?

My Answer: You should only accept the Kabbalists’ advice to study in a group, and wait for the Upper Light to make everything clear to you. I think that by fully participating, you will attain results in four to six months.

Question: I like downloading your lessons and playing them in the background while doing something else, for example, playing computer games. But later I start feeling guilty and thinking that I should either be serious about studying Kabbalah and dedicate all of my time and attention to it, or quit deceiving myself and stop studying altogether, because there’s no use studying the way I do. What do you think?

My Answer: Even this kind of study of Kabbalah is beneficial. However, soon you will decide that it’s time to leave the games behind and start paying more attention to the lessons.

Question (from a German student): I study Kabbalah and I would like to move ahead, but this is very difficult when studying alone. I am not Jewish, I don’t speak Hebrew, and I don’t know who to turn to. I am skeptical about the Kabbalah “experts” who have sprung up everywhere all of a sudden. Maybe I am just being too cautious and not trusting enough? Where can I get certainty about my path? Are there groups or individuals who help people like me find their way?

My Answer: Our German and Austrian groups, our online classes, and our entire archive are ready to help you immediately and at no cost!

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Bnei Baruch Learning Center

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The Book of Zohar. Chapter “The Two Points” (abridged)

120. Rabbi Chiya began and opened (the Light), “The beginning of Hochma (wisdom) is fear of the Creator, and those who observe this rule receive all the goodness.” He asks, “The beginning of wisdom?” One should rather say that the end of wisdom is the fear of the Creator, for fear of the Creator is the property of Malchut, which is at the end of Hochma (wisdom). He replies: Yet, Malchut is the beginning of the entrance to the degrees of reception of the Supernal wisdom.” Hence, it is written, “Open to me the gates of justice,” meaning that the gates of Malchut, called “justice,” are the Creator’s gates. And if man does not enter these gates he shall not reach the Supernal King through any other, for He is concealed and detached, and has erected many gates (conditions) on the path to Him.

121. And at the end of all the gates He erected a special gate with several locks, several entrances, and several chambers, one atop of the other. And He said, “Whoever wishes to reach Me, let this be the first gate on his way to Me.” Whoever enters through this gate –will enter.” Only this is the first gate to the Supernal wisdom, the gate of fear of the Creator, Malchut, which is hence called “beginning.”

122. The letter Bet in the word BERESHEET (IN THE BEGINNING) indicates that the two are joined together in Malchut. Both are points: one is concealed, while the other is revealed. However, since there’s no division between them, they are called THE BEGINNING, which signifies only one, rather than two, for he who takes one, takes the other as well, for He and His Name are one, as it is written, “And you shall know that this is the Creator’s only name.”

123. Why is Malchut called “fear of the Creator?” It is because Malchut is the Tree of Good and Evil: If man merits, it is good, but if he does not, it is evil. This is why fear dwells in that place. And this gate (condition) leads to all the goodness that exists in the world. ALL THE GOODNESS signifies two gates, two points (the joining of Bina and Malchut) that are as one.

124. To all those who act, it is the faithful mercy of David that upholds the Torah. Those who keep the Torah seemingly create it themselves. All those who study the Torah – there is no action in them, but those who keep the Torah – in them there is action. And the world exists by this force, eternal are the wisdom and the Torah, and the throne stands just as it should stand.

Related Material:
Preface to the Book of Zohar – Lessons

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Questions I received on women’s spiritual advancement:

Question: Dear Rav, I have a practical question. How do a woman’s Reshimot differ from a man’s? Or is it more that she endures the states of her man in the Hisaron (lack)?

My Answer: A woman is the desire, and a man is the correction of the desire, the intention of bestowal. In our world, a woman waits for a man to do something, such as to marry her, and her part in this is relatively passive.

This comes from the spiritual roots: When the soul acquires the intention of bestowal, it is called a man, whereas a soul that’s unable to bestow is called a woman. The parts of the Kli or soul are also called male and female for the same reason.

So, without paying attention to your gender in this world, start being a man – that is, actively participate in your private correction and humanity’s common correction! Otherwise, regardless of your gender in this world, you are a woman.

On the other hand, a woman’s desire is very strong and steady. Hence, one has to be a strong woman on the inside (have a strong desire), and a strong man on the outside (have a strong intention).

“A woman never has enough clothes” – this reflects the soul’s correct desire for correction, an aspiration for beautiful clothing – the Light of Hassadim, which reveals the woman’s (the desire’s) beauty. In other words, the Light of Hochma is revealed in the Light of Hassadim.

Question: What should a woman do when she studies Kabbalah together with her husband?

My Answer: Study separately just like everyone else, and study together with your husband for at least fifteen minutes a day.

Question: How should a woman act toward the other men in the group?

My Answer: The group bears no relation to her!

Question: What should she do to help the group advance?

My Answer: Help disseminate in every way possible together with other women, and study.

Question: What should a woman’s attitude be to the men’s and women’s Kli in the group?

My Answer: All the women together are helping the men and studying – whether on their own, together, or with their husbands. Women don’t have a group, but they unite in order to combine their efforts in dissemination, to help one another, and to study. In other words, they can unite in every way other than to implement the principle “love thy neighbor” among them.

Question: Recently I heard that women should not watch the second part of the morning lesson (the Talmud Eser Sefirot) in real time, because there is a chance that their female essence may change.

My Answer: Nonsense. A woman does not have to study Talmud Eser Sefirot, but she’s not forbidden from doing it!

Related Material:
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Kabbalah & Women – Articles on Women’s Sprituality

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Questions I received on the Surrounding Light:

Question: Is the Surrounding Light a force that always influences us even though we don’t know about it?

My Answer: The Surrounding Light (Ohr Makif) influences us only when we evoke it.

Question: By studying Kabbalah, do we develop a sense that enables us to perceive the Surrounding Light’s influence?

My Answer: Yes, provided that one desires to acquire the property of bestowal.

Question: The Surrounding Light changes us so we will create an intention “for His sake”?

My Answer: Yes.

Question: Can we practice connecting with the Surrounding Light while thinking about our sensations of Kabbalah, or when having a conversation with someone who does not study it?

My Answer: Yes.

Question: Can Ohr Makif influence us all the time, if we are advancing along the process of correction?

My Answer: It influences us only when we evoke it.

Question: Does It influence us before the Machsom too, or only afterward?

My Answer: It can influence us at any time and place.

Question: Are the changes in one’s sensations and perception of reality a result of this force’s influence even before the Machsom?

My Answer: Yes – always.

Question: Does Ohr Makif lead us toward the goal whether we want it or not?

My Answer: Ohr Makif moves one toward one’s root to the extent one desires it.

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Three questions I received on dissemination:

Question: When will Baal HaSulam’s difficult language (such as the Talmud Eser Sefirot, Pticha, and the Commentary on The Book of Zohar) be brought down to the level of the modern day egoism and restated in a language that regular people can understand? Isn’t this the reason why we are running late with our correction?

My Answer: You should study all of these materials in our lesson archive. We always study the Talmud Eser Sefirot, and we are studying The Book of Zohar on this blog, with links to the full commentaries.

My entire mission is to bring Kabbalah closer to our generation and to all the people in the world. However, this is only for those who are seeking knowledge. In order to realize Kabbalah in practice, one does not need any knowledge of it (unlike the way one learns a science in our world).

It’s because one must first create an inner instrument of attainment, the Kli or soul, from “the point in the heart.” One’s correction does not depend on knowledge, but on the desire. One reveals the Upper World by making efforts to understand spirituality correctly, by revealing that it’s the property of love and bestowal to one’s neighbor, and by unifying these aspirations into one whole.

Question: How important is the form (or the quality) of the material that’s used in mass dissemination? What I mean is, how important is it to have a professional approach, a good use of language, and no foreign accent when explaining Kabbalah? I think that if a person has a point in the heart, then it won’t make any difference how the information is presented – he will be attracted to it regardless.

My Answer: The form or “wrapper” is important in the first encounter, but not later on. In fact, at later stages it works in the opposite way – the concealed is more attractive.

Question: How can I help disseminate Kabbalah in the city of Baku in Azerbaijan?

My Answer: Like in many other countries around the world: without mentioning Kabbalah or myself; by presenting it as a science that offers deep attainment of reality.

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Laitman.com Post: The Book of Zohar. Chapter, “The Mother Lends Her Clothes To Her Daughter”
Laitman.com Post: The Book of Zohar. Chapter “The Letters by Rabbi Amnon Saba”
Laitman.com Post: The Book of Zohar. Chapter “Supernal Wisdom”
Laitman.com Post: The Book of Zohar. Chapter “The Lock and the Key”
Laitman.com Post: The Book of Zohar. Chapter “Avraham”
Laitman.com Post: The Book of Zohar. Chapter “The Vision of Rabbi Chiya”
Laitman.com Post: The Book of Zohar. Chapter “Who Is Your Partner?”
Archived Talmud Eser Sefirot Video Lessons
Help Share Kabbalah

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In the past, before the destruction of the Temple, children were born into a society that perceived the Upper World and the Creator, and based its life on the spiritual laws. Children perceived the relationship of “love thy neighbor as thyself” as an obvious fact of life. They always saw the adults setting this example and aspiring to attain greater connection with the Creator, whom they clearly perceived. Children understood that they were born into this world and exist in it temporarily only in order to create a connection with Him.

In the Bnei Baruch group, our children (and grandchildren) participate in Kabbalah lessons prepared especially for them. Their relationships are built under the guidance of teachers according to the principle of the Torah – bestowal and love of friends. They completely understand that they, and all people in general, are interconnected. The lessons take place on Sundays and during the whole day on Saturday. On Saturday, boys come with their fathers to the morning lesson and then stay for the whole day. We have a special course for them. Every few months I also give a lesson (a test) to all the children.

It’s a great pleasure to see and hear them, their questions and answers, and to observe these growing people forming a completely new outlook on the world. We don’t realize what it means to receive the true picture of the world during the childhood years, to understand the world’s origin, meaning, and purpose. This picture permeates a child’s consciousness and remains in him as his nature. By watching their daily behavior when they are together or apart, when they are at our center our outside of it, in daycare centers or schools, we can see that they behave differently, and have a special, refined inner quality – spirituality. Their similarity to the Upper Force guarantees them success and safety in our world.

Related Material:
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Chapter from the book, A Guide to the Hidden Wisdom of Kabbalah: “Who Can Study Kabbalah?”
Kabbalah for Children – Latest Articles

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Two questions I received on suffering:

Question: Why do our five senses feel our lack of similarity to spirituality as suffering?

My Answer: It’s because our senses are desires for fulfillment. They were fulfilled in the World of Infinity and were later emptied due to the breaking – the common soul’s separation into a multitude of separate parts or souls. Each soul has recollections (Reshimot) of the past fulfillment, and these Reshimot are now awakening and demanding fulfillment.

What you call suffering is this emptiness you are feeling. When you change your attitude to the sensation of suffering, then you will experience it as fulfillment and happiness. Our attitude or intention can change everything.

The actual state we’re in is static and constant; the only thing that changes is our attitude to it. It determines whether we feel ourselves as being in this world – in the concealment of the Creator, or in His revelation – on the degrees of the five worlds, or in the World of Infinity.

Question: What should I do if my only appeal to the Creator is: “Give me strength not to hate you,” and if despite my work in the group, dissemination, and lessons, the only thing I feel is that my situation at home is getting much worse, my economic circumstances are constantly deteriorating (and I can’t even find a job), and so on. I suddenly started feeling completely estranged from the Creator. Is it normal for Kabbalah to bring material devastation?

My Answer: Rabash told me how difficult it was for him to find work, and how many times he had to change jobs, which included being a shoemaker, a concrete worker, a scribe and a servant.

You must have the same attitude to this as everyone else, but at the same time, regularly (according to a set schedule) continue engaging in that for which you are living in this world – the correction of your soul. Be a little more humble – think that everything comes from the Creator, and the only thing you desire is to feel that this is so.

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