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With the tragedy of the murder of 11 Jews in their shul known as “Eitz Chaim” in Pittsburgh, it is worth reminding ourselves of where we all come from. In this beautiful letter written by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, the Rebbe explains to us why it is that we need to be able to care for each other – no matter how different we appear to be. See letter below:
Continue reading “We are All the Descendants of One Man – A Letter From the Lubavitcher Rebbe”
Rabbi Daniel Frish – known as the Matok Midvash – named as such for the complete commentary on the Zohar which he wrote – received many letters asking for help on various matters. He was notably asked for assistance in matters pertaining to the study of Kabbalah for which, of course, he was an expert!
In our blog post today, I have translated one particular letter which I found most fascinating. In the letter, Rabbi Daniel Frish outlines an approach to take in learning Kabbalah which really takes the new pupil of the study of Jewish mysticism from the most basic things onwards. Although he will tell us the path, one must still be learned in Torah in general and must have a basic mastery of the Hebrew language, as the books which he tells us to learn are of course the original books as written in Hebrew. I find the letter a must for all students wanting to know how to direct their studies in Kabbalah to make sure they are on an appropriate, safe, and correct path…
“Meditation and The Bible” is another of Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan’s masterpieces explaining the world of Kabbalah, meditation and the Torah itself. For those interested, there are 3 main primers that I always recommend when it comes to getting a great intro into the world of Jewish mysticism…
Continue reading “Meditation and the Bible by Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan – Book Review”
The name “Abuchatzeira” is a well-known name in the Jewish world. One of the first things that come to the mind of anyone who has heard this name is the word “miracles”! Another word is “Kabbalah”. They are known for both… The story of the Abuchtazeira family goes back in time to the late 1500’s, the early 1600’s…
Continue reading “Abir Yaakov – Stories About the Lives of the Abuchatzeira Family – Book Review”
In today’s times, the world of Jewish mysticism – Kabbalah – has opened up in abundance. There’s almost a craze around the world and a thirst to know more about Jewish mysticism. What is it exactly? What is its history? Who are some of the main writers and which are the core books that one should begin one’s learning with?
The following story has recently come to light. I don’t think many have heard it before and if everything about this story is true, it is most likely that only the very closest of family ever knew it having kept it a secret all these years. If indeed the story shared in the video below is true, it is certainly an amazing one and one from which we can all learn. I am presenting the facts as they are told.
Perhaps two of the greatest lessons we can learn from the story are:
If a Rebbe can manage to get pulled off the path of Judaism – so can anyone. If a Rebbe who has distanced himself from Judaism so completely as to end up on a completely secular path – but can find his way back to a true path, then so too, can anyone.
An amazing story about an Arab who found his way to Judaism. What is it that attracts someone from another religion and way of life to come closer to Judaism? It is surely a Jewish soul and the genuine desire to be close to God. Enjoy the video!
Life begins with an inhalation. The doctor, nurse, attendant slaps the newborn on the back. Like the person who dives into cold water, there is a quick breath in. There is then a scream, a cry, with the shock of entry. It is a scream that says to the entire world, “I am alive”. It is the cry of the diver into the icy water. It is also the cry of the new life that has begun.
Rabbi Gutman Locks shares with us what Jewish meditation is all about. For those who don’t know Gutman’s story, see my post on my other blog: Story of Gutman Locks – From Guru in India to Putting Tefillin on Others. Here is a great introduction to appreciating a difference between Jewish meditation and the meditation of other religions.
