The Essential Zohar: The Source of Kabbalistic Wisdom [Hardcover]

 

 

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In Part One: Foundations, the author explains that the Zohar is the central text of Kabbalah which is the spiritual heritage of all humanity. Kabbalah is not religious in the traditional sense of the term and isn't based on literal interpretations of scripture. Logical analysis is however an important tool for investigating spiritual matters. But logic in Kabbalah can take paradoxical forms. The authorship and structure of the Zohar and its relationship to the Hebrew alphabet are discussed here, as well as the dissemination of the Kabbalah. Here I have also found one of the clearest and most accessible explanations of the Ten Sefirot and the Tree of Life.

Part Two: Teachings, deals with creation, the Big Bang and the place where science and metaphysics meet. This section contains interesting discussions of fear, awe and the love of God, concealment, revelation, mercy, judgment, chaos, the Shekhina, temperance and certainty. Throughout, there are passages from the Zohar followed by Rav Berg's engaging and illuminating commentary which explains the working of concepts like Chesed (kindness), Gevurah (strength), Tif'eret (balance) and Malchut (the earthly realm) with practical examples. It includes the famous story of the donkey driver and includes analyses of the nature of desire, the significance of strangers, chaos which is evil, and the Shekhina (The Presence).

Part Three: Transformations, encompasses subjects as diverse as Noah and the flood generation, the story of Isaac, Jacob and his vicissitudes, Joseph's adventures, the golden calf, David and Batsheva. Other revelatory sections discuss concepts like soul mates, immortality, forgiveness, the reason why the wicked appear to be so strong, and how to connect to the Source of Life. In the conclusion, the author explains how Kabbalah may be used as a practical guide for transforming fragmentation and chaos into unity and fulfillment. The Zohar provides a bridge between everyday consciousness and our inner powers of transformation. And indeed, its surprise happenings, sudden insights and epiphanies have a salutary effect on the mind. In addition, the Zohar enables one to disconnect from darkness and negativity by reuniting us with the Creator's light.

Having widely investigated the esoteric side of many spiritual traditions, I have found this brief study of the Zohar of great worth. There are correspondences with other mystical paths but also significant differences. I was surprized to discover for example, a seeming acceptance of the idea of reincarnation, unusual in Western spirituality. Sure there are many directly contradictory statements but after the initial frustration, pondering these eventually does reveal a bigger picture and more profound insight. I have found this work extremely valuable in better understanding some key concepts of the Judeo-Christian tradition. The book concludes with a bibliography, index and short biography of the author.

My reading experience was immeasurably enhanced by simultaneously listening to the following music: The Sacred Names by Anjani Thomas, Kabbalah Music: Songs of the Jewish Mystics by Laura Wetzler and Holy Harmony: Healing Code Tuning Forks And Ancient YHSWH Chant by Jonathan Goldman. Sometimes, words alone are not enough; it is music that really resonates with the soul.

Most people who are involved in Kabbalah are "blinded" by their spirituality and their focus on spiritual growth. They mean well, but the Kabbalah organization of Yehuda Berg (and the rest of the family Berg) is very much a cult.

Yes -- a cult -- even with the best of intentions.

The sad thing is that most people involved in Kabbalah don't even know they are in a cult (but isn't that the nature of a cult anyway?), that is until members have spent several thousand dollars or so on their kabbalistic spiritual growth (e.g., taking kabbalah classes, buying expensive kabbalah jewelry and the red string, purchasing kabbalah books, etc.).

In other words, Kabbalah is a very successful and systematic money making machine -- even with the best of intentions.

And according to the Berg's Kabbalah organization, this is quite alright. Making money is certainly acceptable, especially when the money is spent on spiritual growth. Yes, the logic makes sense, but when you no longer have money to spend on Kabbalah and are unwilling to work for the Kabbalah organization -- basically for free -- then Kabbalah stops returning emails. They stop responding to phone calls. They distance themselves from you. Kabbalah begins to treat you as an outsider.

In other words, you need money to practice Kabbalah.

Kabbalah also works on the egos of people. Especially celebrities. Quite simply, everyone basically wants to feel special, even those who are seeking spiritual answers. So yes, spiritual people also want to feel special (if only on a spiritual level / if not more). And Kabbalah will do this as long as you have the money to support Kabbalah.

But it's only a matter of time before this organization loses its luster. People can only be "fooled" for so long. In other words, Yehuda Berg (and the rest of the family Berg) manage a form of Kabbalah that is often more about money than it is about spiritual growth.

Even with the best of intentions.

This is a highly interesting book. I fully recommend it to anyone looking for spiritual answers. You may not agree with everything -- and that's OK. But take whatever you get from this book and simply make it yours. Try it. You may like it!

ALSO RECOMMENDED: "What Did Jesus Really Say, How Christianity Went Astray: [What To Say To A Born Again Christian Fundamentalist, But Never Had The Information]" by Peter Cayce

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5.0 out of 5 stars Much better!
This book is a shining Light of clarity for me. It seems every time I face a problem in my life, the next chapter of this book, as I am reading it, explains the Kabbalah's view... Read more

Published on May 29 2004 by Eric

5.0 out of 5 stars Fresh insights into Kabbalistic wisdom
I enjoyed Berg's fresh perspective, which gave me a lot to think about. Definitely thinking outside the box. Read more

Published on Mar 21 2004 by Paul Ammann

5.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent Source Of Information
If I could rate this title with 10 stars I would. This book is amazing. I've never felt the need to write a review before but I believe that this title is deserving of my first... Read more

Published on April 11 2003

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best
Rav Berg is the best teacher of spiritual concepts in a day to day language, and this book is the best simple explanation of passages of the Zohar yet. Read more

Published on Oct 2 2002 by lemle

5.0 out of 5 stars The most impactful book on kabbalah
This is the most clear and consise book that I have ever read on the Zohar. It is now very clear to me how and why to use the Zohar to better my life. Read more

Published on April 15 2002 by Debbie

5.0 out of 5 stars Best ever
this book is the most amazing one i ever read ,after reading so many books about kabbalah and spirituality its the first time that i was able to understand in such simple and deep... Read more

Published on April 15 2002 by Ruth Avraham

5.0 out of 5 stars Now, it makes sense!
Many times I've heard about the Zohar in my life, stories and contradicting concepts.
Reading the Rav Berg's book made so much sense to me and put all the pieces of the... Read more

Published on April 15 2002 by bobhal

5.0 out of 5 stars Now, it makes sense!
Many times I've heard about the Zohar in my life, stories and contradicting concepts.
Reading the Rav Berg's book made so much sense to me and put all the pieces of the... Read more

Published on April 15 2002 by bobhal

5.0 out of 5 stars Incedible spiritual insights
Rav Berg takes some of the most complicated and esoteric concepts of Kabbalah and makes them completely accessible. Read more

Published on April 15 2002

5.0 out of 5 stars Extraordinary and User Friendly at the Same Time
The selection of books that i have read on Kabbalah were steeped in esoteric mystical babble that had no apparent relevance to myself or the average person in the street... Read more

Published on April 14 2002 by Jerry S.

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