Kabbalah

by Brad Scott

Kabbalah is today known as the mystic teachings of Judaism, and most recently popularized by Madonna. No, not the old one, but the young one, relatively speaking. Kabbalah seeks to explain, through the chosen few, the transition from the infinite cause of causes (eyn sof) to the finite, tangible universe (that's you and I). There are many fascinating aspects to this teaching. However, the bulk of it gravitates right to the type of warnings given to us in D^evariym (Deuteronomy) 18. Much of it is esoteric and unprovable. I like provable things, things you can demonstrate scripturally and that have everyday meaning and purpose. I don't know, it's just me, I guess. It is my opinion that there is so much to learn and understand from those things that ARE revealed, that time spent swimming in a sea of mystical emanations is fruitless.

The root of this word is qabal (קבל), which means to receive, and is taken from the Scriptures.

Mishlei (Proverbs) 19:20Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.

Well, that sounds like a good reason to immerse ourselves in Kabbalah, right! Well, it might be a wise thing to discern the sometimes subtle difference between the instructions and wisdom of YHVH and the lofty interpretations of man. This would include yours truly as well, for this same word appears in the New Testament.

1 Corinthians 2:4-5And my speech and my preaching were not with enticing [qabal] words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power; that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

Shalom Alecheim! ◊