kabbalah...?

Question

To follow up on my judaism question. Madonna(sorry to use her as an example) converted so as ignorant as it might be to ask: does that mean kabbalah a more open practice of judaism?

I'm just really very interested but so far i havn't gotten a good straight answer and online isn't giving me a good answer either.

Open as in, open for those who interested in judaism but not jewish.

-thank you all for your answers

Answer 1

Kabbalah is basically Jewish magick/mysticism. It can be very powerful, but it requires far more study than anything that could be provided here on R&S.

If you're serious about looking into Kabbalah, look for books in a good bookstore. Keep in mind, Kabbalah may be spelled in multiple ways, such as Kabballah and Qabalah.

Answer 2

Many of the previous answers spout what I'd like to call "newspaper research" about Kabbalah. Many newspapers, with little knowledge, endlessly repeat what Kabbalah is or isn't and who should or shouldn't study it.

First off, what Madonna studies something that mainstream Jewish authorities *all* reject as being watered down, inaccurate, and dangerous (the Kabbalah Centre is a cult-like group). On the plus side, Madonna has drawn many people to research authentic Kabbalah.

Kabbalah is actually the knowledge that started the Jewish religion. The catch: Kabbalah isn't supposed to be a religion. The Jewish religion is a literal interpretation of Kabbalistic texts, which is not supposed to be interpreted literally according to many Kabbalistic scholars.

If you are merely looking for things to "practice," the Kabbalah isn't for you. It has nothing to do with our world and our day-to-day lives. You would want a regular religion for that. But if you find yourself drawn for something deeper, and a real connection to the Creator, then please check out one of the links below.

Answer 3

Kabbalah is a very advanced level of study within traditional Judaism. It's not comprehensible to someone without prior training in Torah and Jewish Law.

BUT, you can get an idea of what it's like (authentic study, NOT the new-age Madonna stuff).

Check out the video here called "Working with Divine Providence"
http://www.thirtysix.org/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=index&catid=5&topic=&allstories=1
(It will knock your socks right off)

Answer 4

Actually I wouldn't call the REAL Kabbalah "open" at all, the only way you can get a rabbi to teach it to you is if you are a Jewish man over the age of 30. However, if you are already somewhat versed in it, the works of Crowley and Regardie can give you insight into the deeper aspects of it. I recommend, as a good solid reference book "Sefer Yetzirah", translated by Aryeh Kaplan.

Answer 5

Traditionally, kabbala is only supposed to be studies by serious, righteous scholars over the age of forty. It deals with the secrets of the God and the universe, and it is particularly prone to be distorted and misinterpreted. Madonna is a case in point.

FYI: There are two kinds of kabbala. There's the theoretical kind, where the person just learns. And then there's practical kabbala, in which the practioner can work miracles.
And I suppose there's KabbalaLite, where charlatans convince the Madonnas of the world that they can become more spiritual by tattoing Hebrew letters on their arm.

Answer 6

firstly theres two types of kabbalah.

pop kabbalah, which is the stuff with the red string bracelet nonsense and that kinda junk. its really not all that "real" at all.

and the REAL stuff, is ancient. like moses on sinai ancient. and extremely poewrful in the right knowlege.

the real stuff is a spiritual path, its not really open nor hidden... its not something that applies to be open or hidden, its between you and God.

but many jewish traditions that *are* openly followed, are discerned from kabbalistic viewpoints.

kabbalah, (not defining between real or pop junk) is generally known as "Ancient Jewish Mysticism", I mean the fact that theres a connection between them is not doubted or hidden.

but lots are jewish and don't "believe in" kabbalah either.

Answer 7

OPEN meaning?????

It is definately different then Judiasm as it is more spiritual and less outward actions.

I would recommend you get into some of the teachings. It can benefit you in your daily life. But, try to avoid jumping into something because you want to be a part of some group.

Just remember you as a seeker already are. We are all members of the same family as children of God. You, Me, and millions of others from many faiths.

I certainly wouldn't consider it a more open practice of Judaism. I'd consider it a spirtual perspective to increase awareness and deeper understanding.