Awakening to Kabbalah: The Guiding Light of Spiritual Fulfillment (Hardcover)

~ Rav Michael Laitman (PhD) (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

By the author's own admission, this book may seem "dry, schematic... unemotional," more instruction manual than heart-moving guide. Laitman comes from a very specific school of thought regarding Kabbalah, originating from a belief that his mentor, Baruch Ashlag, carried a reincarnated soul that originated with the biblical patriarchs, passed to the rabbi known as the Ari and finally to Ashlag's father, Baal HaSulam. Kabbalah, as Laitman sees it, requires one to "rise to the spiritual world while living in this world," but this "can only be achieved through the right study, with the real books" written by rabbis in this particular lineage. Unfortunately, his efforts to make Baal HaSulam relevant to our current times result in thin and sometimes contradictory arguments. In discussing the importance of the numbers seven and 70, for example, he refers to 70 nations in the world today (there are nearly 200) and an average life span of 70 years, which is too low both in fact and for his schema of the Messiah's return to make mathematical sense. More revealing of the exclusive, myopic nature of interpretation than of the world of Kabbalah, this guide will serve few readers other the followers of Baal HaSulam. (Jan.)
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Product Description

Your world is ready for change. Make it happen, with guidance from one of the greatest Kabbalists of our generation.

Rav Michael Laitman, PhD, sees Kabbalah as a science that deals with drawing near to the Creator. It studies the system of creation, examines how the Creator conducts this system, and how creation can rise to the level of the Creator. It is a method of reaching spiritual fulfillment. Through the study of Kabbalah, you too can learn to direct your heart--and consequently your life--toward success, tranquility, peace, and happiness.

In this distinctive, personal, and awe-filled introduction to an ancient wisdom tradition, Rav Laitman--a disciple of the great Kabbalist Rabbi Baruch Ashlag (son of Yehuda Ashlag)--provides you with a deeper understanding of the fundamental teachings of Kabbalah, and how you can use this wisdom to clarify your relationship with others and the world around you. Using language both scientific and poetic, he probes the most profound questions of spirituality and existence, including:
* What is the meaning of my life?
* Why is there suffering in the world?
* Is reincarnation part of spiritual life?
* How can I attain the best state of existence possible?

This provocative, unique guide will inspire and invigorate you to see beyond the world as it is and the limitations of your everyday life, become closer to the Creator, and reach new depths of the soul.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 156 pages
• Publisher: Jewish Lights Publishing (December 30, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580232647
• ISBN-13: 978-1580232647
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #636,505 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pure Kabbalah - No Red Strings attached!, November 30, 2005

By	Marc Daniels "Sales Rep" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I recommend this book for anyone who is not satisfied with current lifestyle and believes that there is more contentment out there to get. The subject matter is communicated in an informative and likeable manner. Commercial artificts like red string or bottled water not recommended. Only the wisdom, itself, is distilled to the ultimate... It goes right to your heart!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Introduces the reader to many historical figures of Kabbalah since Abrahamic times, April 4, 2006

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

Awakening To Kabbalah: The Guiding Light Of Spiritual Fulfillment by Rav Laitman is an outstanding documentation of the author's observations on spiritual enlightenment, metaphysical awareness, and fulfillment that through the years as a spiritualist and scientist has come to understand. Insightfully progressive, Awakening To Kabbalah introduces the reader to many historical figures of Kabbalah since Abrahamic times, as well as informs of an intricate and enabling path to ultimate contentment. Awakening To Kabbalah is very strongly recommended to non-specialist general readers with an interest in Jewish Mysticism in general, and Metaphysical Studies in particular.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Kabbalah as a System, handled by the creator, March 17, 2006

By	D. Donovan, Editor/Sr. Reviewer "California B... (California, USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

Rav Michael Laitman, Ph.D.'s AWAKENING TO KABBALAH: THE GUIDING LIGHT OF SPIRITUAL FULFILLMENT blends spirituality and mysticism in its survey of a science which handles drawing closer to the Creator. His study considers Kabbalah as a system and considers how the Creator handles such a system, showing how a study of Kabbalah can help direct individuals to success. From understanding how Kabbalah relates to life to considering how its basic teachings apply to the world, AWAKENING TO KABBALAH is an important guide indeed.