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Rav laitman gave a lecture on Brit milah and how it correlates to Malchut. this topic however never seems to be given a clear cut answer as to whether a man should actually undergo the Brit milah particularly when that person isn’t Jewish and does not desire to be Jewish. In order to actually have the Bris with all the accompanying tradition’s an individual would ideally need a jewish mohel and a jewish mohel in my country won’t do this for a non Jew. so, my question is, is there another way to do this correction ?. Would focusing on the “Circumcision of the heart” not be an alternate option ? as it seems like an even greater correction than a random religious action to fulfil a covenant (with all my respects to the Jewish people whom i love). Looking at humanity i see so much hatred wars etc and it breaks my heart and for me i think my biggest correction and the worlds biggest correction is to cut the evil desires from within ourselves (harbouring hatred in the heart). Please tell me though if this not sufficient. I want to experience the Kabbalah in its entirety and i need this to be clarified please.
Hi Luke,
Of course this is the main thing. Kabbalists of the past had all kinds of physical customs tied to spiritual meaning. That certainly was incorporated into religion and the spiritual significance was completely lost while the physical action continued. This, in fact, was one of the reasons they initiated the physical customs–particularly because they wanted to keep the nation tied with some kind of thread to spirituality.
In our case today, when the points in the heart are awakening around the world–like yours and mine–the Creator wants the hearts, and not the “arms and legs”. In our times, the most important thing is the correction of the heart, the change in intention. This is the path of Kabbalah, the “work in the heart”.Chris
Dear Chris and Luke – I am reading with great interest your conversation and everything that Luke asked is also in my mind.. Chris, regarding your answer on the actual corporeal fulfilling of the Mitzvot in the Torah, you said that “This, in fact, was one of the reasons they initiated the physical customs – particularly because they wanted to keep the nation tied with some kind of thread to spirituality.” The problem is, that this fact caused for a GREAT DIVISION, not only between the Jews and non Jews but between the Jews themselves – the religious and secular. I am aware and totally understand that everything comes from HASHEM and so is this, but inside me I feel that the corporeal mitzvot DO HAVE an important meaning but they need to be perceived in a total different way , especially by The Jews . But this is impossible so long the majority of the Rabi’s do not start explaining\teaching\guiding differently, and they strictly hold to the ‘preciseness’ of performing these Mitzvot’ , so much so as dividing families, friends and even communities that have different perspective on the subject. There are also millions of books written by our sages on matters of the Halacha , Gmara, Mishna , the views of Bait Shamay and Bait Hillel , all of them dwelling\discussing and interpreting the physical aspect of Torah and Mitzvot. If even one of the main and respected Rabis would rise and start emphasizing what we learn here in Kabu, it could make a great change within the Jewish communities . On the other hand, I have a bit of a difficulty with the fact that Kabu ignores some of the major Torah Laws (like regarding activities on SHABATH) because I am Jewish and hold these ‘customs’ very dear but also, it causes me for facing a conflict – weather I am going against my family and participating on SHABATh in Kabu events, or am I compromising and trying to be in both ‘words’ at the same time – and this too raises the question of selfishness – learning in KABU is a great pleasure for me so do I follow my passion without considering how it affects my family (they are not forcing me to do anything but I know that it will deeply hurt them) or do I consider them first and try to navigate my studies in such a way that it will not hurt them? And one more thing – our sages and past Kabbalists were all conducted their lives according to the laws in the Torah and we learned in Kabu that the student strives to be like the teacher…. My understanding is that so long we are living in this physical world , the mere fact that we are here in flesh and blood, means that we still have to pay attention also to the physical interpretation of the laws…. otherwise, our sages for sure would have put in place something to ‘open the mind\heart\perspective ‘ of the current religious\spiritual leaders of our times to start ‘turning the tide’ and ease the burden of all the restrictions, if they are really not needed anymore. Thanks for the opportunity yo ‘jump in’ and bring up my thoughts 🙂
This another issue Jews have with Kabbalah as soon as the real meaning of a Mitzvot is explained they go straight into this cognitive dissonance panic like state and want to drag the corporeal Religious customs back to Kabbalah. You can just practice your religion if it bothers you so much. We need to get past this idea of kabbalah being the salt and pepper of “Judaism”. Judaism is a religion, kabbalah is not. Corporeal matters are not the be end all of Kabbalah. If Jews and Muslims and Israelites feel they need to Circumcise infants then they should do what they feel is most important to their religious customs. Kabbalah goes beyond this. Thanks for chiming in seems like a more Religious question you have here not necessarily a kabbalistic one. The Brit milah is a screen after all 🙂
No not at all I’m just saying what you said mentions exactly that, stirring the focus back to Religious laws and corporeal actions. When dealing with the corporeal you stay in the corporeal. Kabbalah opens the window to to the upper levels. Would love to see the response if you post it as a question! Because if KabU really is about Jewish rituals and upholding corporeal actions I don’t need to be here Because I’m not Jewish and have no interest in Judaism ! To me when you understand the metaphorical symbolism of corporeal language like Mitzvot and covenants you don’t really need the physical unless you need it as a reminder. It’s an interesting topic one I find has some conflicting information.
Kabu is a science and does not stir anyone toward any rituals, in addition, as Dr Laitman mentioned, it must be exposed to all that have a point in the heart . The fact that you are here means that you belong here, no matter from where you come, religious or not. Chris gave a great explanation on your previous questions. As per my question, it comes from a place of a genuine willingness to understand , because I had sort of a turbulent past regarding the religion and currently I am faced with navigating between two different worlds . Believe me – it is no fun ! So, I’ll post my question in the main chat and lets see what happens 🙂
Forgive me for misunderstanding as you can tell I really need to “Circumcise the negativity from my heart. I hope you can get an answer here. I used to be in your situation I was really religious and had to keep customs and abide by rules and regulations. But I eventually came to a place where I felt that spiritual aspects of life are more nourishing. But this took me 10 or more years to get to this position. This is what I like about kabbalah it takes you above and beyond. There is quote from a poet that says “Out beyond ideas of right and wrong there is a field I’ll meet you there” I’ve found that middle space between right and wrong it is: “just be” all we have is here and now. That probably doesn’t help. I hope they give you an answer to your question 🙂
Hi Luke,
Here is the link to the hardcopy of the Zohar:
Not really much of a question, but as I learn something new every week Bible verses I had long forgotten come to me. Nehamiah 8:10 reads And he said to them, “Go, eat fat foods and drink sweet drinks and send portions to whoever has nothing prepared, for the day is holy to our Lord, and do not be sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. .” I find myself emotionally charged and encouraged to keep studying, albeit still independently. When these seemingly random recollections happen is it perhaps a sign that the upper force might be preparing me for what’s to come? I pray every day for my future 10. I have no control of what environment he will bring my way and I have no way to do anything on my own. This is quite a bit to process.
It’s exciting, Greg. Everything is a preparation for the next state. We can’t know what or why, and it’s good that way. We can though be confident that all that that’s be done, is doing and will be done was towards the lofty goal of bringing us into adhesion with Him again and this includes every small detail in each and every one of our lives.
Chris
Hey Brad,
By now I’m sure you know we aren’t in control of what desires we receive. Certainly we can put ourselves in an environment and depending on the strength of our ties their and how much we allow it to influence us, accordingly you could say we can “control” the desires, but again, we have nothing within us that can “choose” a desire. There’s room to unpack this more if you want but I think you understand.
I catch your direction though…you’re asking if the Creator gives you some desire, you want to reject it or accept some other desire instead. The correct approach would be to first acknowledge this is coming from the Creator. Secondly, see what it is you’re supposed to do with that desire and if that means you discover it’s something that is deviating you from the path or an opportunity to strengthen your ties to the environment etc..
The important thing here is to be sensitive to what the Creator gives us each moment, to react accordingly and not just let moments come and go, desires come and go, where we just flow with whatever. Our action needs to be intentional and conscious.
Chris
It’s not a stupid question at all. The Zohar uses all types of symbolism. If you think that’s “stupid” then clearly you’ve never read the Zohar or the Torah. Good luck to you on your journey.
In the Zohar circumcision is held in a high regard
Considering how it’s a symbol of impurity and evil
Should people undergo circumcision for the “spiritual benefit”? Or have i missed the point of circumcision completely?
Hey Luke,
It symbolizes the removal of egoistic desires and the purification of one’s intentions to align with the Creator. If you’re asking about the physical act, this of course is just a physical act and the importance and emphasis is certainly on the spiritual action.
Thanks!
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