Preparation Question: Our entire work in Kabbalah is only to attract the light that reforms. By this we receive everything we need for our advancement. Furthermore, I’m told that if I will help the others, I will advance myself even more towards spirituality. How does this work? What does it mean to help the others, those with the point in the heart, on the spiritual path?

[Julian Edwards- KabU Instructor]

Preparation Question: Our entire work in Kabbalah is only to attract the light that reforms. By this we receive everything we need for our advancement. Furthermore, I’m told that if I will help the others, I will advance myself even more towards spirituality. How does this work? What does it mean to help the others, those with the point in the heart, on the spiritual path?

[Michael Dunlap]

There are two aspects that stand out most to me. Firstly, a communal approach magnifies the effort. Secondly and probably more important is that group work, in a sense, “baits” the ego. The ego wants and needs to be right. During self study, there are no other perspectives to consider aside from the author and whether the teaching aligns with the student and ego. In a group we have many different perspectives, life experiences etc., that the ego can find as competing. One of the benefits of a group is drawing out the ego when it wants to debate rather than discuss. Through this we are able to recognise the opportunity for correction when this occurs.

[Esther]

In joining the others in our shared desire for the Creator, we all advance as one. I think of this like a sports team working towards the common goal of becoming one strong unit where each one has an important role to assist the other team members in order to succeed. In the spiritual work we can only learn how to bestow when joining with others and placing their needs above our own…how to truly love above self interest. Honestly, I’m not sure what this would look like as a way of living. I can imagine moments of this altruistic behavior in myself, but I have a long way to go to get there. I am grateful for this path of the Kabbalah and the friends who will help find the way home with me.

[JamesM]

This is where things get challenging for me. I’m quite narcissistic. The fact that I’m self-aware doesn’t really help – I’ve been this way all my life due to a combination of both genetic and environmental factors. These behaviors, this pathological world view, is pretty much “baked in”. But the study of Kabbalah has given me an entirely new perspective on what’s REALLY going on. And so, as much as my ego resists, I now understand what needs to be done, and why. And I know that, though I am weak and prone to making “mistakes”, the Creator is not. I’m here for a reason, and I now understand and am beyond grateful to find myself where I am on this journey. And however difficult it might be going forward – putting my ego aside and working with – and FOR – others – I an willing to do so, for my Maker.

[Simona Vazquez-Sartori]

To believe above reason that if I think only of others I will be cared for as others are me as I am them.

[Jay (Chaim S.)]

To help the others, even if my ego resists, I act “as if” their needs become my needs, their 620 desires, become my desires, 613 plus 7 Mitzvot to be honored.

[Jason Smith]

to make their desires my desires. to rise above my own needs and recognize the needs of others and treat their needs as my own.

[Author]

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