In our generation, where spirituality is more accessible than ever before, the spread of ancient wisdom has brought both empowerment and confusion. Teachings that were once reserved for the deeply learned, such as Kabbalah, have entered the public sphere, often removed from their original frameworks. This shift has introduced widespread misinformation and misinterpretation, leading many seekers astray and diluting the essence of these sacred teachings. The case of Rabbi Yehuda Ashlag’s Kabbalah, and its popularization through institutions like the Kabbalah Centre, serves as a striking example of the dangers this trend poses.
Kabbalah has historically been an esoteric tradition, transmitted privately to prepared students with a solid grounding in Torah, Talmud, and halacha, as emphasized in works like “Sha’arei Orah” by Rabbi Yosef Gikatilla and the teachings of Rabbi Yitzchak Luria (the Arizal). Rabbi Yehuda Ashlag, known for his commentary on the Zohar titled “HaSulam,” adhered to this tradition. He emphasized the need for spiritual preparation through mitzvot and ethical refinement, teaching that the ultimate purpose of Kabbalah is to bring individuals closer to HaShem through Torah observance and inner transformation, as articulated in his work “Matan Torah.” Yet, as Kabbalah became popularized, its universalization often stripped it of its depth and its roots in Jewish practice.
The Kabbalah Centre, founded by Rabbi Philip Berg, represents one of the most prominent examples of this shift. Rabbi Berg, while initially trained in Orthodox Jewish frameworks and associated with Rabbi Yehuda Tzvi Brandwein, moved away from traditional requirements for Kabbalistic study, opening it to a global audience. In doing so, the Centre downplayed the centrality of halacha and Torah, recasting Kabbalah as a universal spiritual system detached from its Jewish foundations. This adaptation has been criticized by traditional rabbinic authorities, including descendants of Rabbi Ashlag, for misrepresenting the essence of Kabbalah.
The dangers of misinformation become clear in the way the Kabbalah Centre presents concepts like “light” and “redemption.” These terms, while central to Kabbalistic thought, are deeply rooted in Jewish metaphysical frameworks that emphasize divine unity (as in the Zohar 1:15a) and the fulfillment of mitzvot as a path to spiritual elevation (as seen in the teachings of the Arizal in “Etz Chaim”). However, when these ideas are simplified and universalized, they are often reinterpreted through lenses foreign to Judaism. For example, many students of the Kabbalah Centre, particularly those from Christian backgrounds, reinterpret the emphasis on “light” in ways that parallel Christian notions of salvation. This syncretism creates a hybrid spirituality that, while appealing to a broad audience, bears little resemblance to authentic Jewish Kabbalah.
The commercialization of mysticism, such as the sale of red string bracelets and other ritual items for protection, further undermines the integrity of Kabbalah. These practices, while loosely based on Jewish folk traditions, have been heavily marketed, turning sacred symbols into commodities. This commodification has led to widespread skepticism about the authenticity of Kabbalah in the eyes of both Jewish scholars and the broader public. Prominent Jewish figures, including traditional Kabbalists, have condemned these practices as exploitative and fundamentally misaligned with the spiritual depth of Kabbalah.
The blending of Kabbalah with Christian or New Age ideas, whether intentional or inadvertent, highlights the broader issue of spiritual universalism in our time. Many modern seekers approach Kabbalah without understanding its roots in Torah and mitzvot. Without this foundation, profound teachings like the Sefirot, Tzimtzum (divine contraction), and Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) are reduced to shallow metaphors, stripped of their transformative power. As Rabbi Moshe Cordovero writes in “Pardes Rimonim,” true Kabbalistic wisdom demands a rigorous commitment to Torah and an understanding of its deeper dimensions. When this commitment is absent, the teachings risk becoming mere shadows of their true selves.
This trend reflects a broader challenge in the age of information. While the democratization of knowledge has made profound teachings more accessible, it has also amplified the risks of distortion and oversimplification. The popularization of Kabbalah by institutions like the Kabbalah Centre may have introduced millions to its concepts, but it has also led to a surge of misinterpretation, leaving many seekers disconnected from the authentic wisdom they seek. As Rabbi Yehuda Ashlag emphasizes in “Talmud Eser Sefirot,” the path of Kabbalah is one of disciplined study, ethical refinement, and alignment with HaShem’s will, not a quick-fix solution for spiritual fulfillment.
The commercialization and universalization of Kabbalah, while appealing to modern sensibilities, undermine its authenticity and mislead spiritual seekers. To safeguard the integrity of Kabbalah, it is essential to study from authentic sources and teachers who remain rooted in Torah and halacha. As the Zohar teaches (Zohar 3:152a), the wisdom of Kabbalah is a gift meant to illuminate the divine unity within creation. However, when removed from its foundations, it risks becoming a source of confusion rather than enlightenment. In our generation, the responsibility lies with both teachers and students to approach these teachings with humility and fidelity, preserving their sanctity for future generations.
Rabbi David Yermiyahu thank you so much for this information. You enlightened my soul Baruch HASHEM.