My Journey from Chassidut to Kabbalah via Rationalism

Truths - Jewish Wisdom for Today

Welcome to a new season of "Truths, Jewish Wisdom for Today" focused on theology and Kabbalah. In this episode Levi Brackman offers an insightful exploration of the Kabbalah, with an emphasis on the teachings of the Lurianic Kabbalah, attributed to Rabbi Isaac Luria from the 16th century. Kabbalah, meaning 'to receive', provides a deeper understanding of Jewish teachings and the hidden aspects of the Torah, influencing various facets of Orthodox Judaism.
Levi shares his journey through Jewish theology, touching on the innate human search for meaning, purpose, and our place within the vast universe. He reflects on our shared quest to understand our existence and our relationship with something more significant.
Listeners will learn about Levi's early inclinations towards mysticism, his years within the Chabad Chassidic community, and his deep immersion into Hasidic texts influenced by the Lurianic Kabbalah. Throughout, Levi expresses that there is a unique contentment found in spiritual connection, one distinct from materialistic pleasures.
Levi delves into figures like Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, Moshe de Leon, and Rabbi Isaac Luria, providing clarity on debates surrounding the origins of texts like the Zohar.
Interestingly, Levi's path also led him through rationalist studies of medieval Jewish philosophy and the works of Maimonides. His subsequent venture into psychology, focusing on quantitative studies, shaped his perspective on the intersection of science, philosophy, and spirituality. This journey underlines the value of a comprehensive approach to understanding God, suggesting a progression from science and physics to metaphysics and, ultimately, the divine.
After a 15-year hiatus focused on the sciences, Levi's return to studying Kabbalah comes with a more nuanced viewpoint. Rather than solely seeing it as an absolute truth, he now perceives it as the reflections of individuals dedicated to understanding deep existential questions.
Central to this episode is Levi's endeavor to understand the teachings of Kabbalah beyond traditional interpretations. While he presents a measured skepticism towards the conventional origins of some Kabbalistic writings, he respects the profound thought processes of historical figures who believed in their insights.
This episode introduces listeners to a deeper understanding of the Zohar, Arizal, and their contextual backdrop. Levi aims to present Kabbalah not merely as divine teachings but as the rich legacy of past mystics, enhancing our connection to the divine.
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Levi Brackman is a rabbi, Ph.D. in psychology, best-selling author of Jewish Wisdom for Business Success, and founder of Invown, a platform for real estate fundraising and investing.