Kabbalah Center

from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article or the following section is not adequately provided with supporting documents ( e.g. individual evidence ). Information without sufficient evidence could be removed soon. Please help Wikipedia by researching the information and including good evidence.

The Kabbalah Center is an alternative Kabbalistic organization run by Philip Berg and his wife and designated successor, Karen Berg .

Development and structures of the Kabbalah Center

In 1969, Rav Philip Berg founded the first Kabbalah Center in Tel Aviv . There are 40 centers worldwide. The largest are in Tel Aviv , Los Angeles , New York , Miami , Boca Raton , Mexico City , São Paulo , Moscow and London . There is also one in Berlin . The organization is said to have assets of approximately $ 25 million. The movement has an estimated 60,000 to 200,000 followers. She became known because numerous celebrities, such as the musician Madonna , profess the teachings.

criticism

Philip Berg supposedly spreads a convenient, consumer-friendly teaching. Rabbis , Judaists and real Kabbalah connoisseurs criticize their superficiality. As Rabbi David Wolpe of Los Angeles explains: "When deep spiritual truths are put in a blender and served as a shallow wash, it damages a great tradition and is no better than quackery."

According to Berg, one should - even if one does not speak the Hebrew script or the Hebrew language - just scan the corresponding lines of the Zohar or The 72 Names of God ( Genii ) with one's eyes , and the content has already been "scanned". Meditating on the lettering should establish a connection with the “qualities of genius”, which, depending on the area of ​​responsibility of the genius, can lead to financial benefits, health, success and the like. like. to help. Although this thesis is spread there, it is given abbreviated form by critics, because in fact one should also seriously deal with one's tikkun (Hebrew for 'healing') and one's qlīpōt in order to "advance" spiritually. Help from higher worlds should also be developed through a "20-second meditation" or through certain consumer items such as drinking water, face cream or mystic jewelry. Incidentally, Berg does not see his teaching as specifically Jewish , but as a “technology for the soul”, which can also be practiced by Christians or Muslims without any problems. Berg also preaches doctrines such as "Everyone deserves what he has" and reincarnation . This is particularly beneficial for multi-million dollar stars, say critics. However, according to the Kabbalah Center, a soul should therefore be allowed to incarnate again, not to get rich , but to “work off” missed goals in life or “to cope” with a new opportunity (keywords: Tikkun, Qlipot). Relation to material wealth is seen in symbolic connection with the giving of Tzedaka .

Traditional Jewish Kabbalah

Traditional Jewish Kabbalists invest many years in the serious study of the Hebrew language , Torah , Aramaic language , Talmud and Zohar in order to be able to understand the mysticism of the Tree of Life and the Sefirot , and through their actions they strive for a spiritually pure and holy life as a contribution to Tikkun Olam ('Healing of Creation').

literature

  • Yehuda Berg: The Power of Kabbalah. From the secrets of the universe and the meaning of our life . German first edition. 4th edition. Goldmann, Munich 2003, ISBN 3-442-21641-9 , ( Goldmann 21641 Arkana ).
  • Yehuda Berg: The 72 Names of God. Technology for the soul. Hans-Nietsch-Verlag, Freiburg 2005, ISBN 3-934647-79-0 .
  • Michael Berg: Become like God. Kabbalah and the true destiny of man. Hans-Nietsch-Verlag, Freiburg 2005, ISBN 3-934647-88-X .
  • Sven F. Goergens: The common thread. By selling out a Jewish philosophy, the Kabbalah Center captivates celebrities and ordinary people . In: Focus 25/14. June 2004.
  • Julia Goldman: Kabbalah in Kalamazoo. Like yoga and feng shui, Jewish mysticism is part of New Age spirituality. Is it good for America and for the Jews? In: The Jewish Week June 1, 2004, ( http://www.thejewishweek.com) ./

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Kabbalah Center Germany Austria Switzerland . Kabbalah Center Berlin. Retrieved October 24, 2012.
  2. ↑ With the reference that the - albeit voluntary - tithing promises blessings for givers, various churches, groups and sects - including Christian ones - refer to Prov 3,9-10 and Mal 3,10-11 , among other things .

Web links