Practical Kabbalah: A Guide to Jewish Wisdom for Everyday Life

Kabbalah is the ancient Jewish wisdom that unlocks the secrets of the universe and allows us to reach our full potential. In this volume, Rabbi Laibl Wolf explains how the basics of Kabbalah and how we can use it to create balance in our lives and relationships and further our goals. He begins by explaining the roots of Kabbalah with the Hebrew patriarch Abraham, and it's similarities with Hinduism and Buddhism. Explaining that some of Abraham's sons migrated from the Land of Israel to India. In Brahman Indus means the |"other sider"- the Ivri! (Hebrew). Furthermore the Deity BRAHMAN, is simply a rearrangement of the basic letters of the father's name ABRAHAM. Abraham's great grandson Ashurim said to have created the spiritual commune known as the ashram". The author explains the blueprint of the Cosmos and who the kabbalists are before introducing the ten sefirot, the ten divine attributes that manifest through the four "worlds" or "realms" called Olamot, and which actualize the lowest Olam as the ten aspects of personality consisting of mind and emotion. He examines each of the ten sefirot (attributes) we need for balance and fulfilment. These are Chochma- wisdom Bina- understanding Da'at- knowledge Hessed- kindness Gevurah- strength Tiferet- The beauty of balance Netzach- connection Hod- empathy Yesod- determination and dedication and Malchut- sovereignty, and the combination of the other nine sefirot into one. The book includes meditations and words by luminaries such as Deepak Chopra and the Dalai Lama, explaining how their insight into ancient wisdom fits in with the wisdom of kabbalah and therefore ultimately Judaism. It provides a blueprint for fulfillment, understanding and living life to the full, all through a meaningful connection with the Creator.

Rabbi Wolf begins with an overview and his credentials...he is a disciple of Rebbe Schneerson and a lifelong student of Judaism and Kabbalah. This is important to know when you see how many phony 'experts' there are on Kabbalah. He also writes about the history of Jewish mysticism and points out where there is controversy. Then he dealves into the structure of the Kabbalistic 'universe' the ten Sefirot flowing through four worlds. He offers meditations and exercises to enhance one's understanding of the concepts. He describes them in psychological terms, but reassures the reader that these concepts are infinitely large and infinitely small. Halfway through the book I was inspired to purchase several more books on the subject. That is the best recommendation I can give

Anyone who can take the complex and convoluted body of Jewish Mystical teachings and create a very readable and accessible work that you can put into practice in your daily life deserves praise. I found the history and correspondences with Eastern mysticism interesting.

While this book isn't an exhaustive dive into Judaism's complex mystical books of Zohar and Tanya, it's a refreshing dip into the basics, in a useful and practical form. This is an ambitious project, and Wolf delivers what he promises.

Without diminishing its grandeur, Laibl Wolf has brought the basic teachings of the Kabbalah into the real world. I think this book is a must-read for anyone who has the slightest interest in Jewish mysticism. A fascinating read.