Kabbalah Season Finale: Mixed Feelings and Final Thoughts on Its Messianic Ambitions

Truths - Jewish Wisdom for Today

This episode marks the final installment in Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman's series on the Kabbalah, where he concludes his exploration of this mystical Jewish tradition. He begins by recapping the journey through the Kabbalah, focusing on the concept of Tikkun, a central theme in Kabbalistic thought, especially in the teachings of Rabbi Isaac Luria.

Tikkun, meaning repair or fixing, is explained as a cosmic process of rectifying the fragmentation that occurred during the creation. Brackman delves into the Lurianic concept of 'shvirat hakelim' (breaking of the vessels). This metaphor describes how divine light, initially contained in vessels, shattered, scattering sparks of divinity into the physical world. The Kabbalistic journey, therefore, involves identifying and elevating these sparks, facilitating a cosmic healing process that culminates in the Messianic age—a time of universal divine revelation.
He reflects on how Tikkun has influenced his life, linking personal experiences with broader Kabbalistic teachings. Brackman also discusses the impact of Kabbalah on various Jewish movements, such as Reform and Conservative Judaism, and their interpretations of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) in terms of social justice.
Brackman’s personal reflections on studying Kabbalah form a significant part of the episode. He shares his journey from Chassidut to Kabbalah through rationalism, acknowledging his preference for rational approaches while appreciating the metaphysical aspects of Kabbalah. He highlights the psychological insights offered by Kabbalah, viewing it as an introspective study that provides a deeper understanding of the human condition and the divine.
The episode also addresses the historical and cultural significance of Kabbalistic teachings, particularly their role in shaping messianic movements within Judaism. Brackman notes the psychological and communal functions of these teachings, especially during times of crisis like the Holocaust. He discusses how the Kabbalistic view of history and redemption provided hope and meaning, yet also acknowledges the dangers of unfulfilled messianic predictions.
Brackman then explores the aftermath of messianic movements, such as the Sabbatean movement and its fallout. He contemplates the implications of these movements on Jewish thought and practice, noting the potential for both positive inspiration and profound disappointment or theological crisis.
The episode transitions to Brackman’s future plans for his podcast. Moving away from mysticism, he intends to focus on a more rationalistic and practical interpretation of Judaism. He expresses a desire to explore and contrast postmodern philosophies with Judaic values, anchoring discussions in current events to provide a unique Judaic perspective on societal and cultural issues.
Brackman’s motivation for this new direction is partly driven by contemporary challenges, including rising anti-Semitism and cultural shifts in the West. He aims to contribute constructively to societal discourse by offering a values-based perspective grounded in Jewish tradition.
The episode sets the stage for the next season, promising a shift in focus towards applying rationalistic and practical Judaic principles to understand and address modern societal challenges.

Support the show

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.