Some eight months ago, I posted about a one-day trip out to Boston to take part in the shooting of a video about the Kabbalah Centre. I’ve been a student of Kabbalah for a couple of years now, and I have found it has enhanced and enriched my faith life as a Christian. I don’t blog much about the intersection of Kabbalah and Christianity because, rather obviously, my blogging interests revolve largely around Christianity and feminism. I’m also aware that the "media hype" around the Kabbalah Centre (and the celebrities who study there) makes it difficult for people to avoid being dismissive of the valuable work that is done within that community.
Anyhow, the video is finally done. Here’s the link. It runs about 24 minutes, and you can stream it or download a higher quality version. I appear a couple of times in the program, as do many folks who are close and dear to my wife and to me. Though it may raise as many questions as it answers, if you’re curious about Kabbalah, taking less than half an hour to watch this video may be well worth your while.
And because this is a blog that quite a few folks read (for which I am grateful) let me say the obvious: my opinions on this blog, in all of my posts, are my own. I’m fairly certain that my words only very occasionally represent the views of my family, Pasadena City College, All Saints Episcopal Church, the Kabbalah Centre, the Team Blarney running club, The Matilde Mission, the Cal Alumni Association, or any other organization with which I am affiliated. If you don’t like what I’ve got to say, blame me — not the communities in which I work, worship, study, volunteer and exercise.
And in some rare Saturday night linkage, check out what Amanda’s got to say about the Ukrainian bride trip I posted about earlier this week. Also, read what Lynn has to say about men, modesty and self-control: topics I’ve been on a lot lately — and will be addressing yet again soon.
I must agree with you about Kabbalah and celebrities. The media coverage of Madonna doesn’t paint this faith in the best light. I feel like that affiliation may take a bit away from the people’s perception of Kabbalah..
I’ve been doing some research on Kabbala after viewing the video. I have made some important discoveries and observations. This is a really fabulous tool. Thank you for letting us share in the video.
Haven’t had a chunk of time to view the video, but I’m interested in your comment a couple of posts back that “we’ve entered the three most negative weeks of the year, culminating on Tisha B’Av.” Can you send me some information about that? I go into a spiritual and emotional tailspin this time of year. I always thought it’s because my husband died on August 11 (1993–I’m remarried now), and the grief is seasonal. Maybe there’s more to it than that.(hansonkathyATmacDOTcom)
Kathy, roughly this time corresponds to the anniversary of the destruction of the Temple — but some folks believe it is also a time of intense negative energy. You’d need to contact the Kabbalah Centre for more specific answers. Perhaps start here: http://www.kabbalah.com/k/index.php/p=life/astrology/leo
Thanks, I will do that.