Kabbalah and Torah

[David ben Shaul]

The relationship between Kabbalah and Torah is greatly misunderstood.
They are not divorced from one another. Kabbalah cannot stand without
Torah and Torah cannot stand without Kabbalah. They coexist and are
intermingled. Kabbalah is a product of the study of Torah with a
passion for HaShem.

The wisdom of Torah is Kabbalah. Thus anyone that is a serious
student and practices Torah will develop some of their own Kabbalah
and naturally “discover” that wisdom of Torah on their own. True
Torah Observance propels our mind and souls to a higher level where
Torah wisdom exist.

Unfortunately most Kabbalah is taught today is devoid of Torah or
treat it as a separate entity. Thus Kabbalah has become “a short cut”
out of studying and practicing Torah. It has become a replacement for
Torah!

A balance has to be struck between Torah and Kabbalah. How do we make
sure we are being taught a Kabbalah that is interdependent upon
Torah? Simply observe. How often is Torah mentioned in the studies?
Is Torah Observance taught and details of that observance ever
covered? If the answer is no then there is a problem. Kabbalah
should give the whys for Torah but not replace it.

His Servant,
David ben Shaul
Beit HaMenorah
www.utom.org