About Bnei Baruch
Bnei Baruch is an Israel based group of Kabbalists, sharing the wisdom of Kabbalah with the entire world. Study materials are offered in over 20 languages, based on authentic Kabbalah texts that were passed down from generation to generation.
History and Origin
Rav Michael Laitman, professor of Ontology and the theory of knowledge, PhD in Philosophy, and MS in medical cybernetics, established Bnei Baruch in 1991, following the passing of his teacher, Rabbi Baruch Shalom HaLevi Ashlag (The Rabash). Rav Laitman named his group Bnei Baruch (sons of Baruch) to commemorate the memory of his mentor, whose side he never left in the final 12 years of Ashlag’s life, from 1979 to 1991. Rav Laitman was Ashlag’s prime student, personal assistant, and is recognized as the successor of Ashlag’s teaching method.The Rabash is the firstborn son and successor of the greatest Kabbalist of the 20th century, Rabbi Yehuda Leib HaLevi Ashlag. Rabbi Yehuda Ashlag is author of the most authoritative and comprehensive commentary on The Book of Zohar—The Sulam (Ladder) Commentary The Zohar. Rabbi Ashlag was the first to reveal the complete method for spiritual ascent. This is also the reason for Ashlag’s epithet, Baal HaSulam (Owner of the Ladder).Bnei Baruch bases its entire study method on the path paved by these great spiritual leaders.
The Study Method
The unique study method developed by Baal HaSulam and his son the Rabash is taught by Bnei Baruch and applied on a daily basis. This method relies on authentic Kabbalah sources such as Rabbi Shimon Bar-Yochai’s The Book of Zohar, the Ari’s The Tree of Life, and Baal HaSulam’s The Study of the Ten SefirotWhile the study relies on authentic Kabbalah sources, it is carried out in simple language, and with a scientific and contemporary approach. Developing this approach has made Bnei Baruch an internationally recognized organization in education and highly respected throughout Israel.The unique combination of an academic study method alongside personal experiences broadens the students’ perspective and awards them a new perception of the reality they live in. The study method equips those on the spiritual path with emotional tools that enable them to research themselves and their surrounding reality.
The Message
Bnei Baruch is a diverse movement of many thousands of students worldwide. Each student chooses his or her own path and intensity, according to one’s personal conditions and abilities.In recent years, the group has grown into a movement engaged in voluntary educational projects, presenting genuine Kabbalah sources in contemporary language. The essence of the message disseminated by Bnei Baruch is unity of the people, unity of nations and love of man.The wisdom of Kabbalah, hidden for millennia, is now stepping out. It has been waiting for the time when we would be sufficiently developed and prepared to implement its message. Hence, today it is emerging as a message and a solution that can unite the factions in and between the nations and bring us all, as individuals and as a society, a far better future.
Bnei Baruch Activities
Bnei Baruch has been established on the basis of Baal HaSulam’s motto that “only by expansion of the wisdom of Kabbalah in the public we will be awarded complete redemption.” Therefore, Bnei Baruch offers a variety of means for people to explore and discover the purpose of their lives, providing careful guidance for beginners and advanced alike.
Kabbalah Paper
The Kabbalah paper, Kabbalah Today, is produced and disseminated by Bnei Baruch on a monthly basis. It is apolitical, non-commercial, and written in a clear and contemporary style. Its purpose is to expose the vast body of knowledge hidden in the wisdom of Kabbalah at no cost and in the clearest possible manner.The paper is distributed gratis in all the major U.S. cities, as well as in Toronto (Canada), London (England), and Sydney (Australia). Kabbalah Today, is printed in English, Hebrew, and Russian. It is also available on the Internet:· English: Kabbalah Today. · Hebrew: Kabbalah LaAm. · Russian: Kabbalah Today. Additionally, the paper is sent to subscribed readers at delivery cost only. Bnei Baruch homepage, www.kabbalah.info, presents the authentic wisdom of Kabbalah using essays, books, and original texts. The site also contains an extensive and unique library for thorough exploration of the wisdom, as well as a media archive, www.kabbalahmedia.info, containing more than 5,000 media items, downloadable books, and a vast reservoir of texts, video and audio files in many languages. All material is available for free download.
Kabbalah Television
Bnei Baruch established a production company, ARI Films (www.arifilms.tv) specializing in production of educational TV programs throughout the world and in many languages.In Israel, Bnei Baruch broadcasts are aired live on channels 25 (cable) and 98 (satellite) Sunday through Friday. All broadcasts on these channels are free of charge. The programs on these channels are specially adapted for beginners and do not require prior knowledge. This convenient learning process is complemented by programs featuring Rav Laitman’s meetings with publicly known figures in Israel and throughout the world.Additionally, ARI Films produces educational series on DVDs, documentaries and other visual teaching aids.
Kabbalah Lectures
Bnei Baruch recently opened a new study center in Israel called, Beit Kabbalah Laam (Kabbalah for the People House). The venue comprises two halls: a large hall for public lectures and a small hall for various Kabbalah lessons in smaller groups. Lessons and lectures take place in the mornings and evenings, and introduce various topics, explained according to authentic Kabbalah sources in a manner suitable for both beginners and advanced.
Kabbalah Books
Rav Laitman writes his books in a clear and contemporary style, based on the key concepts of Baal HaSulam. Today, these books serve as a vital “link” between readers and the original texts. All of Laitman’s books are available for free download.
Kabbalah Lessons
As Kabbalists have been doing for centuries, Rav Laitman gives a daily lesson at the Bnei Baruch center in Israel between 3:15-6:00AM Israel time. The lessons are simultaneously translated into six languages: English, Russian, Spanish, German, Italian, and Turkish. In the near future, broadcasts will also be translated into French, Greek, Polish, and Portuguese. As with everything else, the live broadcast is provided gratis to thousands of students worldwide.
Funding
Bnei Baruch is a non-profit organization for teaching and sharing the wisdom of Kabbalah. To maintain its independence and purity of intentions, Bnei Baruch is not supported, funded or otherwise tied to any government or political organization. Since the bulk of its activity is provided free of charge, the prime source of funding for the group’s activities is donations, tithing—contributed by students on a voluntary basis—and Rav Laitman’s books, which are sold at cost.