Staying Connected
(this is a letter I wrote to our students)
From the desk of Michael Berg
Staying Connected
Dear friend,
As The Kabbalah Centre continues to grow at an unprecedented rate, it’s important now more than ever that you are informed about the projects happening here. My intention is to write you a letter on a regular basis, letting you know about the initiatives we are working on that are leading us towards fulfilling the most important goal there is: removing pain and suffering from the world.
My hope is that this monthly letter will inspire you to continue to be a part of our mission.
Chevre Training Program
The Zohar says the only reason Rav Shimon Bar Yochai could reveal the great Light of the Zohar was because of the great unity and love that existed between his students. It is the same with The Kabbalah Centre. We have only been able to accomplish what we have because of the oneness and care amongst our chevre.
Chevre are individuals who have fully dedicated
their lives to the mission of The Kabbalah Centre
and we are blessed to have hundreds of chevre
working towards this singular Purpose.
I am inspired every day that so many people are finding The Kabbalah Centre and its teachings to be the way to make a true, lasting difference in the world. I am humbled to be a part of it.
Due to the fact that so many people are now studying Kabbalah around the world, there is an ever-increasing group of students who want to become chevre. This creates the obvious need for a more comprehensive system that will take us to the next level. That is why we are working towards creating a Kabbalah University; a place to nurture and guide chevre towards becoming the beacons of Light the world so desperately needs.
To this end, we are now starting a pilot program in Israel that will attract people who want to use Kabbalah as a way to make the world a better place. We are creating a cutting-edge training program run by Senior Kabbalah Centre Instructors and an international education professional with more than 30 years of experience in this area. I will keep you posted as the program develops.
Kabbalah Documentaries
Another exciting development is our use of film to spread the word of Kabbalah. In the past our access to the world was limited to classes and books.
But it is a new era for The Centre and we are now able to share this wisdom with as many people as possible - in the most accessible way.
A current project which is close to my heart is the creation of a documentary titled, “I Hope We Never Have to Say Goodbye.” It tells the story of my parents and teachers, Kabbalists Rav and Karen Berg, and their historic journey to bring Kabbalah to the world.
The title comes from something that happened to me when I was six years old. My family and I were traveling in Israel, making spiritual connections at holy sites. I remember awaking one night, terrified by the thoughts,
“What if we don’t finish the job? What if
immortality does not become a reality?”
I was overwhelmed by the idea of having to say goodbye to my parents. To this day, this fear motivates me to strive unrelentingly towards fulfilling the responsibility handed down to us by the kabbalists of the past.
When The Rav got sick last year, I realized it was time to tell the world his and my mother’s story. I wanted to make a film that would not only be a love story, but also a tale of two outstanding individuals in our society who have succeeded in the face of adversity. My parents’ commitment and tenacity are my guiding light in this life and I wanted to make a documentary that would inspire others as I have been inspired.
I am proud to tell you that filming is now under way!
In Conclusion…
These two initiatives are just the tip of the iceberg of all the ambitious projects here at The Kabbalah Centre. I will continue to update you in the coming months on other undertakings, as well as keep you informed on what I have already mentioned.
Finally, I would just like to express how excited I am to start this conversation with you. I truly want to hear what’s on your mind, so please feel comfortable sending emails with your thoughts and suggestions to me at michael@kabbalah.com. Keeping the communication channels open is a necessary element for improving The Centre’s collective growth and increasing your awareness of the important role you play in our community.
Blessings and Light,
Michael Berg
The Kabbalah Centre