AboutRobert Waxman Expertise Any questions relating to ancient or modern Kabbalah, or Jewish mysticism. Also, any questions relating to comparisons between Kabbalah and other religions or philosophies. Questions about spirituality including cosmology, numerology (gematria), hidden meanings of the Bible, what happens after death, the purpose of life, the eternal validity of the soul, the importance of the inner voice and parallels with modern science.
Experience Author of "Kabbalah Simply Stated" published by Paragon House. The book is distributed in 12 countries. Author of "The Seven Fundamental Propositions of Kabbalah" and "The Power of AWE!". Studied Kabbalah with Rabbi Azriel Abraham of Jerusalem from 1985 -1998. I've been teaching Kabbalah since 1999 as a series entitled, "Kabbalah According To The Scholars" (Scholem, Kaplan & Tisby). Thousands have attended my classes over the years. I have (4) on-going classes in Sarasota, FL and many private students by phone. Many guest speaking presentations are given throughout the year. At my last speaking engagement in Greenacres, FL at Temple Beth Tikvah, over 650 people attended. Please see my current biography at: www.kabalist.com
Organizations President of The Kabbalah Education Network.
Publications (3) Books, many original articles that can be found on the internet (ezine, netterweb, searchwarp, etc.) "Beyond Madonna - Kabbalah according to the Great Scholars" and "Beyond The Da Vinci Code", see: www.robertwaxman.org for more articles.
Education/Credentials Graduate of American University in Philosophy and Psychology. Graduate work at Columbia University. Currently pursuing PhD in Philosophy of Religion. Graduate of The School of Practical Philosophy in NYC and certified by The American Seminar Leader's Association. Host of the Kabbalah WebRing on the internet.
Awards and Honors Many certificates of appreciation from various organizations where I've given presentations.
Past/Present clients Longboat Key Education Center, The Open Center, Unity of Sarasota, Center For Positive Living, (5) Jewish Community Centers in South Florida, many synogogues, churches, interfaith groups and religious/philosophical organizations.
Expert: Robert Waxman Date: 3/17/2008 Subject: being gay
Question hi there
I'm at a point in my life where I am seeking some kind of Guidance. Being interested in the study of KAbbalah, I would like to take this further. However I am a happy, gay man in a fulfilling relationship. What is the Kabbalists view on me being gay and wanting to study Kabbalah?
Answer Hi Owen,
I have received numerous emails on this subject and I'm always happy to respond to this very important question.
Kabbalah is an 'equal opportunity' philosophy. There are no restrictive rules or antiquated regulations concerning a person's sexual orientation in Kabbalistic study. Kabbalah teaches love, unity, compassion, truth within the self, and ultimately experiencing oneness with The Ain-Soph (No-Thing Without End).
I cannot find one negative word about being gay in any major Kabbalistic text, or in any book written by a world-renowned Kabbalistic scholar. It is safe to say, there are no judgments about one's race, religion, creed or sexual preference when studying Kabbalah. Anyone who tells you otherwise, is speaking from a low-level, predjudicial, divisive consciousness which only tears the world further apart, instead of bringing it back together again. In fact, one of the primary goals of Kabbalah is called 'Tikkun Olam', which means 'to repair' or 'mend' world consciousness through good deeds (mitzvot) and acceptance. The consciousness of the world cannot be mended until all peoples of all nations accept each other unconditionally (the prophets Isaiah and Zechariah underline this idea in their writings). So, Kabbalah welcomes everyone who is interested in learning about its ancient teachings and timeless wisdom.
If you are experiencing love in your life - you are very fortunate. This love will be the basis of your future happiness, contentment and success. On the Kabbalistic 'Tree of Life' (Etz Chaiim), you are experiencing Chesed-consciousness (love, compassion, mercy and kindness). It is important to balance these loving feelings with strength and judgment (Gevurah), so you can always live a life filled with illumination and beauty (Tiferet).
The guidance you are seeking exists within yourself. In Kabbalah, this guide is called 'neshamah' or the soul. It is always there to point you in the right direction - all you have to do is listen. There is an aspect of the soul that illuminates the mind (yechidah), and it can be reached through Kabbalistic meditation (kavannah). One of the goals of Kabbalah is to merge 'the higher and lower worlds' within yourself, and rediscover your inner wisdom.
Here are a few books for your consideration:
1) "God Is A Verb" by Rabbi David Cooper;
2) "Meditation and Kabbalah" by Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan;
3) "Origins of Kabbalah" by Gershom Scholem;
4) "Psychology and Kabbalah" by Z'ev ben Shimon Halevi and;
5) "Soul Prints" by Marc Gafni.
Owen, I hope this information is helpful for you, and I wish you all the best....bob waxman
