AboutBob Waxman, M.A. Expertise Please ask any question relating to the universal aspects of Kabbalah or comparisons between unitive consciousness and the ancient wisdom of Kabbalah. Also, you are welcome to ask questions concerning Comparative Mysticism and Inter-Spirituality. Other areas of special interest are: 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, and have been teaching since 1999. Classes include: Kabbalah According To The Scholars, (Scholem, Kaplan & Tisby), Comparative Kabbalah, and Universal Kabbalah. Thousands have attended these classes over the years. Additionally, (4) on-going classes in Sarasota, FL, and many private students by phone. Guest speaking presentations are given throughout the year. Please see current biography at: http://www.bobwaxman.com
Organizations President of The Open Center.
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: http://www.robertwaxman.org for more articles.
Education/Credentials Two B.A.'s from The American University in Philosophy and Psychology; M.A. from Skidmore College in Comparative Religion; currently working on Ph.D in Human Sciences at Saybrook Graduate College. Also, graduated from 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.
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.
Question Can a 16 year old guy benefit from the study of Kabbalah?
Answer Hi Sam,
The answer is yes.
Any individual of any age, color, religion, sex, or nationality can learn from the timeless wisdom of Kabbalah. I wish that I had started studying this subject when I was sixteen.
You may hear that Kabbalah should only be studied by Jewish males over forty. This was true among certain Jewish sects before 1500 C.E., but today ANYONE can study Kabbalah. In fact, one of the most famous Kabbalists, Rabbi Isaac Luria, started studying Kabbalah (The Zohar) when he was twenty-two, "About the age of twenty-two years old, he became engrossed in the study of the Zohar, a major work of the Kabbalah that had recently been printed for the first time, and adopted the life of a recluse." So, I will stress again that Kabbalah is not just for Jewish people, and can be studied by people of ALL faiths and denominations. The first proposition in Kabbalah is to practice unity, compassion, and universal love. Kabbalah is truly for everyone!
You may want to start your studies with a very readable book, such as "God Is A Verb" by Rabbi David Cooper (and his next book, "Ecstatic Kabbalah" which is also excellent).
Eventually, my suggestion is to read books by authors such as Moshe Idel, who is a leading voice in Kabbalistic scholarship. His book, "New Perspectives" is one of my favorites. Try to stay away from trendy books on the subject, and read book reviews before making a purchase.
Sam, I wish you all the best and hope you'll be inspired to learn more about Kabbalah - Bob Waxman
