Kabbalah: Difference between revisions

When Rabbi Yechezkel Ashlag passed before the Rebbe during dollar distribution and asked him to sign a proclamation that all Jewish people should study Kabbalah to bring the redemption - the Rebbe responded that it's accepted in Chabad that Chabad Chassidus is built on Kabbalistic foundations, but in a method of Chochmah, Binah, Daas, and therefore one who studies Chabad teachings also learns Kabbalah. When the Rav repeated his request, the Rebbe replied that as a grandson of the Alter Rebbe, he cannot sign a note saying one needs to study Kabbalah, as it might imply that one doesn't fulfill their obligation through Chabad teachings. When the Rav brought proof from the Alter Rebbe's language that writes "the Baal Shem Tov's words according to the Arizal's Kabbalah," suggesting that learning Chassidus isn't actually Kabbalah, the Rebbe responded that since the Alter Rebbe writes explicitly in another Igeres HaKodesh, he couldn't have contradicted himself elsewhere.

Nevertheless, there were Chabad Chassidim in the past who also engaged directly in studying Kabbalah. Particularly known was the Gaon and Chassid Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson, the Rebbe's father (who wrote many books based on Kabbalah, of which only a few reached us). Also known as an expert in Kabbalah was Rabbi Menachem Zev Greenglass, who was a mashpia in Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim Montreal, Canada, and may he be separated for life, Rabbi Yitzchak Ginsburgh, head of Od Yosef Chai Yeshiva.

== For Further Reading: ==

Menachem Bronfman, The Kabbalists and the Rebbe, Kfar Chabad Weekly Issue 1926 page 123

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