I took an interest in this religion, it has been in the news with celebrities taking up its cause, but that is not why it has piqued my interest. It is the bits of useful guidance, such as below, that has ignited my interest in Kabbalah. Worry not, the Catholic church is not losing a member, just gaining a more enlightened member. If this has appeared on this board before, my apologies. Below is a constructive example of how to deal with something we all must deal with at some time in our lives...death.

All the best,

Millerbeach


A man once made the long journey to his teacher to bring him sad news: The man had a son whose medical condition had become grave, and doctors had given up hope. Without his teacher's intercession, the son would surely die. Is there anything you can do to help?

The master began to pray and meditate, trying everything in his power, but after hours of effort, he turned sadly to his student. I'm sorry, he said, but the gates of heaven are closed. There is nothing I can do for your son.

The man was desolate. He got on his horse and began traveling home. As evening fell, he heard a horse galloping behind him. He turned around and saw his master. Immediately, he thought perhaps the master had been able to open up the gates of heaven after all.

What's the news? he asked eagerly. I'm sorry, said the master, the gates of heaven are still closed. But after you left, I realized that even if I cannot help you with my prayers and meditations, at least I can cry with you. That is why I have come.

The two men sat together on a rock by the side of the road and wept.

Just to let you know, technically Kabbalah is not a religion, it is the mystical branch of Judiasm... the celebrities of late are making a laughing stock of the traditional values and rules of Kabbalah.. and by the way, the correct pronounciation has the accent on the last syllable.

And don't forget that the majority of the writings used are actually writings from the 1500's to the late 1700's. I personally say that if you need to affirmation from writings such as these to help you maintain a healthy emotional life, go for it. Just don't blindly follow without a history or knowledge of what something is.

We just talked about this in my Jewish History class last week. It's amazing how far off the current celebrity fad version is from the actual version (and the actual version is a lot more interesting if you ask me.)

Thank you David-Miami for the correct pronunciation. How did you know I had mispronounced it?

Be sure and read the book THE KABBALAH TREE by transsexual author RACHEL POLLACK. Its a great rread.