BNEI BARUCH KABBALAH ACADEMY

Global Course 2026/27

Fundamentals of the Wisdom of Kabbalah — Full Course Syllabus

Course Overview

This foundational program introduces students to the authentic wisdom of Kabbalah through the original teachings of Rav Yehuda Ashlag (Baal HaSulam), Rav Baruch Shalom Ha-Levi Ashlag (Rabash), and the explanations of Rav Dr. Michael Laitman.

The course explores key Kabbalistic concepts, the purpose of creation, the nature of the soul, perception of reality, spiritual laws, group work, and practical inner development — based on authentic sources.

Course Objectives

Students will:

1. Learn the basic concepts of authentic Kabbalah.
2. Become familiar with primary Kabbalistic sources.
3. Understand the path toward spiritual attainment.
4. Discover the relevance of Kabbalah in today’s global reality.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the program, students will:

1. Understand and define key Kabbalah terms and principles.
2. Know how to read and relate to authentic Kabbalah texts.
3. Gain tools for personal spiritual development.
4. Receive answers to fundamental questions about life’s purpose.

PART I: Basic Concepts in the Wisdom of Kabbalah

Week 1

The Fundamental Laws of Human Nature

1. What drives human nature?
2. Where do thoughts and desires come from?
3. The basic building blocks of creation: the will to receive pleasure.
4. Why study authentic Kabbalah, and why is it especially relevant today?

Week 2

The Essence of the Wisdom of Kabbalah

1. The Thought of Creation and its purpose.
2. Coincidence or design — is there a guiding system behind reality?
3. Key concepts: Light, Kli (vessel), Creator, point in the heart, nature.
4. Introduction to authentic Kabbalah sources.

Week 3

The Three-Axis Model

1. The structured process of creation according to the wisdom of Kabbalah.
2. The evolution of human desire throughout history.
3. “The advantage of light over darkness” — its meaning and the spiritual law it reveals.
4. How we begin to sense and enter the spiritual world.

Week 4

Perception of Reality

1. Is what we perceive with the five senses the full reality?
2. Why is Kabbalah called “a hidden wisdom”?
3. Scientific developments and shifts in human perception.
4. The hidden law of intention.
5. The law of equivalence of form.

Week 5

The Power of Kabbalah Texts

1. The language of branches and roots.
2. What is the “spiritual force” within Kabbalah texts?
3. How study awakens the spiritual soul and fulfills one’s purpose.
4. The four languages used in Kabbalah texts — differences and meaning.

Week 6

History & Transmission of Kabbalah

1. Who is a Kabbalist?
2. Key milestones in the development of Kabbalah.
3. The connection between human history and spiritual evolution.
4. How authentic Kabbalah is transmitted across generations.

Week 7

Freedom of Choice

1. Does free choice exist? If so — in what exactly?
2. The four factors in human development.
3. The role of one’s environment in spiritual growth.
4. “Everything is foreseen and permission is given” — meaning and context.

Week 8

Body, Soul & Reincarnation

1. What is the soul according to Kabbalah?
2. Concepts: body, mind, soul and reincarnation — how do they relate?
3. The spiritual system of Adam HaRishon.
4. The “shattering” and the meaning of the story of the ‘Tree of Knowledge’.

Week 9

The Uniqueness of Kabbalah

1. What distinguishes authentic Kabbalah from other spiritual traditions and teachings?
2. Core principles and the uniqueness of the Kabbalah method.

Week 10

From Shattering to Correction

1. The soul of Adam HaRishon, its shattering, and its correction.
2. How our spiritual work relates to the soul of Adam HaRishon.

Week 11

First Full Text Study Session: “There Is None Else Besides Him” — Foundations of Inner Work

1. Guided study of Baal HaSulam’s Shamati, Article No. 1: “There Is None Else Besides Him”.
2. Core principles of inner spiritual work according to authentic Kabbalah.
3. How to relate correctly to life’s challenges and build a proper attitude toward reality.

Week 12

Discovering The Book of Zohar

1. Why The Book of Zohar is considered the most powerful Kabbalah text.
2. The inspiring story of how it was written and revealed.
3. Understanding the Sulam (Ladder) commentary of Rav Yehuda Ashlag (Baal HaSulam).
4. Exploring our special study edition: “Zohar for All” that opens the “Book of Zohar” to everyone.
5. Reading together from the “Introduction of The Book of Zohar”.

Week 13

“The Study of the Ten Sefirot” — The Blueprint of the Creation

1. Introduction to the foundational work of Baal HaSulam, The Study of the Ten. Sefirot, a comprehensive commentary on the writings of the ARI (Rabbi Isaac Luria).
2. Examination of the Ten Sefirot and their function within the structure of creation.
3. Clarifying the concept of the soul and the process of constructing the spiritual vessel (Kli) for its revelation.
4. Guided reading and engagement with selected excerpts from The Study of the Ten Sefirot.

Week 14

“I Shall See an Opposite World” — Inner Meaning of Torah Stories

1. The connection between Kabbalah and Torah stories.
2. Revealing the spiritual meaning behind biblical narratives.
3. Practical examples through the lens of inner work.

Week 15

Prayer in Kabbalah — The Inner Request

1. What is “prayer” in the language of Kabbalah?
2. How does it differ from conventional prayer?
3. The three conditions of prayer according to Baal HaSulam.
4. Using prayer as a practical tool for spiritual advancement.

Week 16

Kabbalah Music

PART II: The Structure of the Upper Worlds

Weeks 17-21

The Structure of the Upper Worlds

1. The Thought of Creation
2. The Four Phases of Direct Light
3. The Concept of the Masakh (Screen)
4. The Five Worlds
5. The Ten Sefirot

Based on the "Preface to the Wisdom of Kabbalah" by Baal HaSulam

PART III: Kabbalah Group

Week 22

Path of Light vs. Path of Suffering — Choosing Life

1. Spiritual progress through conscious choice, not suffering.
2. The necessity of a supportive spiritual environment.
3. How to build and sustain the right environment.

Week 23

“We Have Gathered Here” — Building a Spiritual Society (Based on Rabash’s article “The Purpose of Society”)

1. What makes a spiritual group unique.
2. Rules and principles of spiritual group work.
3. Creating the conditions for collective inner growth.

Week 24

Rabash "The Purpose of Society - 2"

Week 25

The Teacher in Kabbalah — Role, Attitude & Transmission

1. Who is a true Kabbalah teacher?
2. What does it mean to be a student of a Kabbalist?
3. How is spiritual knowledge transmitted?

Week 26

Introduction to the Concept of the “Ten”

1. Examination of practical spiritual work within the framework of a Ten, the foundational unit of collective spiritual practice in Kabbalah.
2. Definition of the concept of the “Ten” and its origins in the sources.
3. Introduction to the key principles and attitudes for working together in a Ten.

Week 27-33

The Principles of Connection in the Ten

Week 34

Love of Friends

Week 35

Learning to See the Friend’s Merits Above His Flaws

Week 36

“The Main Thing Is the Intention”

Week 37

The Global Bnei Baruch Organization

1. From a small study group to a global movement.
2. Introduction to the worldwide community of students.

Weeks 38–42

Preparation for the World Kabbalah Convention

1. Understanding the spiritual meaning of the Convention.
2. How to prepare internally and as a group.
3. Setting intentions and expectations for participation.

Week 43

After the Convention — Integration & Roadmap

1. Reflecting on spiritual impressions from the convention.
2. Clarifying personal insights and questions.
3. Roadmap and intention for the second semester.

Week 44

The Importance of the Spiritual Framework

Week 45

Opening the Heart for the Lesson: Working with Authentic Kabbalah Texts

Week 46

Dissemination of the Wisdom of Kabbalah

Week 47

Course Completion & Transition to Advanced Study

1. Course summary and personal reflection on the learning journey.
2. Introduction to the Bnei Baruch learning community and the advanced Ten-based studies
3. Warm welcome to the Global Bnei Baruch Community!

Advanced Studies: Growing Together in the Bnei Baruch Learning Community

This program advances the practical application of authentic Kabbalah. Participants deepen their understanding of the core principles studied in the introductory curriculum and develop the capacity to implement them in daily life and interpersonal relationships.

Program Activities

1. Systematic study of key writings of Baal HaSulam and Rabash.
2. Guided experiential exercises in group work and connection.
3. Application of Kabbalistic principles to everyday situations.
4. Gradual development of a supportive, growth-oriented environment.

Learning Objectives

Through ongoing participation, students will:

1. Acquire proficiency in applying essential tools for spiritual development.
2. Gain confidence in reading and working with primary Kabbalistic texts.
3. Develop experiential skills in inner work and collective practice.
4. Strengthen the qualities and attitudes required for participation in a spiritual ‘Ten’.