Video: Decoding the Past - Secrets of the Kabbalah

Summary:

Today, the study of Kabbalah has become a multimillion-dollar celebrity endorsed empire. Stars like Madonna, Britney Spears, Demi Moore and Mick Jagger have been reported to have wholeheartedly embraced this modified strain of Jewish mysticism.

However, historians argue that the Kabbalah of Hollywood's bracelet brandishing elite is a pale imitation of the centuries-old mystical practice. The authenticity of the ‘Kabbalah Centre’, which is fast becoming a hip Hollywood hangout, is increasingly being questioned by traditional religious leaders and scholars. They disapprove of the centre’s open door policy, which allows non-Jews and women to study its teachings, further arguing that the organisation has commercialised Kabbalah.

On the other hand, the proponents of this re-jigged religion argue that their organisation provides useful spiritual guidance, helping its members to deal with the pressured pace of modern life. Furthermore, the system is user friendly and accessible to anyone, regardless of religion, race or gender.

In this documentary, we peer behind this passionate polemic to uncover the true secrets of the Kabbalah. Neither modern fad nor ancient superstition, it is a great and complex philosophy rooted in thousands of years of rich history. It challenges its practitioners to unravel deep existential questions; its followers strive to understand God, the soul, the structure of the universe, the afterlife, and even the meaning of human existence.

(1 hour)