The Education of a Kabbalist

My teacher, Rav Brandwein, led me into his private study. He told me he had something important to tell me and wanted me to pay close attention. He closed his eyes for a moment to focus his thoughts, which he often did when he was concentrating. "Once, Rav Ashlag told me that someone would appear who would explain his books completely and perfectly; so perfectly, that he would bring everyone back to spirituality. And I have decided that person is you." Rav Brandwein held my gaze firmly. I couldn't look away. What he had just told me was hard to believe, and yet his words had been clear and unmistakable. "Your gift and your duty," he said, "is to explain the Kabbalah in such a way that all people can easily understand it. You have earned this gift with your devotion and faithfulness. I want you to accept it and use it." With these words, Rav Berg received the honor and responsibility of bringing the ancient wisdom of Kabbalah to the world. As a faithful disciple of Rav Yehuda Tzvi Brandwein, undoubtedly the greatest Kabbalist of his time, Rav Berg became familiar with the brilliant ideas, absolute dedication, and good heart of his teacher, but he never expected that the mantle of a centuries-old spiritual tradition would be placed upon his shoulders.

My teacher, Rav Brandwein, led me into his private study. He told me he had something important to tell me and wanted me to pay close attention. He closed his eyes for a moment to focus his thoughts, which he often did when he was concentrating. "Once, Rav Ashlag told me that someone would appear who would explain his books completely and perfectly; so perfectly, that he would bring everyone back to spirituality. And I have decided that person is you." Rav Brandwein held my gaze firmly. I couldn't look away. What he had just told me was hard to believe, and yet his words had been clear and unmistakable. "Your gift and your duty," he said, "is to explain the Kabbalah in such a way that all people can easily understand it. You have earned this gift with your devotion and faithfulness. I want you to accept it and use it." With these words, Rav Berg received the honor and responsibility of bringing the ancient wisdom of Kabbalah to the world. As a faithful disciple of Rav Yehuda Tzvi Brandwein, undoubtedly the greatest Kabbalist of his time, Rav Berg became familiar with the brilliant ideas, absolute dedication, and good heart of his teacher, but he never expected that the mantle of a centuries-old spiritual tradition would be placed upon his shoulders.