Jewish Kabbalah
Kabbalah (often referred to as Jewish Mysticism) is one of the most amusingly misunderstood aspects of Judaism. The study of Kabbalah by those not of Jewish decent was first popularized during the Renaissance and Enlightenment periods. Pseudo-Christian intellectuals reinterpreted its doctrines to fit in with and support their dogma. (Wow, that sounded a bit vindictive. My apologies.) In more recent times Kabalistic symbols and symbolism have been taken out of context for use in New Age philosophies and practices of which they were never originally even remotely related to such as Tarot reading, generalized witchcraft and a pop-psychology philosophy popularized by a numerous celebrities.
To study real Kabbalah, one would have to meet certain and specific requirements. Which include (but are not limited to) having completed study of and/or demonstrating knowledge in written and oral Torah, being over the age of 40, being male (nowadays this is only an Orthodox requirement), being accepted by a teacher who is a master of Kabbalah and most importantly of all… YOU MUST BE JEWISH!
Someone who has not studied the Torah (or even have a basic knowledge of it) would not be able to understand Kabbalah as it is an extension of the teachings within the Torah. The age requirement is more of a maturity requirement when one really gets down to it. Age is not always an indication of maturity, however, it is safe to say that by the age of 40 most people have finally become responsible adults (though, this is not always the case). An immature person can neither understand and comprehend Kabbalah, nor can they put them to proper use. Many Orthodox and Chasidic Jews believe that, according to the Chabad, Kabbalah can be dangerous if not learned with the guidance of a properly taught and qualified master. For this reason, one cannot just pick up a book with “Kabbalah” written across its cover and learn.
