Spirituality: Destruction from Within. By Asher Meza

Spirituality: Destruction from Within. By Asher Meza

There is a way which seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. (Proverbs 16:25)
In this article you can use the words Mysticism, Kabbalah and Spirituality interchangeably.

Spirituality is present in almost every aspect of Jewish life. From the blessings we recite, to the Holidays we keep and even the types clothing we wear, spirituality is used to justify an array of modern day Jewish practices.
However, can Spirituality be a danger in disguise? Claiming to bind us with the infinite but actually separating us from the biblical?
I will confront the issue; “does spirituality make you a better individual?

Before religious Jews commit themselves to a ritual, he or she must first ask themselves:
1. What are its Origins (Biblical or Not)?
2. Does it improve my relationship with others?
3. Does it improve my Relationship with G-d?
4. Does it ultimately make the world a better place (Tikkun Olam)?

It’s Origins.

The earliest possible form of kabbalah was practiced by the Essenes found in the area of the Dead Sea around 500 BCE to about 200 BCE. These celibate mystics believed in the power of personal vision and prophetic gifts. They practiced astrology; divination simple forms of magic and other Persian influenced beliefs as well as what has come to be known as Merkava Mysticism. They believed that through their practices they could reach the very throne of God.

The reader should be aware that there is no biblical word for what we call spirituality.

What is Spirituality good for?

From a biblical standpoint Spirituality has been absent through the most significant parts of Jewish history and yet the Jewish and even non Jewish people regard it as a precept of the faith.

How is Spirituality harmful?
To be Spiritual is to look within. The Torah teaches to look outside of ourselves.
It is to look for deeper meanings in traditional interpretations, through this method, almost any teaching that one desires could be “found” in Scripture.
It is relying on the irrational to solve problems rather than ambitious actions.
It attempts to force the hand of G-d, making him act out of season.
It places belief in Amulets and phrases rather than Morality and ethics.

Jewish Mysticism today.

The modern day Jewish Mystical experience is not self sustaining as a movement, clearly seen by those who live it in the Jewish world today.
These men put all their responsibilities on the shoulders of a coming Messiah, who would ultimately bail them out.

These Individuals usually live off Charity or in the case of the Neo Jewish Mystic, which can not be told apart from their Hippie counterpart, put no significance on the external but live insular lives.

Common Mystical Jewish Practices
Followers commonly believe that drinking mystical water can cure cancer or that the wearing of the red string bracelet protects against the evil eye.

Particularly important to Modern day followers is the uttering of forbidden names of various angels or even, at the ultimate, the unmentionable name of G-d. The use of language is extended to various formulas and the manipulation of words – very much like magical spells.
One area that sets them apart from Biblical Jews is the deep, almost pagan veneration of the dead. This is displayed by the practice of praying at Grave sites and in the lighting of candles for the dead.

Does it improve my relationship with others?
Most Synagogue attendees can attest to certain a-social behaviors that those who claim to be spiritually inclined perform.
Such As:
The yelling out during prayers.
The jumping up and down.
Dressing in uncommon outfits.
The dancing around in circles.
And the additional radical rituals adopted into the service.

We were placed on earth to make it a better place, not to rise above it.
The trap of becoming too heavenly good that we are no Earthly good is the path that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.
We must view life not as a spiritual quest but rather as an attempt to better it for others, through acts of goodness will we truly see the face of G-d.