In this week’s parsha, Mishpatim, we read that the 70 elders of Israel “gazed upon God and ate and drank” (Shemos 24:10-11). According to Rashi, they were actually deserving of death for their lack of proper reverence, yet Hashem withheld their punishment so as not to mar the joyous moment of Matan Torah. The verse mysteriously reads, “and under God’s feet was the likeness of sapphire brickwork, and it was like the essence of Heaven in purity.” What are we to make of this? How important is it to understand esoteric Kabbalistic concepts such as this?
The Gemara in Chagigah (13a) warns us against spending too much time studying the mysteries of the universe. It is even stated that Ezekial’s prophecy regarding the seven heavens and the various categories of angels, Chayot and Seraphim (Ezekial 1:22) should not be analyzed by the average man. The book of Ben Sira is quoted as stating, “Do not ponder things that are beyond your comprehension and do not contemplate things that are hidden from you.”
The Gemara (Chagigah 14b) exemplifies this with a famous story of the four rabbis who were able to enter Paradise while alive. “Ben Azzai gazed towards the Shechina and died. Ben Zoma gazed at the Shechina and went mad. Akher became an apostate. Rabbi Akiva was the only one who entered whole and came out whole.” R’ Akiva did not gaze at the Shechina. The Maharsha explains that R’ Akiva did not try to go past his limits and try to perceive things that were beyond the limits of his comprehension. Because of this he was spared.
Another telling story is found in the Talmud (Sanhedrin 38b), where Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai warns his students not to explore the secrets of Creation beyond their understanding. One of his disciples, Rabbi Eliezer, expressed a desire to expound upon the “Work of the Chariot” (Maaseh Merkavah), the deepest mystical teachings. Rabbi Yochanan responded by stating that even speaking about such matters could be dangerous. Indeed, when another Sage, Rabbi Chanina bar Papa, once attempted to explain these teachings in public, a fire descended from Heaven, threatening to consume him. This served as a clear sign that such wisdom must be approached with great caution.
People can exceed the limits of their comprehension once they begin studying the esoterica of mystical concepts. The Zohar and other Kabbalistic works stress that without a firm grounding in Torah, Halacha and ethical living, delving into the hidden mysteries of the universe can lead a person astray. Many who lacked the proper foundations have gone “off the derech” because their incomplete understanding of mystical concepts led them to erroneous conclusions. This is why the study of Kabbalah was traditionally restricted until the age of 40, when a person has developed enough maturity and Torah knowledge to approach it responsibly.
Other religions may emphasize mystical concepts and glorify what happens after death. The Catholics look forward to the rapture, and radical Muslims may look forward to being a martyr so that they can meet their allotted 72 virgins in Heaven.
R’ Abner Weiss points out that Judaism, on the other hand, is a life-affirming faith. The Torah states, “Therefore choose life” (Devarim 30:19.) We are adjured to fulfill our destinies and pay attention to life here on Earth. We should be careful not to get too caught up with what happens afterwards. That is why the Kabbalah and other esoteric works are typically not studied in detail by the average Jewish person.
May Hashem grant us wisdom and understanding to focus on fulfilling our destinies here on Earth, dedicating ourselves to Torah, mitzvot and the elevation of this world in service of the divine. Let us strive for balance—seeking knowledge but knowing our limits, yearning for closeness to Hashem while staying firmly rooted in the reality of this world.
Rabbi Dr. Avi Kuperberg is a forensic, clinical psychologist and a member of the American Psychology-Law Society. He is the coordinator of Bikur Cholim/Chesed at Congregation Torah Ohr in Boca Raton, Florida. He can be reached at [email protected].
