Bat Kol

Back on July 10, I was on my way back to Connecticut for my Dad’s funeral and reading  The Way, Michael Berg’s book on the spiritual principles of the Kabbalah, subtitled Using the Wisdom of the Kabbalah for Spiritual Transformation and Fulfillment, en route.  Even though I was raised catholic, my wife and I raised our children Jewish (not that they stayed that way) and I became very comfortable with Judaism. Given my tendency toward mysticism, the Kabbalah was a short walk from traditional Judaism.  The Way is the fourth book I’ve read on the Kabbalah and, as I mentioned in Flying … Again, the most heavy-handed in terms of pushing its particular view. Still, given the nature of the trip and my past experience of finding just the bit of wisdom I need in a book that seems appear my life, I kept reading … and was rewarded.

In Chapter 6, The Twelve Spiritual Laws of the Way, I found the notion of Bat Kol, which translates from Hebrew as Voice from Above.   According to Berg, Bat Kol is a gentle inner whisper that calls upon us to draw closer to the Creator.  It could be as simple as a sudden urge to call an aging parent, or an impulse to volunteer at the homeless that you pass on the way to work.  This small, still voice comes once a day, like a beacon of light.  The only thing we need to do to take advantage of this spiritual opportunity is to be conscious of its presence and eager for it’s arrival.  If we’re not, the light passes us by and the opportunity is lost.

Now, I searched through my other Kabbalah books and haven’t found any mention of the Twelve Spiritual Laws.  And while I find much about the Kabbalah intriguing, there are aspects that I struggle with, like the magical power of Hebrew letters.  Besides, I’m not ready to accept anything as The Way.  But I’m also not adverse to latching onto a useful spiritual principal that happens to be passing by.  I like the idea that every day we are given an unique opportunity to draw closer to God through our actions if we only remain mindful enough to notice.  And while we’re listening for Bat Kol, imagine how many other opportunities for good we’d notice.

Explore posts in the same categories: spirituality

Tags: books, Judaism, Kabbalah, Life, mindfulness, perspectives, religion, spirituality

You can comment below, or link to this permanent URL from your own site.