Q: Upon multiple readings of your books, I noticed that certain places in the text seemed very familiar. When I tried to analyze them, I became convinced that some Kabbalistic concepts form the basis of various global religions. Though Kabbalah is not a religion, it seems to have the potential to unite the more progressive representatives of global religions (a topic frequently discussed in the Vatican). Do you foresee such a possibility?
A: Kabbalah is not intended to unite religions, since it has nothing to do with them. Kabbalah is a science studying the essential core of man, the Higher World, the entire universe, and the Creator. The outcome of that study is the discovery that mankind wishes to become like the Creator.
Religions, however, are combinations of rituals designed by humans to support them in their earthly existence. Specifically, it is the “opium for the people,” a method of pursuing psychological comfort. That is why Baal HaSulam said that the only optimal religion is “Love thy neighbor as thyself,” since it leads to uniting with the Creator.
What we call “religion” is nothing more than a way to create feelings of stability and comfort within our shaky existence.