In this lesson, we delve into the teachings of Mormon Kabbalah, exploring profound spiritual concepts such as Israel, Zion, and teshuvah, and how they shape our relationship with God and one another. Central to this exploration is the idea that Mormon Kabbalah calls us to perceive the world and scriptures not as tools to support human ideas or division, but as a mirror to help us heal and transform our brokenness. As we return to the covenantal relationship between Israel and God, we embrace a path of personal connection with the Divine, leading to spiritual renewal and evangelism through action, not words. Zion, both an inward and outward state, is the goal: a unified, peaceful society living with the Pure Love of Christ at its core. This lesson invites us to examine how we can become one with God, live righteously, and build Zion both in our hearts and in the world around us.
Key Concepts
- Israel and the Path to God (Teshuvah): The idea that Israel is not just a historical people but a spiritual state—those who are on the “straight path to God” through repentance (teshuvah) and personal growth in Christ.
- Zion as Inner Transformation: Zion is not just a place but a state of unity, peace, and holiness that begins within us as we align with God’s will and love, creating a transformed world.
- Mormon Kabbalah as Perception: Viewing the scriptures, our relationships, and the world as mirrors to heal and fix ourselves, rather than using them for division, dogma, or external validation.
The Plainness
Anyone can study Kabbalah as the Lord has said that it is “too simple for mankind to comprehend” (DoS 125:8). This reminds me of Nephi:
I glory in plainness; I glory in truth; I glory in my Jesus, for he hath redeemed my soul from hell.” —2 Nephi 15:7 RAV, 33:6 OPV
As stated in the previous lesson, the teaching of Kabbalah can be summed up in “love God, love thy neighbor.” Beyond this, Mormon Kabbalah is perception. It is putting an end to looking at the scriptures to support the ideas of men, to use the Word of God as weapons against our fellows, or to build churches of men. Rather, it is to see the world as a mirror, to fix our broken selves, and understand that this is enough.
Mormon Kabbalah is a return to the marriage covenant between Israel and God, with a broken heart and a contrite spirit. As we build our own personal relationship with God, our evangelism becomes our actions, rather than our words. We don’t need to seek out those looking for God, the Lord will send them to us. And by returning to God personally, we are doing our part to heal the creation. Mormon Kabbalah is an invitation to receive God, personally, into your life.
Discussion Questions (1)
- What does the Law of Love mean to you?
- Which are more powerful to you, words or actions? Why?
The People of Israel
His word was made known to the Prophets, and his sacraments were established in Israel.” —Book of the Law of the Lord 2:20
In the Latter Day Saint movement, the terms “Zion” and “Israel” come up a lot. Sometimes they are even used interchangeably. But what do these words mean? And what do they have to do with us, today?
Israel
In the Old Testament, Jacob, son of Issac, is given a new title, Israel, after wrestling with an angel (Genesis 32:28). The ancient people of God and modern state of Israel took their names from this title given to Jacob. But commentators differ on the interpretation of its meaning. The Hebrew name יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisra’el) is said to mean “God contends,” or “God judges.” This is from the roots שָׂרָה (sarah), “to contend, to fight,” and אֵל (‘el), “God”. In the Second Temple period of Judaism the name was understood to mean “a man seeing God.” This idea comes from the ʾyš (man) rʾh (to see) ʾel (God).
In Kabbalah, yet another meaning is added to the title Israel: “Straight to El,” or in other words, “the straight path to the Creator.”
One who wishes to go by the path of the Creator is called Yashar-El, which is considered Yashar [straight] LaEl [to God], meaning that he wants everything he does to rise straight to the Creator, and does not wish to have any other aim.” —Baruch Shalom HaLevi Ashlag (The Rabash); He who Hardens His Heart, Article No. 20, Tav-Shin-Mem-Hey, 1984-85
This makes more sense when looking at Israel both as Jacob’s new title, and as the name of God’s people. Jacob was unrelenting, wrestling the angel until morning, his path was straight. Yes, God will judge His people, God will judge all. This doesn’t really set God’s people apart from anyone. What sets us apart is that we are on the path of teshuvah, “straight to the Creator.”
Discussion Questions (2)
- In a few sentences, what does “Israel” mean to you?
- In at least one paragraph, what is “teshuvah” in relation to Israel and does (if so, how does it) it have any impact on your relationship with Jesus Christ?
Kabbalah and Israel are a State of Heart and Mind
The word YsarmEl (Israel) is the letters of Li Rosh (the head, mind, is mine). This means that he believes he has a mind of Kedusha (Sanctity) although he is only discerned as “just,” meaning that he is in a state of diminution and lowness.” —Baal HaSulam, Shamati [I Heard], 143, Only Good to Israel
To be God’s people is more than merely joining a church, denomination, or group of people. We must do more than merely be baptized, confirmed by the laying on of hands, or following a set of rules. We must humble ourselves and be brought low to be taken upon high as joint heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17, Isaiah 2:17, Matthew 23:12). We must follow Christ, and he descended below them all (Ecclesiastics 24:45, Ephesians 4:9-10). This requires more than being a mere follower of others, but one born again with a broken heart and a contrite spirit. Then, as one—as Israel—we will be Zion.
In a revelation received on November 30, 2019 (Doctrines of the Saint 2g), we are told that to be Israel is to be on the path Straight to God, to seek God’s face and taste of the fruit of the Tree of Life and not look away from either. To love God and our neighbors, to care for the Earth and her creatures. And we are told that if we do these things, we will not just be Israel, we will be good and faithful servants. We were further commanded then not to quarrel with one another, but to be one. And isn’t this Zion, to be one?
Zion
And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Zion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads.” —Revelation 14:1
What then is Zion? Zion is צִיּוֹן Tsiyyon in Hebrew, the term often used as a synonym for Jerusalem. Jerusalem meaning “the place of peace.” Some say that Zion comes from the Hebrew root ṣiyyôn or “castle.” It is a feminine term, which makes sense as we are the bride, Christ the groom. For both the Rastafarians and the Latter Day Saints Zion is a Utopian society of the righteous. It is a people or place of unity, peace and freedom—the exact opposite of “Babylon.” The worldly Babylon representing the oppressing and exploiting forces of materialism, the world of pride and Ego; a place of evil.
In Mormon Kabbalah, Zion refers to the spiritual point from which reality emerges. It is the Holy of Holies of the Temple of God. We seek the unification of “Zion” (here meaning Glory or Foundation) and “Jerusalem” (here referring to Kingship). We wish to bring Heaven to the earth. Zion then is born from within us and used to repair and transform the world. We can only become Zion by displaying the Pure Love of Christ, meeting everyone where they are and loving them as God does. And in this we become one, we become Israel: those on the straight path to God.
Discussion Questions (3)
- In a few sentences, what does Zion mean to you?
- In at least one paragraph, what is teshuvah in relation to Zion, and does it have any impact on your relationship with Jesus Christ?
Suggestions for Action
- Reflect on your own spiritual path. Take a moment each day to meditate on what it means for you to walk on the “straight path to God” and how you can align your actions with this path.
- Practice teshuvah by identifying one area of your life where you need to return to God and seek His guidance, and take actionable steps toward reconciliation and healing.
- Commit to fostering unity in your community by reaching out to others, offering acts of kindness, and prioritizing understanding over division.
- Begin journaling about your perception of God and the scriptures—what do you see when you reflect on them? How can you use them as tools for personal growth rather than judgment?
- Take part in a community service activity or spiritual practice that allows you to embody Zion in a tangible way—whether through love, charity, or acts of peace.
Final Thought & Meditation
As we contemplate the path of Israel and the meaning of Zion, let us remember that our journey begins not in the grandiose, but in the quiet spaces within our hearts. The straight path to God is one of humility, repentance, and personal transformation. Zion is not a distant ideal, but a present reality we can begin building within ourselves and in the world around us. It is through our actions—rooted in love, unity, and the Pure Love of Christ—that we will create a space where heaven meets earth.
Let us walk this path with broken hearts and contrite spirits, knowing that by doing so, we are helping to heal creation itself. May we seek to see the world not as it is, but as it can be when we walk together in peace and love, straight to God.