This study guide explores the mystical themes in “Neum: The Oracle or the Declarations, Chapter One: Aleph” through the lens of Kabbalah. Kabbalistic teachings offer profound insights into the nature of the Divine, the structure of creation, the process of spiritual ascent, and the unity of all things. By reflecting on the text using Kabbalistic concepts, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the spiritual truths it conveys.

This guide will equip readers with more concentrated recommended actions and reflections geared for this chapter. 

Kabbalistic Concepts to Explore

Unity of the Divine

Chapter One emphasizes the oneness of God as the foundation of all existence, reflecting the Yichud (unity) central to Kabbalistic thought. This theme portrays creation as an expression of divine harmony, where all things are interconnected through the singular essence of En Sof (Infinite God).

Creation as Divine Will

In the first chapter, Neum presents creation as a deliberate act of divine will, emphasizing the idea that the world exists not by chance but as an emanation of God’s purpose. This reflects Keter (Crown), the highest Sefirah, which represents divine intention and the flow of infinite potential into the material realm.

Spiritual Ascent and Divine Revelation

Describing the soul’s journey toward understanding and uniting with the Divine, Neum describes the ascent through layers of divine revelation. This mirrors the Aliyah (spiritual ascent) of the Sefirot. In Mormon Kabbalah, this is where humanity seeks to comprehend and embody divine wisdom (Chochmah), knowledge (Da’at), and understanding (Binah).

The Descent of the Divine

Neum highlights God’s willingness to descend into creation to connect with humanity. This reflects the Kabbalistic concept of Shekinah, the Divine Presence, which manifests in the lower worlds to guide and sustain creation while remaining one with the infinite. In Mormon Kabbalah, the Shekinah is the Presence of God and is understood as both Heavenly Mother or the Divine Feminine and the congregation when filled with the Holy Spirit. The Mother is tied to the Holy Ghost in a similar way the Father is tied to the Son (Jesus). The Holy Ghost then represents the Mother upon the earth. 

Affliction and Healing

Themes of suffering and redemption underscore the chapter, presenting affliction as part of the human condition that is ultimately healed through divine compassion. This aligns with the Sefirot of Tif’eret (beauty), which balances the forces of Chesed (mercy) and Gevurah (judgment) to bring about spiritual and physical healing.

The Divine and the End of Time

Neum connects divine will to the ultimate destiny of creation, emphasizing the unfolding of God’s plan at the end of time. This reflects eschatological themes in Kabbalah, where the reunification of all levels of existence with En Sof restores creation to its intended state of perfection.

Tikkun Olam (Repair of the World)

Neum underscores humanity’s role in partnering with God to repair the world. By aligning with divine will and acting with compassion and righteousness, humanity contributes to restoring balance and harmony, fulfilling the Kabbalistic vision of Tikkun Olam.

Questions for Reflection

1. Unity of the Divine:

• The text begins with the declaration that “YHVH is One.” How does the Kabbalistic concept of En Sof (the Infinite, the source of all creation) relate to the idea of YHVH’s oneness and unity?
• How does the notion of unity or philosophy of Ubuntu align with the Kabbalistic teaching that all things ultimately stem from the Divine and return to the Divine?

2. Creation as Divine Will:

• The passage repeatedly emphasizes that creation exists by the will of The Lord. In Kabbalah, creation is often understood as the unfolding of the Light of Christ (Moroni 7:19 [7:19]). How might this text reflect the process the emanation of creation through the Sefirot (the twelve attributes or emanations of God in Mormon Kabbalah)?
• How does the idea that “YHVH is the visible and the invisible” relate to the concept of Or Makif (surrounding light) and Or Penimi (internal light) in Kabbalah?

3. Spiritual Ascent and Divine Revelation:

• Neum alludes to a time when YHVH shall descend and enter into the “walls below.” How might this be a prophecy of Jesus Christ? How does the idea of Divine descent connect to the Kabbalistic process of restoring the world through spiritual action?
• How might the idea of spiritual ascent (returning to the source of creation) be represented by the ascent of the soul in Kabbalistic teachings, particularly through the Sefirot?

4. The Descent of the Divine:

• In Kabbalah, the descent of the Divine into creation is a key theme. How does the text’s statement that “YHVH shall descend below all things” resonate with the Kabbalistic concept of Shekinah (the Divine Presence in exile) and Tikkun Olam (the repair or restoration of the world)?
• The text suggests that YHVH will descend and become like Israel. How might this connect to the Kabbalistic idea of Yichud (the mystical union of the Divine with creation) and the role of the Mashiach (the Messiah) in bringing about that union?

5. Affliction and Healing:

• The text speaks of Israel’s affliction and the Divine healing. How does Kabbalah view the relationship between Chesed (mercy/loving-kindness), Din (judgment), and Tikkun (spiritual repair) in relation to suffering and healing in the world?
• How might the concept of Yisurin (the suffering or afflictions that lead to spiritual purification) be connected to the idea that “though your afflictions shall be like that of the sea, there shall be remedy and healing for you?”

6. The Divine and the End of Time:

• The text suggests that “YHVH is the End” and “YHVH is the Beginning.” How does this relate to the Kabbalistic notion of En Sof (the Infinite) as both the source and the final goal of creation, beyond time and space?
• In Kabbalah, Keter (the Crown) represents the ultimate unity of all opposites and the hidden aspects of God. How might the statement “YHVH is the Beginning, YHVH is the End” be seen as a reflection of the Keter or the point where all opposites merge?