Michael Laitman

Rav Laitman, Professor of Ontology and Theory of Knowledge, PhD in Philosophy and Kabbalah, and MSc in Medical Bio-Cybe etics received his PhD in philosophy and Kabbalah from the Moscow Institute of Philosophy at the Russian Academy of Sciences, and his MSc in Medical Cybe etics from the St. Petersburg State Polytechnic University. In addition to his scientific engagements, Rav Laitman has been extensively engaged in Kabbalah for the past thirty years. He has published over thirty books, translated into more than twelve languages as well as hundreds of articles on Kabbalah, and over 10,000 hours of video/audio Kabbalah lectures.

In 1991, following the passing of his teacher, Rav Baruch Shalom HaLevi Ashlag (The Rabash), Rav Laitman established Bnei Baruch. Rav Laitman named his group Bnei Baruch (sons of Baruch) to commemorate the memory of his mentor, whose side he never left in the final 12 years of his life, from 1979 to 1991. Rav Laitman was Ashlag's prime student, personal assistant, and is recognized as the successor of Rabash's teaching method.

The Rabash is the firstbo son and successor of the greatest Kabbalist of the 20th century, Rabbi Yehuda Leib HaLevi Ashlag. Rabbi Yehuda Ashlag is author of the most authoritative and comprehensive commentary on The Book of Zohar, The Sulam Commentary (The Ladder Commentary), the first to reveal the complete method for spiritual ascent. This is also the reason for Ashlag's epithet, Baal HaSulam (Owner of the Ladder).

Bnei Baruch bases its entire study method on the path paved by these great spiritual leaders.