Last year, during an interview with Daniel Rosenstein, I discovered an intriguing connection between our shared interests and cultural histories. Daniel’s mother was born in Baghdad, and she, like many others, had to leave in 1948 due to the Farhud Exodus. Our conversation opened the door to a fascinating exploration of the Chaldeans and their overlooked legacy.
Daniel revealed that he had learned about the Chaldeans in his studies but, like many, was unaware that this ancient community still exists today. As a Chaldean myself, this was a powerful reminder of how important it is to share our history and keep our stories alive.
What made our discussion even more compelling was the connection Daniel made between the Chaldeans and the Kabbalah. He sent me several resources that delve into the relationship between the ancient Chaldean traditions and the mystical Jewish teachings of the Kabbalah. These connections shed light on overlapping histories, spiritual philosophies, and shared wisdom that transcend time and geography.
Here are some key insights, inspired by the resources Daniel shared:
1. The Chaldeans and Their Legacy
Known for their contributions to astronomy, mathematics, and spirituality, the Chaldeans flourished in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) between 612 and 539 BCE. They were instrumental in shaping early civilization and left their mark on various cultures, including the Jewish people during the Babylonian Exile. Source
2. Chaldean Influence on the Kabbalah
The Kabbalah, often referred to as the mystical or esoteric side of Judaism, shares many concepts rooted in Chaldean spirituality. The Chaldean Kabbalah, according to some scholars, was a precursor to the Jewish Kabbalah, blending astrology, numerology, and divine symbolism. Source
3. Theosophy and the Chaldean Mystical Tradition
H.P. Blavatsky, a founder of Theosophy, wrote extensively about the Chaldean Kabbalah. She described it as a key to understanding the hidden wisdom of the ancients, connecting it to the broader spiritual traditions of the East. Source
4. Numerology: A Shared Language of Mysticism
Both Chaldean and Kabbalistic systems emphasize numerology as a means of understanding the divine order of the universe. These philosophies reveal how numbers hold symbolic power and can guide spiritual growth. Source
5. The Origins of Kabbalah in Pagan Mysticism
Some argue that the origins of Kabbalah can be traced back to ancient pagan practices, including Chaldean magic and mysticism. This perspective emphasizes the interconnectedness of spiritual traditions across cultures. Source
6. Modern Perspectives on Kabbalah
Even today, the Kabbalah continues to evolve, and its historical ties to the Chaldeans remain a topic of interest for scholars and spiritual seekers alike. Source
Personal Reflections
As a Chaldean, an award-winning author, and a spiritual guide, I’ve dedicated much of my life to exploring the intersections of faith, culture, and self-empowerment. My journey has included deep work within the Chaldean community, as well as studies at a Shamanic school under the guidance of my teacher, Lynn Andrews.
Through this work, I’ve learned the importance of understanding and harnessing energy, embracing silence, and building a strong connection with intuition. These lessons resonate with the wisdom found in both Chaldean and Kabbalistic traditions, highlighting the universal truths that connect us all.
If you’re interested in exploring these themes further or seeking guidance, I invite you to take a step further into your own spiritual journey. If this resonates with you, I’d love for you to join me at a truly transformative event:
Unlock the Gateway to Spiritual Opulence & Self-Love!
Fear is simply a way of keeping you asleep. To awaken, you must move out of fear and into love. Fear keeps you in ego, while love brings you closer to your true essence. Gratefulness is key—it opens your heart and connects you to your inner truth.
Do you want to be truly shielded? Then embrace vulnerability. Vulnerability is your greatest shield because it requires dropping the ego and stepping into your authentic self.
As Lynn V. Andrews says:
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Today the Detroit Historic Designation Advisory Board visited the Chaldean Cultural Center! It was a wonderful visit that included a tour of the Chaldean Museum, beautiful dialogue, and of course chai and tekhratha (meat and cheese pastries)!
The board is using Underrepresented Communities Grant from the park service to fund an historic property survey of Detroit sites related to Arab and Chaldean community history. Based on community feedback, a site related to Arab and Chaldean history will become a listed place in the National Register.
During the tour, I shared with them, as I share with everyone who visits the museum, the story of Enheduanna, the first writer in recorded history. The daughter of King Sargon, she was a princess, priestess, and poet. I also shared the story of Gula, the goddess of healing, and Ninkasi, the goddess of beer, and the list goes on and on, and all are included in my book Mesopotamian Goddesses: Unveiling Your Feminine Power.
“Have you posted about these women today?” a lady asked. “It’s International Women’s Day!”
“No, I haven’t,” I said.
“You should!”
“Women were oppressed for a long time, and men were not,” another women else said. “That’s why there isn’t a day designated for men..”
So, here I am, for the first time in five months, writing a blog post, a post to give gratitude to and honor all the women in my life who have raised and supported me. To recognize the women of ancient times which history tried to silence. To be thankful for living in a time and place where people want to hear and uplift the voices of women, those living and those of our past.
Paula Drewek, a past president of WISDOM, is a retired professor of humanities at Macomb Community College where she taught courses in the Arts and Comparative Religions for 39 years. She was a Fulbright Scholar to China in 2005, expanding her interest in Eastern Religions. Paula has been a Baha’i since her teen years and has spoken to many types of audiences about her Faith, both here and abroad.
Sameena Basha holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from U. of M. and a Juris Doctorate from the U. of Chicago. She has been involved in many outreach projects in Arizona, Illinois and Detroit. She has a keen interest in interfaith work and has served on the Interfaith-Outreach Committee of the Islamic Foundation Mosque in Illinois.
Teri Weingarden is the current President of WISDOM and the treasurer of West Bloomfield Township. She formerly has sat on the boards of her local Chamber of Commerce, her temple Sisterhood, Green Hope and for victims of war and poverty. She practices Judaism and is deeply passionate about her job and her community work.
Delores Lyons is a former Social Worker at State of Michigan Department of Human Services. Previously, she worked for WDIV Local 4 / ClickOnDetroit and WBFS-TV. She studied Sociology/Psychology at Saginaw Valley State University. Born and raised a Baptist, she started practicing Buddhism in her adult life.