From the Ravs Desk: Latest articles and Q&A [Sunday 29th Nissan 5785]

Chassidus/Kaballah/Philosophy:[1] It is forbidden for a Gentile to study or be taught Kabbalah or Chassidus, the inner dimensions of the Torah, just as it is forbidden to teach them the revealed aspects of the Torah.[2] However, he may learn and be taught matters that relate to the seven Noahide laws as elucidated in Toras Hachassidus, such as Emuna in Hashem, Achdus Hashem, Hashgacha Peratis and matters of the like.[3] Hence, one may study [the sections relevant to these subjects from] Shaar Hayichud Viemuna in Tanya with a Gentile.[4]

[1] Sheva Mitzvos Hashem p. 69 footnote 114; Rav Moshe Weiner in written correspondence

[2] The Reason: As Kabbalah is also part of Torah study, and fulfills the Mitzvah of Talmud Torah. [See Admur Hilchos Talmud Torah 2:1 who states “The wisdom of Kabalah is included in the 1/3 of Talmud”; See Likkutei Torah Vayikra 5c; Likkutei Sichos 30:173 who makes the distinction between in depth learning of Kabalah which is like Talmud, and superficial learning which is like Mikra; See also Igros Kodesh 11:277]

[3] See Igros Kodesh 23 p. 4 [That Chassidus has connection also to gentile nations with regards to the seven Noahide laws]; Toras Menachem 5748 Vol. 4 p. 267 footnote 54 [that even gentiles can understand matters of the teachings of Chassidus according to their level, as certainly they are not capable of coming to a level of understanding of God’s unity as a Jew is capable of understanding. To note, that in Russian the Rebbe Rayatz once explained a deep matter of Chassidus to a gentile professor.]; Toras Menachem 5750 Vol. 1 p. 419 [that Chassidus was printed also in English in order so they also study matters of belief in God and divine Providence.]

[4] Toras Menachem vol. 54 p. 241 “It is possible to explain and teach even a non-Jew Shaar HaYichud VeHaEmunah (this is one of the reasons for the printing of the Shaar HaYichud VeHaEmunah in English) — not only according to the opinion that the children of Noah are warned concerning partnership in idolatry, and thus they need to learn matters of faith unity, but even according to the opinion that they are not warned concerning Shituf — nevertheless, this does not mean that they are commanded to believe in Shituf, but rather that they are simply not commanded in it, although certainly it is better that they believe in Hashems unity.”