Research on the Bnei Baruch Movement and the Personality of Michael Laitman

In recent decades, a movement called "Bnei Baruch" has emerged in Israel and other countries, also known as "Kabbalah Laam" (Kabbalah for the People), "Together," "The Good Ones," "Growing with Joy," "Arvut," and other names. At its head stands Michael Laitman, who delivers numerous lessons every day and has written dozens of books. This website presents independent research on the nature of this movement, the personality of its leader, and related issues.

What is Bnei Baruch?

"Bnei Baruch" is a movement that positions itself as a spiritual and kabbalistic organization. However, many researchers of religion, anthropologists, and former members of the movement question its true nature. Is it a new religion? A growing group of people seeking a spiritual path? Or is it a dangerous sect with cult characteristics?

The movement actively spreads its teachings through daily broadcasts, book publications, and event organization. At the same time, there are numerous testimonies about problematic aspects of the organization's activities and its leader.

Key Research Questions

This research focuses on several key questions related to the Bnei Baruch movement and its leader:

• Nature of the movement: Is Bnei Baruch a legitimate spiritual organization or a destructive cult?
• Leader's personality: Who is Michael Laitman really? What are his real titles and qualifications?
• Ethical issues: Are there testimonies of misconduct, manipulation, or abuse?
• Impact on members: What influence does the movement have on its followers?
• Connections and funding: What are the sources of funding and political connections of the organization?

Who is Michael Laitman?

Michael Laitman positions himself as a rabbi, doctor, and kabbalist. He conducts daily lessons, writes books, and acts as the spiritual leader of the Bnei Baruch movement. However, there are serious questions regarding his official titles and qualifications.

Many researchers and former members of the movement question the legitimacy of his rabbinical title, doctoral degree, and other claimed titles. The website presents materials that may shed light on these questions.

Controversial Titles and Claims

One of the central questions of the research is verifying the claimed titles and qualifications of Michael Laitman:

• Rabbinic title: Did Michael Laitman receive an official rabbinic title from a recognized religious institution?
• Doctoral degree: Does Laitman actually have a doctoral degree, and if so, in what field and from which educational institution?
• Kabbalistic qualifications: What are his real knowledge of Kabbalah and where did he obtain it?
• Other titles: Is there evidence of other claimed titles and achievements?

The website presents documents, testimonies, and analysis that allow verification of these claims.

Materials Available for Analysis

The research is based on various types of materials and sources:

• Video and audio materials: Selected excerpts from tens of thousands of hours of Michael Laitman's broadcasts that may shed light on his approach to various issues, including ethical and moral aspects.
• Testimonies of former members: Detailed accounts from people who spent years in the movement and left it.
• Documents and investigations: Official documents, police investigations, and court cases related to the movement and its members.
• Analysis of publications: Study of books, articles, and other publications of the movement.
• Expert opinions: Professional assessments from researchers of religion, psychologists, and other specialists.

All materials are presented with source citations and context to ensure research transparency.

Examples of Controversial Episodes

During the research, numerous episodes and testimonies were identified that raise serious questions about the nature of the movement and the behavior of its leader:

• Sexual issues: Video clips in which Michael Laitman gives advice related to sexual relationships that many experts consider problematic.
• Allegations of abuse: Testimonies of sexual abuse and manipulation by the movement's leader.
• Manipulation and control: Documented cases of psychological pressure and manipulative behavior.
• Financial issues: Questions about the movement's funding and use of funds.
• Political connections: Connections of the movement with political figures and influence on public processes.

Below are detailed articles and investigations dedicated to various aspects of the Bnei Baruch movement and the personality of Michael Laitman. Each article contains documented facts, testimonies, and analysis.