Book excerpt: For the first time, we are seeing the publication of the essential writings of the greatest Kabbalist of the 20th century, Rav Yehuda Leib HaLevi Ashlag (1885-1954), also known as Baal HaSulam [author of the Sulam (Ladder commentary on The Zohar)]. The Writings of Baal HaSulam contains all the texts required for any person interested in learning the wisdom of Kabbalah. The book contains all of Baal HaSulam’s introductions and forewords, all his essays, letters, the articles contained in the book Shamati [I Heard], the book Beit Shaar HaKavanot [Gatehouse of Intentions]: Commentaries on the writings of the ARI, and The Writings of the Last Generation, in which Baal HaSulam analyzes political regimes and presents a model for the construction of the future society. In addition to the learning material, we included poems that Baal HaSulam wrote. Delving into the authentic writings of Baal HaSulam will help those who do so on their spiritual advancement and search for life’s meaning, and will help advance all of humanity to a new and better world.