REMEZ

Kabbalah is the name given to the Jewish Mystical Tradition. It comprises the esoteric teachings which were received (kabbalah means that which was received in Hebrew) and then passed on from one generation to the next. The term ‘esoteric’ means that these teachings are understood only by the few who have been adequately initiated. It constitutes a path to spirituality emancipated from some of the norms of established religion.

The term Kabbalah traditionally has been used to represent the esoteric teachings of Judaism and Jewish mysticism. The first time that the teachings were referred to as " kabbalah " was in the 13 th century of this current era when Eleazer of Worms used the term in his writings about the angelic and Divine Names which were used in magic. Prior to that time the term " kabbalah " was used in the Talmud and post-Talmudic literature to denote the Oral Law. For the mystical aspects of Judaism, the expression Kabbalah is only one of the many terms used. The Talmud itself speaks of Sitri ha-Torah and Razel ha-Torah (Secrets of the Torah) and a secret tradition called Ma'aseh ha-Merkabah (The Work of the Chariot).

The academic study of kabbalah is a new field, growing by leaps and bounds. Because kabbalah has literary, historical, ritual, cognitive, and experiential dimensions, it crosses many disciplinary and methodological lines. The discipline must therefore graduate from its initial focus on the textual. The roundtable aims re-examine methodologies for its study. We will ask four key questions: First, How do we define the disciplinary domain of kabbalah? Second, What are the most pressing questions in the study of kabbalah? Third, have we adopted new theories or methodologies in recent years? If so why? Fourth, What are the advantages and disadvantages of your theoretical and methodological approach to the study of kabbalah? Fifth, what comes next? To reach this goal the panel will be comprised of scholars representing different approaches. Hartley Lachter will discuss kabbalistic texts whose provenance is already established. He asserts the importance of social context to their meaning. Ronit Meroz, on the other hand, emphasizes the value of literary analysis not only for its intrinsic value but also as a means for deciphering the archeology of the text and its different historical strata. Vadim Putzu will draw from the burgeoning developments in the scientific study of the human mind, brain, and psyche, to discuss how the findings and methodologies of neurocognitive and psychiatric research may contribute to a better understanding of Jewish mystical practices and experiences to place its study within broader scholarly conversations in the fields of comparative religion, Religious Studies, and beyond. Pinchas Giller will explore the role of technology in the current practice and study of kabbalah, which opens new possibilities for both scholars and practitioners. Marla Segol will discuss the importance of new approaches to understanding gender, embodiment and sexuality beyond French feminism, grounded in the mythology and the scientific lore of the period, and understood through the various lenses of queer theory. Moderator Ginsburg, given his research using many of these methodologies, will aim to focus the discussion on how the above issues impact specifically on the contemporary study of kabbalah, and how they should shape it in the future.

Wiley Encyclopedia of Philosophy of Religion, 2021

The term "Kabbalah" is frequently used in a nontechnical sense to designate the entire overarching category of Jewish mysticism and esotericism, stretching from ancient times until the present. In Talmudic usage the term has a nonmystical referent, signifying Hebrew biblical works that are outside the Five Books of Moses, while in post-Talmudic literature it can refer to oral traditions of great antiquity. It is only in the early thirteenth century, in the circle of Isaac the Blind of Provence, that the term takes on its current meaning, denoting mystical and esoteric literature and practices, using the theosophic structure of sefirot to describe Divinity. According to this definition, earlier mystical texts and traditions may be sources for Kabbalah, but do not yet represent "Kabbalah," properly speaking; moreover, this is the definition that was used by its earliest practitioners. This entry will explore the ways in which Kabbalah (particularly its earliest forms which established basic approaches and structures) responded to the philosophical questions of its day, specifically, its epistemology, nature of God, evil, the role of law, mystical experience, and language.

2018

Kabbalah is a mystical and highly spiritual form of Judaism. Popularized by its endorsement by high-profile celebrities like Madonna, the average layperson knows enough about Kabbalah to recognize it as a vaguely familiar term, but not much else. This article strives to serve as an entry-point for both an intellectual and a popular audience to help familiarize readers with core components of Kabbalah and to help to begin fostering an appreciation for this very sophisticated faith. Matters of history, philosophy, science, doctrine, and more pertaining to Kabbalah will be discussed in this articl

Blackwell Companion to World Literature, 2019

In the study of Kabbalah, like other fields of Judaica before it, we stand at a remarkable turning point in our appreciation of the deeply integrated nature of mystical creativity and literary art. For while Kabbalah and philosophy have long been viewed as sister fields, balancing both commonalities and antinomies, we may now suggest that Kabbalah and Jewish literature are also intimately related, reflecting affinities in form and imagination-the one frequently revealing the depths and concerns of the other. What is more, as part of the broader project of these volumes, I shall suggest here that Kabbalah as a literary phenomenon (or family of literary forms) is both a vibrant and under-appreciated component of world literature. As with other global mystical discourses, kabbalistic creativity may be valuably approached as a mode of spiritual artistry, a textual evocation of the human yearning for the Divine. So considered, Jewish mystical literature is an aesthetics of theological reflection, the vibration of the numinous in the lyric imagination of humanity. Like Jalal al-Din Rumi (Rūmī; see Jalal al-Din Rumi's Poetic Presence and Past) in Muslim literature and San Juan de la Cruz in Christian letters, the Jewish mystic (perhaps most vividly in the Zohar) embodies the striking ways in which mystical and poetic creativity are so intertwined in the global humanistic experience. Viewed synchronically, we may distill the following literary morphology from the vast corpora of Jewish mysticism: (1) lyricism, poetry, and the devotional hymn-including mythopoesis and theological poetics; (2) narrative-including fictional storytelling, hagiography, and autobiography; and (3) the literary art of the homily-an aesthetics of hermeneutical and symbolic rhetoric. The third of these shall be discussed tangentially in A Companion to World Literature. Edited by Ken Seigneurie.

London - William Rider + Son (Limited)- Cathedral House - Paternoster , 1913

A lesser known writing of Arthur E. Waite is a scholarly exploration of the Zohar, a foundational text of Kabbalistic mysticism and Jewish esotericism. Written in the early 20th century, this work reflects Waite's deep interest in the mystical traditions of Judaism and their broader implications in the study of spirituality. Key Themes and Concepts: • The Zohar: The Zohar is a central work of Kabbalistic literature, often regarded as the mystical commentary on the Torah. Waite examines its structure, themes, and the various layers of meaning embedded within its text. He aims to elucidate how the Zohar interprets the Hebrew Bible and explores themes of divine unity, creation, and the nature of the soul. • Mystical Philosophy: Waite delves into the philosophical underpinnings of the Zohar, discussing concepts such as Ein Sof (the infinite aspect of God), the nature of the divine emanations known as the Sefirot, and the process of creation. He emphasizes how these ideas relate to broader metaphysical discussions in both Jewish and universal mystical traditions. • Historical Context: The book places the Zohar within its historical context, tracing its origins to the 13th-century Spanish Kabbalist Moses de Leon. Waite discusses the socio-cultural influences that shaped the development of Kabbalistic thought, including earlier Jewish mysticism and philosophical movements. • Connections to Other Traditions: Waite explores connections between the Zohar and other mystical and esoteric traditions, such as Gnosticism and Hermeticism. He examines how themes present in the Zohar resonate with those found in other spiritual systems, highlighting a shared pursuit of hidden knowledge and divine truth. • Illustrations and Symbolism: The inclusion of illustrations adds a visual dimension to the text, showcasing symbols and diagrams related to Kabbalistic thought. Waite often interprets these images as representing deeper spiritual concepts, enhancing the reader’s understanding of the Zohar’s teachings. • Spiritual Practice: Waite emphasizes the importance of practical application of Kabbalistic teachings. He discusses how the insights gleaned from the Zohar can inform one's spiritual practice, ethical living, and relationship with the divine. This aspect underscores the transformative potential of engaging with mystical texts. Significance: Waite’s work is significant for scholars and practitioners of mysticism, Kabbalah, and Jewish studies. It serves as both an academic exploration of the Zohar and a personal reflection on its relevance for spiritual seekers. By linking the Zohar to broader esoteric traditions, Waite illustrates the interconnectedness of mystical thought across cultures and epochs. Influence: Arthur Edward Waite is a pivotal figure in the study of the occult and mysticism, known for his comprehensive analyses and interpretations of mystical texts. His work on the Zohar contributes to a deeper understanding of Kabbalistic thought and its enduring influence on contemporary spirituality. Chapter I: The Early Students of Kabalism An exploration of the initial practitioners and thinkers who shaped Kabbalistic thought. Chapter II: The Hidden Church of Israel A discussion on the esoteric aspects of Jewish spirituality and its concealed teachings. Chapter III: The Majesty of God in Kabalism An examination of the nature and attributes of God as understood in Kabbalistic doctrine. Chapter IV: The Doctrine of Cosmology An overview of Kabbalistic cosmology, detailing the structure and origin of the universe. Chapter V: The Myth of the Earthly Paradise An analysis of the concept of paradise within Kabbalistic teachings and its symbolic meanings. Chapter VI: The Serpent, Son of the Morning, and the Fall of the Angels A study of the mythological figures associated with the fall of angels and their significance in Kabbalistic thought. Chapter VII: The Fall of Man An exploration of the Kabbalistic interpretation of humanity's fall and its implications for spiritual practice. Chapter VIII: The Legend of the Deluge An investigation into the flood narrative and its mystical interpretations within Kabbalism. Chapter IX: The Covenant with Abraham A discussion on the significance of Abraham's covenant and its spiritual ramifications. Chapter X: Of Moses, the Master of the Law An examination of Moses’ role in Kabbalistic tradition as a lawgiver and spiritual leader. Chapter XI: The Temples in Jerusalem An analysis of the symbolic and mystical significance of the temples in Jerusalem within Kabbalistic belief. Chapter XII: The Coming of Messiah A study on Kabbalistic perspectives regarding the messianic age and its anticipated arrival. Chapter XIII: The Soul in Kabalism An exploration of the nature of the soul and its journey within Kabbalistic teachings. Chapter XIV: The Doctrine Concerning Sheol An examination of the concepts of Sheol and the afterlife as understood in Kabbalism. Chapter XV: Concerning Resurrection A discussion on the beliefs surrounding resurrection and rebirth in Kabbalistic thought. Chapter XVI: The Mystery of Shekinah An exploration of the Shekinah, representing the divine presence and its role in Kabbalistic spirituality. Chapter XVII: The Mystery of the Occult Sciences A study of the occult sciences and their integration into Kabbalistic practice. Chapter XVIII: Developments of Later Kabalism An examination of the evolution and changes in Kabbalistic thought in later periods. Chapter XIX: The Alleged Christian Elements A discussion on the perceived Christian influences within Kabbalistic teachings. Chapter XX: Conclusion on Jewish Theosophy A summation of the insights gained regarding Jewish theosophy through the study of Kabbalism. Index A comprehensive index to assist readers in navigating the topics discussed in the book. 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