Cabalism

Cabalism is a term that refers to the esoteric and mystical interpretation of the Hebrew Bible and traditional Jewish texts. It is often associated with the Kabbalah, a set of esoteric teachings meant to explain the relationship between the unchanging, eternal God and the mortal, finite universe. Cabalism has influenced various aspects of Jewish mysticism, philosophy, and theology.

Origins and Development

Cabalism has its roots in early Jewish mysticism, which dates back to the time of the Second Temple period. The foundational texts of Cabalism include the Sefer Yetzirah (Book of Creation) and the Zohar (Book of Splendor). These texts explore the nature of God, the creation of the universe, and the spiritual structure of reality.

Key Concepts

Cabalism encompasses several key concepts, including:

• Ein Sof: The infinite and unknowable aspect of God.
• Sefirot: The ten attributes or emanations through which God interacts with the world.
• Tree of Life: A symbolic representation of the Sefirot and their relationships.
• Gematria: A method of interpreting Hebrew scriptures by assigning numerical values to letters.
• Tzimtzum: The concept of divine contraction, where God "withdraws" to allow for the creation of the universe.

Influence and Legacy

Cabalism has had a profound impact on various aspects of Jewish thought and practice. It has influenced Hasidic Judaism, Jewish philosophy, and even some aspects of Christian mysticism. The study of Cabalism has also contributed to the development of Western esotericism and occultism.

Modern Cabalism

In contemporary times, Cabalism continues to be studied and practiced by various groups. The Kabbalah Centre is one of the most well-known organizations dedicated to teaching Cabalistic principles to a broader audience. Modern interpretations of Cabalism often seek to reconcile traditional teachings with contemporary spiritual and philosophical ideas.

Related Pages

• Kabbalah
• Jewish mysticism
• Sefer Yetzirah
• Zohar
• Hasidic Judaism
• Western esotericism
• Occultism