Kabbalah

Kabbalah is an esoteric method, discipline, and school of thought in Jewish mysticism. A traditional Kabbalist in Judaism is called a Mequbbāl (מְקוּבָּל‎). The definition of Kabbalah varies according to the tradition and aims of those following it, from its religious origin as an integral part of Judaism, to its later Christian, New Age, and Occultist syncretic adaptations. Kabbalah is a set of esoteric teachings meant to explain the relationship between an unchanging, eternal, and mysterious Ein Sof (infinity) and the mortal and finite universe (God's creation).

Origins and history

The origins of Kabbalah are traced to the ancient city of Babylon. However, the most significant phase of its development occurred in the Middle Ages, primarily in the context of Jewish intellectual circles. The term "Kabbalah" was first used in the 11th century by Rabbi Isaac the Blind, a Provencal Kabbalist.

Concepts and theology

Kabbalah includes a wide range of concepts, from the nature of God and the process of creation to the structure of the spiritual and physical realms. Central to Kabbalah is the concept of the "Ten Sefirot," which are the ten divine emanations or attributes through which God interacts with the world.

Practices

Kabbalistic practices include the study of Kabbalistic texts, meditation, prayer, and the observance of Jewish law. Some Kabbalists also practiced practical Kabbalah, which involved the use of divine or angelic names for protective or other purposes.

Influence and criticism

Kabbalah has had a significant influence on various forms of Jewish thought and culture, as well as on Christian and Western esoteric traditions. However, it has also been criticized, particularly by Jewish rationalists, for its mystical and esoteric nature.

See also

• Jewish mysticism
• Hasidic Judaism
• Hermetic Qabalah
• Christian Kabbalah

External links

• Jewish Virtual Library - Kabbalah
• My Jewish Learning - Kabbalah and Mysticism

Kabbalah Resources
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