Kabbala

Kabbala

Kabbala is an esoteric method, discipline, and school of thought in Jewish mysticism. Its definition varies between different traditional and modern schools of thought, but it generally involves an explanation of the relationship between God, the unchanging and eternal Ein Sof (The Infinite), and the mortal, finite universe (God's creation). It involves heavenly realms, the human soul, and the path to spiritual attainment. Historically, Kabbala emerged from earlier forms of Jewish mysticism, in 12th-13th century Southern France and Spain, becoming reinterpreted in the Jewish mystical renaissance of 16th-century Ottoman Palestine. It was popularized in the form of Hasidic Judaism from the 18th century onwards. Twentieth-century interest in Kabbala has inspired cross-denominational Jewish renewal and contributed to wider non-Jewish contemporary spirituality, as well as engaging its flourishing emergence and historical re-examination through scholarly study.

mysticism esotericism spirituality Judaism Zohar

— John Armstrong