Jewish Ideas and Beliefs

An analysis of the content and influences of the earliest work of Kabbalah.

Influential kabbalists like Rabbi Azriel and Jacob ben Sheshet were, at times, criticized for their work.

In the Talmud and midrash, visions of the Divine Throne are achieved by studying the Torah.

Some classical Jewish statements about sex might surprise you.

Some Jewish thinkers condone homosexuality, despite the condemnation of homosexual sex in Jewish law.

Hasidism spread mystical ideas to the masses of East-European Jewry.

The founder of Hasidism is shrouded in legend and mystery.

Scholars disagree over whether Heikhalot texts are chronicles of mystical adventures or literary creations.

Early Jewish mystics tried to achieve visions of the Divine.

After the expulsion of Jews from Spain in 1492, the center of kabbalistic study moved to the town of Safed in northern Palestine.