Kabbalah and Mysticism

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.

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.

This influential work of Jewish mysticism continues to inspire spiritual seekers.

From the 13th through the 15th century, the Iberian Peninsula was the home of most major kabbalists.