Everywhere Revealed: R. Schneur Zalman of Liadi's radical rereading of Arizal's tzimtzum narrative (original) (raw)
London - William Rider + Son (Limited)- Cathedral House - Paternoster , 1913
A lesser known writing of Arthur E. Waite is a scholarly exploration of the Zohar, a foundational text of Kabbalistic mysticism and Jewish esotericism. Written in the early 20th century, this work reflects Waite's deep interest in the mystical traditions of Judaism and their broader implications in the study of spirituality. Key Themes and Concepts: • The Zohar: The Zohar is a central work of Kabbalistic literature, often regarded as the mystical commentary on the Torah. Waite examines its structure, themes, and the various layers of meaning embedded within its text. He aims to elucidate how the Zohar interprets the Hebrew Bible and explores themes of divine unity, creation, and the nature of the soul. • Mystical Philosophy: Waite delves into the philosophical underpinnings of the Zohar, discussing concepts such as Ein Sof (the infinite aspect of God), the nature of the divine emanations known as the Sefirot, and the process of creation. He emphasizes how these ideas relate to broader metaphysical discussions in both Jewish and universal mystical traditions. • Historical Context: The book places the Zohar within its historical context, tracing its origins to the 13th-century Spanish Kabbalist Moses de Leon. Waite discusses the socio-cultural influences that shaped the development of Kabbalistic thought, including earlier Jewish mysticism and philosophical movements. • Connections to Other Traditions: Waite explores connections between the Zohar and other mystical and esoteric traditions, such as Gnosticism and Hermeticism. He examines how themes present in the Zohar resonate with those found in other spiritual systems, highlighting a shared pursuit of hidden knowledge and divine truth. • Illustrations and Symbolism: The inclusion of illustrations adds a visual dimension to the text, showcasing symbols and diagrams related to Kabbalistic thought. Waite often interprets these images as representing deeper spiritual concepts, enhancing the reader’s understanding of the Zohar’s teachings. • Spiritual Practice: Waite emphasizes the importance of practical application of Kabbalistic teachings. He discusses how the insights gleaned from the Zohar can inform one's spiritual practice, ethical living, and relationship with the divine. This aspect underscores the transformative potential of engaging with mystical texts. Significance: Waite’s work is significant for scholars and practitioners of mysticism, Kabbalah, and Jewish studies. It serves as both an academic exploration of the Zohar and a personal reflection on its relevance for spiritual seekers. By linking the Zohar to broader esoteric traditions, Waite illustrates the interconnectedness of mystical thought across cultures and epochs. Influence: Arthur Edward Waite is a pivotal figure in the study of the occult and mysticism, known for his comprehensive analyses and interpretations of mystical texts. His work on the Zohar contributes to a deeper understanding of Kabbalistic thought and its enduring influence on contemporary spirituality. Chapter I: The Early Students of Kabalism An exploration of the initial practitioners and thinkers who shaped Kabbalistic thought. Chapter II: The Hidden Church of Israel A discussion on the esoteric aspects of Jewish spirituality and its concealed teachings. Chapter III: The Majesty of God in Kabalism An examination of the nature and attributes of God as understood in Kabbalistic doctrine. Chapter IV: The Doctrine of Cosmology An overview of Kabbalistic cosmology, detailing the structure and origin of the universe. Chapter V: The Myth of the Earthly Paradise An analysis of the concept of paradise within Kabbalistic teachings and its symbolic meanings. Chapter VI: The Serpent, Son of the Morning, and the Fall of the Angels A study of the mythological figures associated with the fall of angels and their significance in Kabbalistic thought. Chapter VII: The Fall of Man An exploration of the Kabbalistic interpretation of humanity's fall and its implications for spiritual practice. Chapter VIII: The Legend of the Deluge An investigation into the flood narrative and its mystical interpretations within Kabbalism. Chapter IX: The Covenant with Abraham A discussion on the significance of Abraham's covenant and its spiritual ramifications. Chapter X: Of Moses, the Master of the Law An examination of Moses’ role in Kabbalistic tradition as a lawgiver and spiritual leader. Chapter XI: The Temples in Jerusalem An analysis of the symbolic and mystical significance of the temples in Jerusalem within Kabbalistic belief. Chapter XII: The Coming of Messiah A study on Kabbalistic perspectives regarding the messianic age and its anticipated arrival. Chapter XIII: The Soul in Kabalism An exploration of the nature of the soul and its journey within Kabbalistic teachings. Chapter XIV: The Doctrine Concerning Sheol An examination of the concepts of Sheol and the afterlife as understood in Kabbalism. Chapter XV: Concerning Resurrection A discussion on the beliefs surrounding resurrection and rebirth in Kabbalistic thought. Chapter XVI: The Mystery of Shekinah An exploration of the Shekinah, representing the divine presence and its role in Kabbalistic spirituality. Chapter XVII: The Mystery of the Occult Sciences A study of the occult sciences and their integration into Kabbalistic practice. Chapter XVIII: Developments of Later Kabalism An examination of the evolution and changes in Kabbalistic thought in later periods. Chapter XIX: The Alleged Christian Elements A discussion on the perceived Christian influences within Kabbalistic teachings. Chapter XX: Conclusion on Jewish Theosophy A summation of the insights gained regarding Jewish theosophy through the study of Kabbalism. Index A comprehensive index to assist readers in navigating the topics discussed in the book. Tags- Kabbalism, Zohar, mystical teachings, Jewish mysticism, esoteric knowledge, divine presence, Shekinah, spiritual awakening, theosophy, cosmology, ancient wisdom, hidden church, mystical philosophy, the nature of God, resurrection, the fall of man, covenant with Abraham, Serpent of the Morning, legends of the deluge, Messianic age, divine unity, spiritual practices, occult sciences, soul journey, earthly paradise, angels and demons, Kabbalistic traditions, metaphysical concepts, divine attributes, Jewish spirituality, historical context, Moses and the Law, temples in Jerusalem, mystical symbols, transcendental experience, divine emanations, Sefirot, Ein Sof, sacred texts, divine knowledge, spiritual transformation, hidden truths, spiritual evolution, arcane wisdom, alchemical symbols, mysteries of creation, the inner path, divine illumination, esoteric traditions, archetypal figures, spiritual guardians, celestial realms, higher consciousness, mystical union, the Great Work, secret teachings, sacred geometry, ancient rituals, initiation rites, spiritual disciplines, divine mysteries, divine intervention, path of enlightenment, spiritual insights, occult philosophy, inner sanctum, the hidden way, angelic hierarchy, spiritual resonance, cosmic consciousness, the tree of life, divine archetypes, symbolic language, mythological narratives, spiritual pilgrimage, Hermetic teachings, universal truths, spiritual synthesis, divine revelation, Kabbalistic cosmology, esoteric insights, practices of devotion, spiritual guardianship, paths of wisdom, the nature of the soul, ancient scrolls, archetypes of spirituality, spiritual alchemy, the process of creation, esoteric symbols, hidden doctrines, soul ascension, divine pathways, teachings of the sages, theurgy, mysteries of Sheol, divine guidance, the spiritual quest, cosmic order, hidden teachings, the divine feminine, spiritual awakening practices, allegorical interpretations, Kabbalistic literature, teachings of Moses, divine creation, sacred traditions, eternal truths, mysteries of existence, angels and their roles, esoteric exploration, the spiritual landscape, transcending duality, mystical experiences, divine compassion, spiritual knowledge, sacred writings, Jewish theosophy, divine love, the nature of evil, mythic archetypes, spiritual evolution, the divine plan, Kabbalistic legends, the quest for truth, metaphysical explorations, pathways to the divine, symbols of transformation, sacred insights, transformative journeys, revelations, higher planes of existence, divine mysteries of faith, understanding the unseen, mystical insights, the unity of being, cosmic cycles, the significance of symbols, occult traditions, divine guardians, the essence of faith, esoteric inquiry, the mystic path, ancient mysteries, divine truths, spiritual connections, and the quest for meaning
Concealment and Revelation: Esotericism in Jewish Thought and Its Implications - By Moshe Halbertal
Religious Studies Review, 2008
study of the hasidic tale, its history, its place in hasidic society, and its importance for understanding the theology and sociology of Hasidism. The first part of the book is a bio-bibliographical study of the major authors who collected and published the hasidic tales. Some of them were associated with the hasidic movement, and some were writers whose motivations were more financial than spiritual. The collections were often printed as chapbooks that appealed to a more popular audience, even though they were written in Hebrew. The second part of the book, constituting the bulk of the work, collects and analyzes hasidic stories thematically. Among the topics considered, are the hasidic tale as seen internally by the hasidic movement, the zaddiq, and his relation to his followers and his opponents. Another major theme is areas of life that the zaddiq was believed to have the power to control like health, children, and livelihood. The magical and supernatural worlds are also the domain of the zaddiq, and stories about the zaddiq's powers in this realm are also analyzed. The book is enhanced with a very helpful glossary, gazetteer of place names, bibliography, and index. This is a pioneering work that will interest not only those interested in Hasidism, but also students of folklore, popular religion, and spirituality.
The Hidden Root - The Existential Paradox of Rabbi Zadoq Ha-Kohen of Lublin
Tradition 53:4, 2021
This article deals with the unique position of Rabbi Zadoq Ha-Kohen of Lublin on the question of the contradiction between the absolute Divine will and foreknowledge ("Yediah") and the free and contingent choice of man – a position which is the central theme of his doctrine in form and content, directly and indirectly. Its main argument is that, contrary to other positions in philosophy, religious thoughts and Jewish thought – which hold one of the two poles and annul the other, create a thawing and weakening synthesis between them, or claim their full strength but in a bipolarity in which they have no mutual influence – R. Zadoq presents a paradox in which the two poles exist together in their full strength and even in mutual influence, which creates difficult yet fertile tension. This position is exemplified in R. Zadokq's conception of man's existential condition: although R. Zadoq continues in many ways the existential fatalism of his Rabbi, Mordechai Yosef Liner of Izbica – whereby the spiritual inquiry of one's desires may reveal the Divine will inherent in it, and this is his "affixed root of the soul" – R. Zadoq also goes beyond this notion and argues for the existence of a "hidden root", which is divine but determined by man's free choice. See also here: https://traditiononline.org/the-hidden-root-the-existential-paradox-of-rabbi-tzadok/
From a non-confessional perspective, revelation or vision (mukāshafa) can be seen as the revelation or unveiling of something sacred, based on a divine emanation to a human individual. This can result in a mystical experience, a sense of unity, gnosis, and a transformative new life. Accordingly, the phenomenon of revelation can be approached and studied from three distinct perspectives: the manifestation of the sacred, the human aspect, and the role played by revelation. Given that both Rūzbihān al-Baqlī and Hildegard of Bingen's writings are rooted in their experiences of revelation, we aim to analyze this phenomenon through these three components within the works
The Path of Silence: An Unknown Story from a Zohar Manuscript
European Journal of Jewish Studies, 2007
This article presents a Zoharic story found in one manuscript only-ms. Vatican 206. The focal point of this story is the question whether in order to cleave to God while walking, one should make use of the homiletical discourse, which naturally involves a dialogue with one's walking partner, or whether one should focus one's heart and will on God in utter silence. Rabbi Yose represents the group consensus (widely described in the printed edition of the Zohar) as he expects Rabbi Abba to converse with him about matters of Torah; Rabbi Abba, on the other hand, represents ideas novel to that circle, probably under the influence of contemporary spiritualist trends. The story is very succinct, but its comparison to other Zoharic texts and the attention to the strong emotions alluded to between the lines reveal a rich plot. It seems that the fellows of the historical Zohar circle found themselves at a spiritual crossroads-one of them was attempting to undermine their dominant spiritual system and replace it with a more introverted one. It seems, however, that the fact that this story was excluded from the Zoharic corpus-it only appears in one manuscript-shows that the positive ending to this imaginary story, whereby Rabbi Yose silently agrees with Rabbi Abba, remains a wishful thought and that this attempt at incorporating new ways into the circle's traditions failed. 1 This article is part of a more extensive research project on the Book of the Zohar and its manuscripts which is being supported by The Israel Science Foundation (no. 897/01, 1193/04). The research project involves the examination of the entire inventory of manuscripts and quotations from the Zohar-until now, approximately 660 sources have been located-and it will pave the way for the publication of a critical edition of the Zohar (the first portion, to be published soon, will be "Exodus"). The text presented here was discovered while scanning these Zohar manuscripts. I wish to express my gratitude to Neta Sobol, who provided assistance during this work. I also wish to thank Prof. Yehuda Liebes, Dr. Avriel Bar-Levav, and Neta Sobol for their comments as well as the Vatican library for granting permission to publish this text found in a manuscript in their possession. 2 David Goldstein, trans., The Wisdom of the Zohar.