Kabbalah

Kabbalah is the ancient Judaic mystical tradition that provides insights into the essence of God, His interaction with the world, and the purpose of Creation. It is a spiritual doctrine that delves into the depths of the Creator, the world, and ourselves.

Kabbalah is the esoteric, mystical tradition within Judaism that seeks to understand the nature of God (*Ein Sof*), the structure of the universe, and the soul’s journey through divine realms.

Tree of Life

Fundamental to learning about Kabbalah is the study of the Tree of Life.

One of the things that attracted me to the study and practice of Kabbalah in my life are the many similar worldviews to Shamanism, Hinduism, and Taoism. -Richard

Kabbalah is often described as the inner Torah — a spiritual map hidden beneath the surface of Jewish texts and rituals.

The word *Kabbalah* means “receiving,” referring to the received tradition passed down from teacher to student. It’s not just a body of knowledge but a spiritual discipline aimed at transforming the self through deeper awareness of divine unity.

Kabbalah has evolved through the centuries, from secretive circles of sages to modern spiritual seekers.

Today, there are **several distinct schools of Jewish Kabbalah**, each with its own emphasis, lineage, and interpretive style. While the boundaries can blur, scholars and practitioners generally recognize these major streams.

Recommended Resources for Learning About Kabbalah

I have found that David Ghiyam and Arthur Kurzweil provide are excellent resources for learning about Kabbalah.

Schools of Kabbalah

So while there’s no fixed number, at least five to seven major schools are active today within or adjacent to Jewish tradition, each offering a unique lens on the mystical dimensions of Judaism.

  1. Theoretical Kabbalah
  2. Lurianic Kabbalah
  3. Ecstatic or Prophetic Kabbalah
  4. Practical Kabbalah
  5. Hasidic Kabbalah
  6. Academic and Neo-Kabbalah
  7. Christian and Hermetic Qabalah

1. Theoretical Kabbalah

Rooted in medieval Spain and Provence, this school focuses on metaphysical speculation about the divine realms, especially the *sefirot* (divine emanations). The *Zohar* is its foundational text.

2. Lurianic Kabbalah

Developed by Isaac Luria in 16th-century Safed, this school introduced powerful new concepts like *tzimtzum* (divine contraction), *shevirat ha-kelim* (shattering of the vessels), and *tikkun olam* (cosmic repair). It became the dominant form of Kabbalah in traditional Jewish circles.

3. Ecstatic or Prophetic Kabbalah

Associated with Abraham Abulafia, this school emphasizes meditative techniques, letter permutations, and mystical union with the divine. It’s more experiential and less theosophical.

4. Practical Kabbalah

Focused on using divine names, amulets, and rituals to influence the world. This school has always been controversial and is generally discouraged in mainstream Judaism due to concerns about misuse.

5. Hasidic Kabbalah

Emerging in the 18th century, Hasidism popularized Lurianic ideas and emphasized *devekut* (cleaving to God), joy, and the spiritual power of everyday actions. Each Hasidic dynasty (e.g., Chabad, Breslov) has its own mystical flavor.

6. Academic and Neo-Kabbalah

In the modern era, scholars like Gershom Scholem and Moshe Idel have studied Kabbalah historically and philosophically. Meanwhile, Jewish Renewal and Neo-Hasidic movements have adapted Kabbalistic ideas for contemporary spiritual seekers.

7. Christian and Hermetic Qabalah

Though not Jewish, these Christian and Hermetic Qabalah schools emerged in the Renaissance and continue today in Western esotericism. They reinterpret Kabbalah through Christian or occult lenses.

Foundational Texts

  1. Sefer Yetzirah (“Book of Formation”) – One of the earliest mystical texts, exploring creation through Hebrew letters and numbers.
  2. Sefer ha-Bahir (“Book of Brightness”) – Introduces symbolic language and the concept of the *sefirot* (divine emanations).
  3. The Zohar (“Book of Radiance”) – The central text of classical Kabbalah, attributed to Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, though likely compiled by Moses de León in 13th-century Spain.
  4. Etz Chaim (“Tree of Life”) – The primary text of **Lurianic Kabbalah**, compiled by Rabbi Chaim Vital based on the teachings of Isaac Luria (the Ari).

Influential Teachers

  1. Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai – Legendary author of the *Zohar*, revered as a foundational mystic.
  2. Moses de León – Credited with compiling the *Zohar* and shaping medieval Kabbalah.
  3. Rabbi Moshe Cordovero (Ramak) – Systematized earlier Kabbalistic thought in *Pardes Rimonim*.
  4. Isaac Luria (the Ari) – Revolutionized Kabbalah with his cosmic theories of tzimtzum [“contraction”], shevirat ha-kelim [“the shattering of the vessels”], and tikkun [“repair” or “fixing”].
  5. Rabbi Chaim Vital – Luria’s chief disciple and transmitter of his teachings.
  6. The Baal Shem Tov – Founder of Hasidism, who brought Kabbalistic ideas into everyday Jewish life through joy, prayer, and *devekut* (cleaving to God).

The Kabbalah Centre

The Kabbalah Centre teaches a modern, accessible form of Kabbalah that emphasizes universal spiritual principles rather than traditional religious boundaries. Their approach is rooted in the teachings of The Zohar, a foundational Kabbalistic text.

Their aim is to help individuals remove chaos from their lives and connect with what they call the Lightforce of the Creator.

Here are some key elements of the teachings of The Kabbalah Center:

  • Inclusivity: Unlike traditional Kabbalistic study, which was historically restricted to male Jewish scholars over 40, the Centre opens its teachings to anyone with a desire to learn, regardless of background or religious affiliation.
  • Practical Spirituality: Kabbalah is presented as a toolkit for personal transformation—helping people improve relationships, overcome challenges, and find purpose.
  • The Power of The Zohar: The Centre teaches that simply scanning the Aramaic text of The Zohar (even without understanding it) can bring spiritual benefits and help eliminate negativity.
  • Satan as Chaos: They interpret “Satan” not as a being, but as a metaphor for the internal force that promotes chaos, doubt, and self-sabotage.
  • New Spiritual Era: The Centre believes we are in a new spiritual era where humanity is ready to receive this wisdom, aligning with prophecies in The Zohar.

The Centre was popularized by figures like Rav Yehuda Ashlag and later Rav Berg, and it has attracted a global following—including some high-profile celebrities. While their teachings have been controversial in some circles, they’ve also helped bring Kabbalistic ideas into mainstream spiritual conversation.

The Kabbalah taught by the Kabbalah Centre is a modern, accessible interpretation that draws primarily from Lurianic Kabbalah, but it also incorporates elements from other mystical traditions and contemporary spiritual teachings.

So, while the Kabbalah Centre doesn’t represent a “school” in the classical sense like Lurianic or Hasidic Kabbalah, it’s best understood as a modern spiritual movement inspired by Lurianic Kabbalah, filtered through a contemporary, inclusive lens.

I have done some study with The Kabbalah Centre.

My Points of Reference

Kabbalah - My Points of Reference - Richard Edward Ward

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