The Cabala

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

—

Title

The Cabala

Language

en

Book source

Global Grey

Description max 80 words

Bernhard Pick's academic monograph offers a rigorous historical and theological examination of Jewish theosophy. Moving beyond mysticism's supernatural claims, the text traces the Cabala's evolution from early Talmudic traditions to the medieval Zohar and the works of Isaac Luria. Essential for understanding the intersection of Jewish mysticism, philosophy, and history.

Summary up to 500 words

Bernhard Pick's *The Cabala* offers a scholarly examination of Jewish theosophy, distinguishing it from general mysticism and oral tradition. Pick clarifies that while the term 'Cabala' originally denoted 'reception' or oral transmission, the system evolved into a scientific philosophy during the Middle Ages. The work critically addresses the historical debate surrounding the *Zohar*, the central text of the Cabala. Modern scholarship, which Pick supports, attributes the *Zohar* to Moses de Leon in the 13th century rather than the traditional author, Simon ben Jochai. Pick traces the development of Cabalistic thought through key figures such as Moses Cordovero and Isaac Luria. Cordovero focused on speculative theology, while Luria emphasized the 'wonder-working' branch, claiming constant interviews with the prophet Elijah and performing miracles. Luria's doctrines on the soul, transmigration, and divine emanations profoundly influenced Jewish belief, elevating the *Zohar* above the Talmud. His disciple, Chayim Vital, later compiled Luria's lectures into the *Ez chayim*. A significant portion of the book details the ten Sephiroth, the attributes or emanations flowing from the boundless *En Soph*. These ten spheres constitute the structure of the 'Primordial Man' (*Adam Kadmon*) and represent the divine attributes of Crown, Wisdom, Intelligence, Mercy, Judgment, Beauty, Splendor, Majesty, Foundation, and Kingdom. Pick explores how these emanations interact to form the cosmic structure. The text also investigates the Cabala's relationship with Christianity, noting its influence on scholars like Cornelius Agrippa and Robert Fludd. However, Pick critically examines the 'wonder-working' branch, discussing the rise of false messiahs like Sabbatai Zevi. Zevi proclaimed himself the Messiah and the son of David, leading thousands before his eventual conversion to Islam under threat of execution. Other figures, such as Jacob Frank, also emerged from this tradition, often leading to tragic consequences for their followers. Throughout the work, Pick maintains an objective, academic tone, utilizing primary sources to provide a comprehensive overview. He notes that by the 18th century, modern influences had diminished the Cabala's authority, reducing it to a historical curiosity. The book serves as a definitive guide to understanding this complex theological system, its evolution, and its impact on both Jewish and Christian thought.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Religion
• Philosophy