Cabala

Cabala, also spelled Kabbalah, is a complex system of Jewish mysticism that originated in medieval Europe. It is concerned with the nature of God, the universe, and humanity's relationship to the divine. Central to Kabbalistic thought is the concept of the Ein Sof, an unknowable, infinite divine essence. From the Ein Sof emanate ten emanations, known as the Sefirot, which represent different attributes or aspects of God and form a cosmic structure.

Kabbalists believe that the Torah, the Jewish holy text, contains hidden layers of meaning that can be accessed through various interpretive methods, including gematria (numerical interpretation of Hebrew letters) and notarikon (acronyms). The ultimate goal of Kabbalistic practice is often described as tikkun olam, a concept of repairing the world and achieving spiritual communion with God.

Over centuries, Kabbalistic ideas have evolved and influenced various traditions. While its origins are firmly rooted in Judaism, certain aspects of Kabbalah have been adopted or adapted by non-Jewish spiritual movements. The study of Kabbalah is traditionally considered an advanced discipline, often reserved for mature individuals with a strong foundation in Jewish law and philosophy. Despite its esoteric nature, Kabbalah continues to be a significant and enduring aspect of Jewish spiritual thought.