kabala

Kabbalah, also spelled Qabalah or Cabala, is a body of esoteric Jewish mysticism. It seeks to understand the divine nature of God and the relationship between the divine and the universe. Kabbalistic teachings explore concepts such as the creation of the universe, the nature of the soul, and the meaning of the Torah. The origins of Kabbalah are debated, with some traditions tracing it back to ancient Israelite mysticism, while others point to medieval Spain as its primary development period.

Key texts in Kabbalah include the Zohar, a foundational work written in Aramaic, and the writings of Isaac Luria, a 16th-century mystic whose teachings, known as Lurianic Kabbalah, introduced concepts like tzimtzum (divine contraction) and tikkun (rectification). Kabbalistic practice often involves meditation, prayer, and the study of sacred texts. It aims to achieve a deeper spiritual connection and understanding.

While deeply rooted in Judaism, elements of Kabbalah have influenced other spiritual traditions and gained wider interest in popular culture. However, traditional Kabbalah is typically studied within a Jewish context and often requires a thorough understanding of Jewish law and philosophy. Its complex symbolism and allegorical interpretations continue to be a subject of study and contemplation for mystics and scholars alike.