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Kabbalah is an esoteric method, discipline and school of thought in Jewish mysticism. A traditional Kabbalist is called a Mekubbal. The definition of Kabbalah varies according to the tradition and aims of those following it, from its origin in medieval Judaism to its later adaptations in Western esotericism. Jewish Kabbalah is a set of esoteric teachings meant to explain the relationship between the unchanging, eternal God—the mysterious Ein Sof —and the mortal, finite universe. It forms the foundation of mystical religious interpretations within Judaism.
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The Tanya is an early work of Hasidic philosophy, by Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, the founder of Chabad Hasidism, first published in 1796. Its formal title is Likkutei Amarim, but is more commonly known by its first Hebrew word tanya, which means "it has been taught", where he refers to a baraita section in "Niddah", at the end of chapter 3, 30b. Tanya is composed of five sections that define Hasidic mystical psychology and theology as a handbook for daily spiritual life in Jewish observance.
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Chabad philosophy comprises the teachings of the leaders of Chabad-Lubavitch, a Hasidic movement. Chabad Hasidic philosophy focuses on religious concepts such as God, the soul, and the meaning of the Jewish commandments.
Nine and a Half Mystics: The Kabbala Today is a 1969 book on Jewish mysticism by Rabbi Herbert Weiner. The book includes interviews with a number of Jewish mystics and scholars, as well as the author's encounters with various Jewish groups practicing who incorporate mysticism in their religious practice.
A Baal Shem was a historical Jewish practitioner of Practical Kabbalah and supposed miracle worker. Employing the names of God, angels, Satan and other spirits, Baalei Shem are claimed to heal, enact miracles, perform exorcisms, treat various health issues, curb epidemics, protect people from disaster due to fire, robbery or the evil eye, foresee the future, decipher dreams, and bless those who sought his powers.
References
- 1 2 3 Rabbi Herbert Weiner. NJ Jewish News. Accessed March 7, 2014.
- ↑ "Herbert Weiner". Essex News Daily. Accessed March 10, 2014. Archived March 9, 2014, at the Wayback Machine
- ↑ Kaplan, Dana Evan. Contemporary American Judaism: Transformation and Renewal. Columbia University Press, Aug 13, 2013. Accessed March 7, 2014.
- ↑ "9 1/2 Mystics: The Kabbala Today Today" by Herbert Weiner. Commentary Magazine. Accessed March 7, 2014.
- ↑ Rabbi Herbert Weiner. The Star Ledger. Accessed March 7, 2014.
- ↑ Rabbi Arthur Green. Jewish Foundation. Accessed March 9, 2014.
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