Lurianic Kabbalah
The Arizal
Rabbi Isaac Luria (1534–1572)
A scholarly introduction to the life, thought, and school of Rabbi Isaac Luria. Primary sources (Public Domain) linked to Sefaria.
Etz Chaim, Gate 1 Chapter 2
"Know that before the emanated beings were emanated and the created beings were created, a simple supernal light filled all of existence. There was no vacant space — no empty air or void — but everything was filled with that simple infinite light [Ohr Ein Sof]... When it arose in His simple will to create worlds and emanate beings... the Infinite [Ein Sof] contracted itself at its central point."
Source: Etz Chaim 1:2. R. Chaim Vital (d. 1620). Sefaria — Public Domain. Translation: CC0. · Sefaria
Study Topics
The Arizal — Biography
The life of Rabbi Isaac Luria — from Cairo to Tzfat, death at 38 in 1572.
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The School of Tzfat
His students — Vital, Karo, Cordovero. The context of 16th-century Safed.
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Key Doctrines of the Arizal
Tzimtzum, Shevirat HaKelim, Tikkun, Partzufim, and the Sefirot map.
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Etz Chaim — Introduction
What is Etz Chaim? Structure, composition history, and Vital's role.
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Sha'ar HaGilgulim — Introduction
The Lurianic doctrine of reincarnation — overview and reading guide.
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Sha'ar HaKavanot — Introduction
What is kavvanah in Lurianic practice? Introduction and reading guide.
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Reading Guide
How to study Lurianic Kabbalah responsibly. What to read first.
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