Kabbalah: Difference between revisions

Kabbalah is the secret part of Torah, also called Toras HaSod (the Secret Torah), Toras HaNistar (the Hidden Torah), or Pnimiyus HaTorah (the Inner Torah). Kabbalah deals with the relationship between Hakadosh Baruch Hu and the world, the order of spiritual worlds' descent, the Sefiros and angels, and explains the inner meaning of Torah verses and mitzvos. Kabbalah has a tremendous influence on Jewish spiritual life. Among other things, Kabbalah's influence is evident in halachos, customs, and the prayer text of most Jewish circles, as well as on the Chassidic movement and teachings, mussar literature, and more.

Throughout the generations, Kabbalah was studied by select individuals, and most Torah scholars did not engage in it. There are many reservations, both in halacha and in Kabbalah itself, about studying this Torah for those who are not spiritually worthy. The study of Kabbalah became more widespread in the time of the Arizal, who wrote: "Specifically in these later generations, it is permitted and a mitzvah to reveal this wisdom."

Toras HaChassidus, revealed by the Baal Shem Tov, includes many foundations from Kabbalah, and many sections in Chassidic maamarim explain Kabbalistic concepts. However, the Chassidic leaders did not encourage systematic study of Kabbalah for the masses, but rather explained that through learning Chassidus one also fulfills the obligation to study Kabbalah, and moreover, this study ensures the learner won't err in understanding Kabbalistic concepts.