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Kabbalah Explained: Jewish Mysticism and Its Teachings
A plain-language overview of Kabbalah: what the word means, its history and key texts, core teachings like Ein Sof and the sefirot, and why it is debated.
Mystical Traditions
Kabbalah
Jewish mysticism from the Zohar and the Tree of Life to Lurianic ideas, gematria and who may study it.
Chochmah and the Supernal Triad in Kabbalah
Chochmah, or wisdom, is the second sefirah in Kabbalah. Learn how it is pronounced, how it relates to Keter and Binah, and why the triad is not a Trinity.
Ein Sof in Kabbalah: The Infinite and How It Relates to Creation
Ein Sof means "without end," Kabbalah's term for the infinite God beyond description. Learn how it relates to the sefirot, tzimtzum and the created world.
Is Kabbalah a closed practice?
Kabbalah was traditionally restricted to mature, learned students, but is now widely published. Here is how views differ and how to study respectfully.
Is Kabbalah accepted by all Jews?
No. Jewish views on Kabbalah range from devotion to skepticism. See where Hasidic, rationalist and modern movements stand and the main objections.
Is Kabbalah ok for Christians?
Christians disagree about Kabbalah. Learn why it is debated, the history of Christian Kabbalah, common objections, and how Jewish teachers see non-Jewish study.
Kabbalah Numerology and Gematria Explained
Hebrew numerology is called gematria. Learn how letters become numbers, classic examples like chai, and how Kabbalah differs from modern numerology.
Kabbalah Principles and Rules: Who May Study It, Karma and Reincarnation
What Kabbalah teaches, whether it has formal rules, who has traditionally been allowed to study it, and how its idea of gilgul compares with karma.
Kabbalah Spiritual Practices and Meditation
An overview of traditional Kabbalistic practice: kavanah in prayer, meditation on the sefirot and divine names, study, Shabbat, and Yom Kippur customs.
Lurianic Kabbalah: Tzimtzum, the Shattering of the Vessels and Tikkun
Lurianic Kabbalah, from 16th-century Safed, teaches tzimtzum, the shattering of the vessels and tikkun. Learn the story of creation and repair in plain terms.
Sitra Achra: The Other Side in Kabbalah
Sitra Achra, the "Other Side," is Kabbalah's term for the realm opposed to holiness. Learn about kelipot, judgment, free will and the redemption of sparks.
The Four Worlds of Kabbalah: Atzilut, Beriah, Yetzirah and Assiah
Kabbalah describes reality in four worlds: Atzilut, Beriah, Yetzirah and Assiah. See what each means, why some teachers count five, and how they link to the soul.
The Kabbalistic Tree of Life: The Ten Sefirot Explained
A guide to the Kabbalistic Tree of Life: the ten sefirot from Keter to Malkhut, the three pillars, Daat, and how Jewish and Hermetic Trees differ.
What does Sitra Achra mean?
Sitra Achra is Aramaic for "the Other Side." In Kabbalah it names the realm opposed to holiness. A short, clear answer with links to deeper reading.
What Is the Zohar? The Central Text of Kabbalah and Its Origins
The Zohar is the central work of Kabbalah, a mystical commentary on the Torah. Learn what it contains, the debate over who wrote it, and how it is used.
Which birth date are karmic numbers?
In modern numerology, birth days 13, 14, 16 and 19 are called karmic debt numbers. Learn what that means and why it isn't a Kabbalistic teaching.
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