Mysticism

Jewish mysticism concerns the direct perception of God within the framework of Jewish belief and practice. The "working" definition of Mysticism is 'a deeper understanding of reality'. Thus, Jewish Mysticism would refer to a specifically Jewish approach to the Ultimate Reality, based upon the revelation to each individual member of the Jewish People at Mount Sinai. The subject of Kabbalah is the study of "the body of The King" - the 'anatomy' of Existence, while Chassidus is concerned with creating a personal relationship with G-d.Kabbalah means "received tradition" and a kabbalist must be able to prove an uninterrupted 'genealogical' line from student to teacher all the way back to basic seminal figures, paralleling the line of teacher-to-student ordination for rabbis, that goes back to Moses at Mount Sinai, and the biological genealogies of the Priesthood from Aaron or the Royal line from King David.In the case of an essentially self-taught "outsider", like the Ari, who recast the Kabbalah in a 'new form' (debatable, since he harkens back to the 'dynamic' terminology of the Zohar and Sefer Bahir as opposed to the more 'structural' approach to the Kabbalah of Moses Cordovero and Nachmanides), the only way he could propound his innovations was after first submitting them to an acknowledged Master who would testify that the new approach was "like old wine in new bottles" and was totally in consonance with the traditions he had received from HIS master. The Ari submitted his system to Rav Chaim Vitale, and Rav Moshe Cordovero - the two leading Kabbalistic authorities of that time - who thereupon accepted the Ari as THEIR master! From that point on, the vast majority of Kabbalists have derived from the school of the Ari, which eclipsed all the other schools. Thus, all other schools of Jewish mysticism which were contemporary with him or came in contact with his teachings later- whether their emphasis was in meditation, prayer, or magic- recast their teachings in line with his. Regarding prayer, though the older nusachs (rites) still exist, the law is that if one prays according to Nusach Ari, he cannot go back - 'One may ascend in holiness, but not descend to a lower level.'Joseph Caro, who wrote the Code of Jewish Law, known as the Shulchan Aruch, which is the definitive arbiter of the Talmudic debates about the correct application of Jewish Law, was a disciple of the Ari. Since his decisions are grounded in the Kabbalah of his teacher, Jewish religious practice is an expression of kabbalah in action.

Jewish Mysticism - Kabbalah presented through topics and responses from the basic texts with quotations from three contemporary writers.
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Jewish Magazine - Monthly independent Jewish resource guide with articles on Israel, Zionism and Jewish mysticism.
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Jewish Mysticism in Talmudic Era: Outline - Eleazar Segal's course outline of the vision of the Chariot(Maaseh Merkavah)found in Ezekiel and Isaiah with talmudic commentary.
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Laibl Wolf's Website - Kabbalah-based meditation, as taught by Laibl Wolf, founder and director of the Human Development Institute; includes books,lecture tapes and schedule of seminars.
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Rabbi Pincus David HaKohen Rachlin - In a bi-lingual website, Rabbi Rachlin provides advice and guidelines for a person's efforts in spiritual self-development.
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The Kabbalah Connection - Resources and information about Jewish Mysticism and Kabbalah, with excerpts from books by Rabbi Chaim Dalfin Ph.D. Includes a list of audio tapes, and a discussion group.
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Kaballah and Jewish Meditation - Rabbi Ariel Bar Zadok offers in-depth teachings in the Kaballah and Jewish meditation.
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Rabbeinu's Most Humble Abode - A tribute page to Reb Shlomo Carlebach, including his teachings, stories by and about him, pictures, samples of his music and links to groups (chevras) he founded.
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New Kabbalah - Demonstrates the relevance of Jewish mysticism to contemporary theology, philosophy and psychology. Comparative studies on Kabbalah and Jung, Freud, Hegel, Derrida, Hinduism,Gnosticism, based on books, lectures and interviews by Sanford Drob, PhD.
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SPIRAL - Kabbalah for the 21st Century - New millenium, mystical interpretations of the Torah.
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Kabbala - Subscription to Kabala words of wisdom.
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Tomer Devorah: The Palm Tree of Deborah by Moses Cordovero - Written by the great kabbalist, Rabbi Moses Cordovero, of Safed, Tomer Devorah is devoted to the doctrine of the Imitation of God, as a path in spiritual enlightenment and service.
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Kabbalah Links - Various links on this subject.
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The Art of Kabbalah - Contemporary Kabbalah in the Toledano Tradition, featuring astrology, classical kabbalah, philosophy and news.
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Meditations of the Heart - A sefer, guide book, to becoming a Tzaddik, a pious Jew, through meditations and practices.
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Alter Rebbe Maamorim - Texts of the teachings of the first Lubavaticher Rebbe.
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Kabbalah Online - Rabbi Markel's Kabbalah and Chassidic stories, articles and philosophic discussions.
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Bnei Baruch Media Archive - Recordings of Kabbalah lessons taught daily at Bnei Baruch Kabbalah Yeshiva, videos, book of Zohar and books by Rabbi Yehuda Ashlag (Baal Sulam) and Rabbi Baruch Ashlag (RABASH). Largest collection of media (mp3, asf, pdf) Kabbalah materials on the Internet. Updated daily.
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Kabbalah Society - Articles on the Toledano tradition of the Kabbalah in English and Spanish.
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Jewish Link - Provides information on Jewish healing and spirituality from both traditional and mystical sources.
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Isralight - Rabbi David Aaron, author of Endless Light and Seeing God, heads up the Isralight Organization, providing spiritual retreats in Jerusalem, New York City, South Florida and Los Angeles.
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The Jewish Learning Institute - Offers Jews of all backgrounds interested in learning more about Judaism access to Kabbalah, mysticism,and history. Courses are offered in over fifty cities worldwide.
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Tree of Life - A pictorial reference to the Tree of Life, with information on each of the Sephiroth.
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www.kabbalah.tk - The wisdom of kabbalah according to Rabbi Michael Laitman, of the Bnei Baruch School. Introduction in English and Spanish.
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Thoughts on Torah - Philosophy and Kabbalah; commentary on Tefilah and Tanach.
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Kabbalah World Center - Lessons, information, and music broadcast, FAQ, and forums in 11 languages.
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There is One - Jewish enlightenment. The spiritual mystery of mysteries explained. Flash demonstrations and talks on Jewish mysticism from the Old City of Jerusalem.
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Kabbalah: Age-Old Wisdom for a New Era - Information on history and doctrines of Jewish mysticism, featuring questions and answers, audio classes, and essays.
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Jewish Spirit Online - Featuring the "Jewish Spirit Journal" and the writings of Yitzhak Buxbaum, who received s'micha (authorization) as a maggid (teacher and storyteller) from the legendary Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach.
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Fiftieth Gate Publications - Classes and books on Kabbalah.
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The Kabala Location - A site containing basic explanation about the Kabala, links and a free downloadable Windows-based program.
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Modzitz - Modzitz is a famous Chassidic Rabbinic dynasty that is known for its music or Nigunnim, as well as for learning and Torah. The site has biographies of the rebbes and a selection of melodies.
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Jewish Healing - Learn about authentic Jewish healing systems that integrates Jewish spirituality with medicine. Based on classical sources as found in Kabbalah, Chassidut and Rambam.
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True Kabbalah - A translation and running commentary of The Gate of Unity ("The Key" to Chassidus and Kabbalah and Hisbonenus-meditation), Q&A, as well as a wealth of other Kabbalistic articles, stories, and works.
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Kabbala Online - A repository of authentic Jewish Kabbala. Essays, translations and history enhanced by commentary and pop-up glosses, Send-a-Prayer to holy sites in Israel, and Ask the Kabbalist. Sponsored by Ascent-of-Safed.
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Food for the Soul - Free Interactive Database - Certified by RAV Michael Laitman of Bnei Baruch
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Welcome to Rabbi David Aaron . Com - Seeking answers to mystical questions? Rabbi David Aaron is an expert in the of Kabbalah, Spirituality, Jewish Mysticism and God. Explore the inner workings of the mind, heart and soul with his Sparks of Inspiration.
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KosherKooking Mystical-Spiritual Recipes...more - The preparation of a good meal can be a mystical-spiritual event as well as physically satisfying. Based on the biblical book of Daniel...good for your body and soul.
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Kabbalah Simply Stated - You can start a Kabbalah Study Group in your area through The International Kabbalah Association. Bob Waxman, co-founder, offers (9) Kabbalah classes in South Florida and is the author of "Kabbalah Simply Stated" published by Paragon books.
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Breslov Center for Spirituality and Inner Growth - Features instruction in Hisbodedus -- Rabbi Nachman's path of meditation and secluded prayer, announcements of classes and events in the greater New York area, links and connections to Breslov resources all over the world, translations, essays, tapes, community notices and Chassidic music.
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Yiddishkeit.org - Collection of torah resources on the web including; gemara, kabbalah, sichos of the Lubavitcher rebbe and basic Judaism.
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Erev Moshiach -- Eve of Redemption - This website contains the statements of a young Jewish child who reveals a clear vision of the messianic redemption.
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The Use and Abuse of Mysticism in The Song of Songs - ...

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