Appearing in the late 12th century, this text expanded on the Sefer Yetzirah , describing the Sephirot as "vessels" for divine energy [19, 21].
Mystical commentary on the Torah; the "Bible" of Kabbalah [13, 23]. 16th Century
The word literally means "tradition" or "received teachings" (from the Hebrew root kabel , to receive) [10, 11]. While many view it as a single book, it is actually a vast, evolving body of Jewish mystical thought that seeks to understand the relationship between an infinite, unknowable God and our finite world [5.1, 19]. 1. The Ancient Roots (Pre-12th Century) Origins of the Kabbalah
Luria’s teachings laid the groundwork for Hasidic Judaism in the 18th century and continue to influence most modern interpretations of Kabbalah today [5.8, 26]. Summary Table: Key Foundational Texts Approx. Date Key Concept Sefer Yetzirah 3rd–6th Century
This group in Provence is credited with further developing the "Elijah’s revelation" tradition, where secrets were said to be revealed by the prophet Elijah to modern sages [5.6, 14]. Appearing in the late 12th century, this text
Traditionally, practitioners believe these secrets were revealed to Adam , passed to Abraham , and eventually hidden by the Sanhedrin to prevent misuse [5.7, 5.17]. 2. The Medieval Emergence (12th–13th Century)
Though formal "Kabbalah" emerged in the Middle Ages, its seeds were planted much earlier: While many view it as a single book,
Known as the father of contemporary Kabbalah, he introduced concepts like Tzimtzum (God's self-contraction to make space for the world) and Tikkun Olam (repairing the world by gathering "divine sparks") [5.8, 26].