The Secrecy doctrine exists since 2nd century, but did not appear in any book until end of 14th century, when a Spanish Jewish scholar named Rabbi Moshe de Leon rewrote and edited it in a book called "Seffer Hazohar" (The book of Glow, in Hebrew). The contents of book is attributed to Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai (mentioned above) who had lived 1300 years before time of de Leon. Believers claim that Bar Yochai wrote book, but Kabbala researchers say that text was written much later, in middle ages.

"Seffer Hazohar" is not a text book. It is a collection of ideas and Torah material. Only in end of 15th century, another Spanish Rabbi, Moshe Cordoveiro, who later moved to Safed, wrote structured lessons which enabled a systematic studying of Kabbala.

As opposed to other three layers of Torah world, dealing primarily with Jewish religious laws, Secrecy doctrine deals with philosophical side of Judaism: For example, eternal question of "Why do righteous people suffer in our world, and why are wicked people so successful?"

The Kabbala, developed in Safed by a genius nicknamed "HaAri Hakadosh" in 16th century, uses abstract concepts which are incomprehensible to outsiders: "Elohut" (Divinity) and "Tzimtzum" (Reduction), for instance. The Divinity filled in past whole universe. It was later reduced to make room for present world. Following this Reduction, lights of Divinity were accumulated into "Sefirot", vessels which contain immense Divine lights. The three upper "Sefirot" did their job. But lower six broke into many pieces and scattered. This is called in Hebrew: "Shevirat Hakelim" (Breaking of Vessels). Because of this breaking of vessels, good and evil were mixed with each other in whole universe. The splinters of divine lights, called "Nitzotzot" (sparks), fell into depths of "Clippot", evil powers of impurity. The broken "Divinity" went into exile among "Clippot". According to Kabbala, fate of Jewish people is similar to that of "Divinity". The Jews are still in exile amongst nations. The salvation depends on every person. If people succeed in collecting all "Nitzotzot", salvation of humanity will come. The collection of "Nitzotzot" will be done by good deeds, such as obeying Jewish religious rules. When someone does so, he collects "Nitzotzot" and puts them back in place. He then deals with "Tikun Olam", correction of world.

The Kabbala has a great influence on Judaism, especially on Hasidim movement. Kabbalic concepts, developed mainly in 16th century Safed, have penetrated Jewish liturgy. One of them is "Holy matching". Philosophically, this concept has another meaning, but in popular cognition it is perceived as a holy marriage treaty between God and Jewish people.

For example, "Shavuot" holiday, in which Holy Torah was given by way of a pact between God and Jews, has been compared to such a holy marriage. Also customs of "Kabbalat Shabbat", (receiving Sabbath), were changed following Safed notion of "Holy matching". The Kabbala followers in Safed started in 16th century custom of going Friday before sunset out of town, wearing white clothes, to receive bride, Shabbat. Friday night was link between God (the king) and Shabbat (the queen). Following mystical marriage, souls of righteous people were born. This custom of going out of town Fridays was abolished after fall of Safed centre in beginning of 17th century, but its influence is felt until today Alkabetz poem "Lecha Dodi", mentioned above. HaAri Hakadosh said that "the Shechinah (the presence of God) rests above Safed". You can feel it even today. Its clear air and serenity helps visitors to contemplate about philosophical subjects I have just mentioned, and others. It is worth visiting this place even if you do not have faintest idea what you are going to do there.

COPYRIGHT 2004: MOSHE REINFELD

written:

9/17/2004

The Author is a freelance journalist and a tour guide in Israel

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