Emerging from the sixteenth-century Safed Circle of Jewish mystics, Rabbi Isaac Luria (the Arizal) was a pivotal figure in the history of Kabbalah. His influence on later Jewish movements, in particular Hasidism, is still felt to this day. Part of the Jewish Biography as History lecture series by Dr. Henry Abramson.
Thank you very much for this great lecture! It was very interesting and informative! I believe its very important for us to keep in mind that it was because of the Ari’s influence and hard work that the Jews were able to overcome all the challenges of the 16th and 17th centuries. Although he dies at a young age, he not only offered the people in his generation with so much rather ,his legacy still continues today!
It was a fascinating to learn about the Arizal and his contribution to Kabbalah. He was such a special man, for he was born in Israel and dedicated his life to learning the Talmud and the Zohar. Unfortunately, he would allow his lectures to be written. However, his views influenced the lives of many people and his legacy, as a spiritual and kabbalistik man is still with us today. Thank you for posting this lecture.
Rabbi Issac Halevi Luria, known as the Arizal, only lived a short 38 years but was remembered by hundreds of thousands. It is interesting that the Arizal was known by many as “Ari”- lion. A lion is a strong animal that is known as the king of the jungle. This was the Arizal’s greatness. Although he did not write any books, his great Torah knowledge made him famous for being a king, a leader.
Thanks for the lectures, watched a few of them on YouTube and found them to be very informative.
Glad you enjoyed them! HMA
I rely on these lectures to get a general understanding of Jewish History and great Jewish people. It never occurred to me that I might get insight on what Kabbalah is, but that is what happened watching this lecture. About 15 years ago, I tried to learn what Kabbalah is by reading a thin introductory book by an author whose name I don’t even remember. I learned a little bit about Gematria, but all I was able to take away from the Book was that the Sefirot were worlds. I could get no understanding of what the 10 worlds meant for me. Since I just wanted a basic understanding of Kabbalah and had no intention of going deep into occult aspects of Kabbalah, I never tried reading through any other book on Kabbalah. Now, the short explanation you gave of Kabbalah in this lecture really clicked for me. The quick plug you gave for you book was good because it demonstrated to me how Kabbalah can have practical uses for one who wants to love G-d completely and obey his commandments.
Oops, forgot to identify myself.
Doing a project on mysticism and decided to do the Kabbalah. Thank you for your fascinating lecture.