Kabbala

Response to a reader regarding Kabbala and the Zohar

Shalom Rav There are points on which we agree. Briefly: We are in agreement regarding the period of time the Second Miqdash stood. You...

Kiddush Levana Customs

Question: When should one recite Qidush L'vana this month? Is there an Inyan of saying it with a Minyan? Answer: One should always recite...

Teaching and Learning Kabbala Today

Question: What do you think of the modern practice of teaching Kabbalah to the masses through Hassidut? Doesn't the Mishna forbid this?...

Will We Follow Beit Shammai in the Future?

Question: There is an idea quoted in the name of the Ar"i (it was actually first written already generations after him) that in the...

Discussing Esoteric Concepts: Rambam's Mishneh Torah, Hilch. Yesodei HaTorah, Chap. 2, Part 2

Tashlich on Rosh HaShana

Question: Should one do Tashlich on Rosh HaShana? Answer: No, one should not. As the Vilna Gaon (haGra) points out, this is an unseemly...

Spilling Drops of Wine From One’s Cup During the Seder

Question: I am aware of some, but very likely not all, of the reasons for the minhag of spilling drops of wine from one’s cup during the...

Bavli, Shabbat, 27a

What is ruach ra'a?

How the Galut Influenced Kabbala

What influence did galut have over Jewish mysticism?

Truth, Authenticity, Tradition and Reason: Who Wrote the Zohar?

A letter: Honoured Rav, I will answer your question with some of my own. I. 1. Who wrote the Talmudh? Ravina and Rav Ashi? Baloney!...