A tradition of Jewish mysticism spanning two millennia — from ancient texts on creation to medieval Spanish mysticism, to the revolutionary Lurianic system, to Hasidic psychology. Its central image: the Tree of Life, a map of ten divine attributes through which the Infinite becomes knowable.
Historical Arc
Ancient2nd–6th century CE
Sefer Yetzirah and Merkavah mysticism — the chariot-throne visions of the divine. Earliest Jewish mysticism.
Early Medieval9th–12th century
Sefer Bahir appears in Provence. The Sefirot take their classic form. The divine feminine enters the system.
Spanish Golden Age13th century
The Zohar appears. Moses de León compiles/writes the foundational text of all subsequent Kabbalah.
Safed School16th century
Isaac Luria (the Ari) revolutionizes Kabbalah with Tzimtzum, Shevirah, and Tikkun. Etz Chaim compiled by Chaim Vital.
Hasidic Revolution18th–19th century
The Baal Shem Tov makes Kabbalah accessible. Chabad emerges. Tanya is written — Kabbalah as psychology.
"The world was created for the sake of the Torah, which is called 'the beginning of God's way,' and for the sake of Israel, who are called 'the first of His harvest.'" — Rashi on Genesis 1:1