Hebrew Library of Kabbalistic Texts

 

 

 

HEBREW LIBRARY OF KABBALISTIC TEXTS
מדור ספרי המרקבה Merkava Kabbalah books
פרקי היכלות רבתי Hechalot Rabati . The most famous work of Merkava Kabbalah. Rabbi Ishmael’s journey through the heavenly palaces.
The Book of the Prophets Sefer ha-razim . A text from Talmudic times under strong Hellenistic influence. It uses magical practices close to traditional Western magic.
ספר יציראע עם מפרשים Sefer Yetzirah and its commentaries
The Book of Creation Sefer Yetzirah . The fundamental work of Kabbalah attributed to the patriarch Abraham.
פרושה הראב״ד ספר יציראז Interpretation of the Sefer yetzira by Rabbi Abraham ben David of Posquières (Raavad, 1125–1198).
הר”י סגי נהור to tell creation Interpretation of the Sefer yetzira by Rabbi Isaac the Blind (Yitzchak Sagi-Nehor – 1160–1235), son of Raavad of Posquières.
פרוש הרמב”ן ספר היטיזרה Commentary on the Sefer Yetzirah by Rabbi Moshe Ben Nachman (aka Nachmanides, Ramban, 1194–1270). Scholar and Kabbalist originally from Gerona, Spain. Author of one of the first and most important mystical commentaries on the Torah. Towards the end of his life he moved to the Holy Land and strengthened the Jewish community in Jerusalem. He is buried in Acre.
הר”י דמן עכו ספר היטיזרה An interpretation of Sefer Yetzirah by Rabbi Yitzchak of Akka (1250–1340), who was a student of Ramban and is often classified among the Kabbalists of the ecstatic school.
פרוש הרמ”ק ספר הישירא Interpretation of the Sefer yetzira by Rabbi Moshe Cordover (Ramak, 1522-1570).
משעע מעשע בראשיט ע”ד רמע להגר”א ז”ל המיוסד ע”פ אספר יציזרה Interpretation of Maas Bereshit based on Sefer Yetzirah by Rabbi Elijah of Vilna (GRA – Gaon Rabbi Elijah, 1720–1797).
The Book of the Zohar Zohar and affiliated writings
ספרא דצניותא Sifra di-ceniutha . Undoubtedly the darkest part of the Zohar, summarizing in five chapters the “rashei perakim” (beginnings of the sections) of the entire tradition.
פ’ הגר”א ספרא דצניותא  Commentary on the Sifra di-ceniuta by Rabbi Elijah of Vilna (GRA – Gaon Rabbi Elijah, 1720–1797). This Lithuanian scholar and Kabbalist was known, among other things, for his opposition to Hasidism and critical editions of the basic texts.
The Book of the Hebrews Part 1 Sefer ha-Zohar . Part 1. Commentary on the Book of Genesis .
The Book of the Zohar, Part 2 Sefer ha-Zohar . Volume 2. Commentary on the Book of Shemot .
The Book of the Zohar, Part 3 Sefer ha-zohar . Volume 3. Commentary on the books Vayikra , Bemidbar , Devarim .
Reiya, the son of Hamna. Raja mehemna . Interpretation of individual mitzvot.
Adra Zota Idra zuta . The Little Assembly. The teachings of Rabbi Shimon on the measures of the body of God (Shiur koma), which he delivered to his disciples before his death.
Additions Tosafot . Additions to various parts of the Zohar.
The השמטות Hashmatot . Short Supplements to the Zohar.
The New Zohar Zohar Chadash . Later interpretations of the Tanakh, added to editions of the Zohar.
Midrash HaNealem Midrash ha-neelam . A mystical midrash on various parts of the Tanakh, written in a mixture of Aramaic and Hebrew.
Letter sequences Sitre otiot . Rabbi Shimon’s discussion of the meaning of the letters of the Hebrew alphabet.
Sethri Torah Sitre Torah . An interpretation of some verses of the Book of Genesis, which is printed in parallel with the main text in editions of the Zohar.
The Book of the Zohar Tikkun Zohar . A commentary on the book of Beresheet , which contains explanations of 70 aspects of the Torah. Each section begins with a new interpretation of the word  beresheet . Similar to the Raja Mehemna or  the Zohar Chadash ,  the Tikkun has also received a separate edition.
Kabbalah Books Section anonymous Kabbalistic writings
The Lighter Sefer ha-bahir . A work by an unknown author from southern France in the late 12th century, attributed to Rabbi Nechunya ben ha-Kana. The oldest work of Kabbalah.
The Book of Distinction Sefer ha-Yichud . Attributed to Rabbi Chamai Gaon.
The Book of Wisdom Sefer ha-iyun . A book written in Provence, attributed to Rabbi Chamai Gaon.
The Book of Wisdom Sefer Majin Ha-Kochma . An anonymous work from Provence from the same circle as Sefer Ha-Iyun, supposedly communicated to Moses by the angel Michael.
ספר מדרש שמעון הצדיקי Midrash Shimon Ha-Tsadik . Another of the anonymous works originating from Provence.
interpretation Pirush 32 netivot mi-kabalat ha-gaonim . An explanation of the 32 paths according to the tradition of the Gaons.
סוד ידיעת האליאים מעביםת הגאונים Sod jediat ha-meziot me-kabalat ha-gaonim . An anonymous interpretation of Ezekiel’s vision.
סוד הנבואה מרבי יעקב משגביא Sod ha-nevua. A brief explanation of the prophecy and the preparations necessary to achieve it.
אגרת אל הרמב״ן ז״ל מרבי אברהם גאון ז״ל Ageret el ha-Ramban me-rabbi Avraham gaon . A letter to Ramban containing a description of the individual sefiros.
The picture book Sefer ha-Temuna . An anonymous work, written around 1270 and attributed to Rabbi Ishmael the High Priest. It presents three interpretations of the forms of the Hebrew alphabet that represent God’s manifestation in creation and deals with the theory of the Shemits, the cosmic cycles.
The Book of Miracles Sefer ha-pelija . A work by an unknown author from the 14th century (probably the same one who also wrote Sefer ha-kana ).
The Book of Kanna Sefer ha-kana . A work by an unknown author from the 14th century (probably the same one who also wrote Sefer ha-pelija ).
ספר ספר האלקטון Sefer maarechet ha-Elohut . On the Sephirah and the Essence of the Godhead. An anonymous 14th-century work attributed to Rabbi Peretz ha-Kohen.
Book of Secrets Sefer Shoshan Sodot . Anonymous from the 15th century, attributed to one of Ramban’s students or Rabbi Moshe of Kiev.
ספר מעולפת ספירים Sefer me’ulefet sapirim . Selected texts from the Zohar arranged into 28 chapters.
מדור כתבי רב עזריאל מגירונה ז״ל Rabbi Azriel of Gerona (1160–1238), a disciple of Rabbi Isaac the Blind. Among other things, he wrote Shaar ha-Shoel , a commentary on Sefer Yetzirah , a commentary on the Talmudic Haggadah, a commentary on the Liturgy (mystical meditations), and Sod ha-Korban on the mystical meaning of sacrifices.
ביאור עשר ספירות Beur eser sefirot . An exposition of the ten sefirot in the form of a hypothetical dialogue.
מדור כתבי רבי אברהמם ב״ר אלקסטרנד מקולוניא ז״ל Rabbi Avraham ben Alexander of Cologne (Axelrad of Cologne), (13th century, c. 1240). A student of Rabbi Eleazar ben Judah of Worms. He moved to Spain, where he probably studied with Rabbi Ezra Solomon ben Abraham Adret.
Book of the Good Shepherd Keter Shem Tov . A treatise on the Tetragrammaton, in which the author attempts a synthesis of Ashkenazi Hasidism and Kabbalistic schools from Provence and Spain.
מדור כתבי רבי אברהם אבולעפיא ז”ל Rabbi Avraham Abulafia (1240–1291), founder and proponent of the so-called “prophetic Kabbalah”, author of many writings on letter combinations and instructions for achieving an ecstatic state.
Life of the next world Chaye olam ha-ba . Abulafia’s most important work, in which he describes meditation methods as a path to enlightenment.
And this is what happened. Ve-zot li-Yehuda . For Yehuda, a response to Rashba’s criticisms. Written in Sicily as a letter to Yehuda from Barcelona.
Light of the mind Or ha-sechel . The Light of the Intellect, an important exposition of Abulafia’s system and techniques. Written in Sicily in 1285. Dedicated to Abraham Comti and Nathan Charar, two of Abulafia’s students in Messina.
The Book of Songs Sefer Ha-Cheshek . The Book of Enthusiasm, an important book on Abulafia’s system of meditation.
Amri Shefar Imrej Shefer . Words of Beauty, an introduction to the Abulafia system. Written in 1291.
Closed garden Gan na’ul . The Sealed Garden, a commentary on Sefer Yetzirah . Written in Sicily in 1289.
שבע נתיבות הטורה Sheva netivot ha-tora . Seven Paths of Torah on methods of Torah study.
Treasure of the Hidden Eden Ocar Eden ha-ganuz . The Treasury of the Hidden Eden, a commentary on Sefer Yetzirah , containing important autobiographical material. Written in Sicily in 1285.
The names of the dead Get ha-shemot . A work summarizing Abulafia’s views on the organization of the world and the meaning of God’s names.
Rabbi Avraham Marymon Al-Esfardi Rabbi Avraham ben Yitzhak of Granada, (13th century). A Spanish Kabbalist about whose life nothing further is known.
Book of the Covenant of Rest Berit menucha . A work written in the 14th century in Spain, attributed to Rabbi Abraham of Granada. It explains the meanings of 26 ways of vocalizing the Tetragrammaton (only ten were published). Its symbolism does not fit into the usual Kabbalistic works. It bears traces of the influence of Avraham Abulafia, but it combines his linguistic and letter mysticism with the complex mysticism of lights. The work forms the basis of the so-called practical Kabbalah and was highly regarded by later Kabbalists, e.g. Moshe Kordover and Ari.
מדור קטבי רבי משה בן שם טוב די ליון ז״ל Moshe ben Shem Tov de Leon (1240–1305), a prominent Kabbalist, probable author of most of the Zohar. Nothing further is known about his teachers and early studies. After becoming interested in philosophy, he turned permanently to Kabbalah and established contacts with many groups in Castile. He was particularly interested in the traditions of the Gerona Kabbalistic school and the teachings of Todros Abulafia and Moshe of Burgos. In the second half of the 13th century he was also very close to Joseph Gikatali.
The Holy Shekel Shekel ha-Kodesh . The foundations of the Kabbalistic doctrine of the ten Sephirahs and the four worlds. The work is for one reason or another very close to the Zohar and uses very similar terminology.
מדור כתבי רבי יוסף גיקטליה ז”ל Rabbi Joseph Gikatalia (1248–1310). Born in Medinaceli, Castile, he lived for many years in Segovia. From 1272–1274 he studied under Abraham Abulafia, who considered him his best student. He wrote Ginat egoz ; Shaare tzedek ; Shaar ha-nikud .
Book of Sha’ari Zedek Shaare Tzedek . A treatise on the ten sefirahs, more or less a revised work of Shaare Ora .
The score book Sefer ha-nikud . The book constitutes a mystical interpretation of vowel signs.
The Book of Electricity Sefer ha-Hashmal . Kabbalistic commentary on Ezekiel’s vision.
Book of Ora Shaare Ora (Gates of Light, in Latin Portae lucis ). A book on the ten sefirahs and their names attributed to Rabbi Joseph Gikatalia. It is a treatise on the Names of God in ten chapters, in which Gikatalia takes a somewhat hostile stance towards philosophy. He quotes exclusively from Sefer Yetziru and Pirkei Hechalot , which contradicts his earlier views. Some authors therefore question Gikatalia’s authorship, but it is quite possible that this is simply his departure from philosophy towards mysticism. This book was translated into Latin and the Christian Kabbalist Reuchlin used it to criticize his opponents.
The Secret of the Snake Sod ha-nahash. An explanation of the mystery of the biblical serpent, original sin, and the expulsion from paradise.
מדור כתבי רבי מנחם רקאנאטי ז”ל Rabbi Menachem Rekanati (1250–1310). A prominent Italian Kabbalist whose work influenced not only many other Kabbalists, but also Christian Kabbalah through the translations of Pico de Mirandola. Author of one of the most popular esoteric interpretations of the Torah.
Commentary on the Torah Perush al ha-Torah . An interpretation of the Torah with the help of a number of Kabbalistic sources, including the Zohar and Bahir. Aramaic passages are translated in brackets. First edition is Venice 1523.
מדור כתבי רבי מאיר בן גבאי ז”ל Rabbi Meir ben Gabay (1480–1540). Spanish exile, author of the most comprehensive compendium of Kabbalah up to the time of Safed, Sefer Avodat Ha-Kodesh .
ספר אבודה הקודש לר”מ גבאי Sefer Avodat Ha-Kodesh . One of the early works illuminating the basic concepts of Kabbalah. The book has four parts: 1. on the unity of God, 2. on the worship of God, 3. on the purpose of human existence, 4. an explanation of the esoteric parts of the Torah, which essentially consists of a step-by-step exposition of the first chapter of the book of Genesis and the first chapter of Ezekiel . Published in Kraków 1534.
Book Through Faith Sefer derech emuna . A comprehensive defense of the Kabbalistic doctrine of the Sephirahs based on Azriel’s  Beur eser sefirot.
מדור כתבי רבי יוסף קארו ז”ל Rabbi Joseph Karo (1488–1575). He was born in Spain, but his family had to emigrate in 1492. He later became the head of the Safed school and, among others, the teacher of Rabbi Moshe Krodover. Although he was known more as a lawyer and author of the Shulchan Aruch , he also made his mark in the history of Kabbalah.
Magid Mishraim Maggid mesharim . This book is something like a diary in which Karo recorded conversations with his heavenly mentor (maggid) over the course of fifty years. These conversations concern various subjects. The maggid exhorts Karo to the utmost humility and modesty, to fervent prayers and to boundless patience. Special emphasis is placed on renunciation, the maggid advises Karo on family matters, approves or criticizes his religious questions. Karo accepts new concepts from his maggid only in the area of ​​Kabbalah, for the study of which he had almost no time. These are Kabbalistic interpretations of the Torah, which in content, although not in form, resemble the theories of Rabbi Cordover, who was Karo’s student.
מדור כתבי רבינו משה קורדוברו (הרמ”ק) ז”ל Rabbi Moshe Cordovero (aka Ramak, 1522–1570). Ramak was the leader of the Safed school of Kabbalists and is the author of several important Kabbalistic works, including the Pardes , Ejlima Rabati ; Or Neerav , and Or Yakar (a monumental twenty-volume commentary on the Zohar ). He was a student of Joseph Kar and Rabbi Shelom Alkabetz.
Pardes Ramonim Book Pardes Rimonim (1549). The fundamental Kabbalistic work of Rabbi Moshe Kordover, which in 32 chapters summarizes all the topics of Kabbalah – the ten Sephirah, the way in which the Ein Sof operates through them, the interpretation of the thirty-two paths of wisdom and the fifty gates of reason, a detailed explanation of the names of God and the issues of ecstatic practice (for which Kordover’s main sources are the works of Abraham Abulafia and Yitzchak of Akka).
The Book of Light Or neerav . An introduction to Kabbalah for (almost) complete beginners by Ramak, intended as a more popular version of Pardes rimonim . The work is, according to Ramak’s son Gedaliah, merely the torso of a much larger project.
interpretation of אור יקר אל בראשיט א:א The interpretation of the Or Yakar to the first verse of the book of Genesis.
Meaning Interpretation of prophecy, its classification, and the preparations necessary to achieve it from  Or Yakar (Shiur Koma section).
requirements בעניני מלאכים An explanation of the nature and function of angels, the vision of the Merkava, God’s names and their use.
Divorce book
 Torah interpretations written using ecstatic methods used during Ramak’s numerous voluntary exiles ( gerushin ).
מדור כתבי רבי יצצק לוריא אשקנזי (האר”י) ז”ל Rabbi Yitzhak Luria (aka Ari, Arizal, 1534–1572). Born in Jerusalem, died in Safed. After Ramak’s death, he headed the Kabbalistic school there for two years and became the founder of a new type of Kabbalah, the so-called “Luridian Kabbalah”.
מדור כתבי רבי חיים ויטאל ז”ל Rabbi Chaim Vital (1543–1620). The most prominent student and scribe of Rabbi Luria.
Tree of Life Et Chayim . The fundamental work of Lurianic Kabbalah.
Book of the Fruit of the Tree of Life Pri Etz Chayim . Development of the concepts of the book  Etz Chayim.
Gate of Purposes Shaar ha-kavanot . Mystical interpretation of prayers.
The Gate of the Incarnations Shaar ha-gilgulim . Discusses the transmigration of souls.
The Book of Psalms Shaar ha-pasukim . The book contains interpretations of verses from the Tanakh.
Sha’ar Ma’ameri Rashbi Shaar Maamarei Rashbi . Commentary on the Zohar .
The door of the sayings of Razal Shaar Maamarei Razal . Commentary on the sayings  of the Rishonim .
Book of the Hebrews Sefer Likutei HaShas . Kabbalistic treatises on some Talmudic tractates.
Book of Holy Names Shaare Kedusha . One of the most famous works of practical Kabbalah. Here is the classic edition, containing the first three chapters. The fourth chapter, containing excerpts from other works of ecstatic Kabbalah, was not printed for most editions.
The Book of Good Knowledge Sefer ec ha-daat tov . Commentaries on the Torah according to individual sections.
כתבי רבי מנחם עזריה מפאנו (רמ”ע מפאנו) Rabbi Menachem Azariah de Fano (aka Rama Mi-Pano, 1548–1620). Italian Kabbalist, his teachers were Yisrael Sarug and Mordechai Dato.
Ten articles Asara maamarot . Ten Kabbalistic tractates. Actually only five essays, which were published under the title Amarot tehorot in Frankfurt, 1698.
ספר גלגולי נשמות Gilgulei Neshamot . A book about souls and their reincarnations (including tracing the reincarnations of the souls of individual biblical characters).
Book of Yonath Elam A-B Jonat elem . A classic work on the theology and cosmology of Kabbalah, highly regarded by the Prague rabbi Yeshayahu Horowitz.
כתבי רבי אברהם אזולאי Rabbi Avraham Azulay (1570-1643). Moroccan Kabbalist, spiritual disciple of R. Moshe Kordover. He wrote a number of books on Kabbalah and philosophy, including a three-volume commentary on the Zohar and a very popular introduction to Kabbalah,  Chesed le-Avraham.
Grace to Abraham Chesed le-Avraham . Methodical treatment of pre-Lurian Kabbalah.
מדור כתבי רבי משה חיים לוצאן (רמק”ל) Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzato (aka Ramchal, Padua 1707–1746). Author of many Kabbalistic works, including Kalach Pitchei Chochma and Mesillat Yesharim .
ספר קל”ח פאטי חקמה Kalach Pitchei Chochma – 138 Gates of Wisdom. An encyclopedic summary of the entire Kabbalah in 138 chapters, considered by many to be the most systematic treatment of the subject ever.
The Book of the Path of Yesharim Mesilat Yesharim . The Ramchal’s most famous book, which became a foundational work of the ethically focused Musar movement.
Book Through the Tree of Life Derech Etz Chayim . A commentary on Luria’s work Etz Chayim , which was intended to be an introduction to Pitchei Hochma .
The Infertile Article Maamar ha-ikarim . A synthesis of classical philosophy and Kabbalah.
The Wisdom Article Maamar ha-chochma . An essay on the role of man within creation.
Article on the Hadiths Maamar al ha-agadot . A treatise on the various ways of interpreting tradition.
Book of Wisdom Derech Chochma . A dialogue between student and teacher about the nature and acquisition of wisdom.
Book of Wisdom Daat tevunot . A comprehensive conversation in which the intellect instructs the soul about God’s relationship to the world and to man.
כלי פאטי קוחמה ודעד Kelalej Pitchey Chochma Va-Daat . A work discussing the nature of creation and the Sefir, their relationship to the Partzuf, and also problematic concepts such as Sitra Achra – the other side.
General Wisdom Article Kelalej Maamar Ha-Chochma . A brief explanation of Kabbalistic terminology for the book Maamar Ha-Chochma .
כלי ספר קנאת ה׳ צבאות Kelalei Sefer Kanat HaShem Tsevaot . An explanation of the concepts contained in the book Sefer Kinat HaShem Tsevaot .
ספר קנאת ה׳ צבאות Sefer Kinat Hashem Tsevaot . Another treatise by the Ramchal summarizing all the teachings handed down by tradition about God, the Sephirah, the Partzuf, and the worlds, with special attention to the issues of world governance and God’s providence.
ספר קללות שרשי החקמה Kelalot Shorashei Ha-Chochma . A short essay on Kabbalah.
the general book of wars Kelalej sefer milchamot Moshe . Despite its title, it is a classic work of Lurianic Kabbalah, dealing with Tzimtzum, Partzuf, and Adam Kadmon.
The Chariot’s Book Sefer Panot Ha-Merkava . This book is divided into four sections according to the four faces of the Merkava.
سود حمركبة دموت عدم وحيحود Sod ha-merkava demut Adam ve-chayot.  An explanation of why one of the faces of the Merkava is the form of a human.
פפלות חשעם המרכבה Tefilot le-panot ha-merkava . Kabbalistic Siddur.
interpretation of מאמר זוהר ריש משפטים Pirush Maamar ha-Zohar.  Explanation of the beginning of the section  Mishpatim.
מאמר ארימת ידי בצלותין interpretation Pirush maamar aremit yedaj bi-celotin.  Explanation of the section of the Zohar on raising the hands in prayer.
מאמר ויהי מקץ לרמח״ל ז״ל Maamar va-yehi mikec . An interpretation of the passage of Genesis 41 in a mystical manner, not unlike the midrash of the Zohar.
interpretation of למאמר ויהי מקץ Pirush le-maamar va-yehi makec . A commentary on some of the ambiguities in the previous interpretation.
משנה משנה עברה ספר ישריזה Pirush Mishna Rishon Le-Sefer Yetzirah . Interpretation of the first verse of Sefer Yetzirah.
Ten Lights Asara orot . The Ten Lights – a summary of Kabbalistic doctrine in ten points.
ביאורים ספר אוזטרות חיים Beurim le-sefer Ocarot chayim . Explanation of the book Ocarot chayim .
Book of the High Priests Sefer Mishkan Eliyon . An essay explaining the Upper Temple mentioned in tradition, and its form, laws, and regulations. 
דברי תורה בשמע המגיד לרמק״ל ז״ל Divrei Torah be-shem ha-magid . Lessons on the hidden meaning of the Torah learned through the maggid – a remarkable document of the Ramchal’s ecstatic practice.
ליקוטים מפבטרי הרמק״ל ז״ל Likutim me-kitvei ha-Ramchal . Selected passages from the writings of Ramchal.
ראשי פרקים של דברי תורה Rashei Perakim went to Divrei Torah.  A small supplement to the work  Divrei Torah.
מדור כתבי רבי שלום שרעבי Rabbi Shalom Sharabi (aka Rashash, 1720–1777) was born in Yemen, but later moved to the Holy Land, where he became the head of the yeshiva at Beth-El. He considered only the Zohar , the Ari, and Chaim Vital as authorities on Kabbalah. He did not study the works of the Ari’s other students or other Kabbalists at all.
Book of the River of Peace Sefer Nahar Shalom . Commentary on Kavanot ha-tefila by Rabbi Yitzhak Luria from Rashash.
The Book of the Graces of David Sefer Chasdei David . Rashash’s view of the basic principles of Lurianic Kabbalah.

Application Contents of PowerSefer Updates of the 450 Common Books of Hebrew