Judah Loew and the Jewish Mystical Tradition: Introductory Remarks
Byron L. Sherwin
Mystical Theology and Social Dissent June 1, 1983 DOI: 10.3828/liverpool/9780197100516.003.0005 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Historical analysis Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Mysticism |
| Key points | Argues that Judah Loew's writings significantly influenced Sabbateanism, particularly Nathan of Gaza's concept of salvation by faith, and more profoundly shaped Hasidism, especially the Przysucha-Kotsk school, as well as figures like Shneur Zalman and Gershon Hanokh Leiner. |
Abstract
This chapter evaluates Judah Loew's influence upon the Jewish mystical tradition which succeeded him. Rabbi Loew's writings made a significant impact upon the two major trends in the history of Jewish mysticism which flourished after his death: Sabbateanism and Hasidism. One may discover Loew's influences in the writings of Nathan of Gaza, the principal Sabbatean theologian. Indeed, Nathan's idea of salvation by faith rather than by deeds, an atypical notion in the history of Jewish messianism, may be traced directly to Loew's treatise on messianism. More profound and direct than his influence on Sabbateanism, however, was Judah Loew's impact upon Hasidism. Not only his literary style, but also many of Rabbi Loew's attitudes and views echo throughout Hasidic literature. Hasidic interest in Judah Loew reached its acme in the Przysucha-Kotsk school. One may also discern some influence of Judah Loew upon at least two additional Hasidic figures: Shneur Zalman of Liady and Gershon Hanokh Leiner of Radzyn.
Comparable studies
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|---|---|---|---|
| The mystical mind: probing the biology of religious experience | 2000 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Religious and Mystical Experiences as Artifacts of Temporal Lobe Function: A General Hypothesis | 1983 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| The Problem of Pure Consciousness: Mysticism and Philosophy | 1993 | Edited collection of essays | |
| Irreducible Mind: Toward a Psychology for the 21st Century | 2020 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Mysticism and schizophrenia: A phenomenological exploration of the structure of consciousness in the schizophrenia spectrum disorders. | 2016 | Theoretical or philosophical paper |