Beyond Human Perfection: ‘Cleaving’ to God
Byron L. Sherwin
Mystical Theology and Social Dissent June 1, 1983 DOI: 10.3828/liverpool/9780197100516.003.0011 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Historical analysis Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Judah Loew argued that devekut (cleaving to God) may be attained on two levels: a "normal mysticism" accessible to all through simple faith and observance of the Torah's commandments, and an intense mystical experience, "complete devekut," requiring strenuous effort beyond the "letter of the law" and restricted to the rare few who combine mystic, saint, and scholar. |
Abstract
This chapter examines Judah Loew's understanding of devekut (“cleaving to God”). It traces the development of major aspects of the idea of devekut in sources which most probably influenced him. These sources include Maimonides' reflections on the nature of devekut; the two views of devekut developed by the Spanish mystics; and the Hasidic understanding of devekut. Judah Loew claimed that devekut may be attained on two levels. On one level, devekut may be considered a variety of “normal mysticism” acquired by means of simple faith in God and observance of the commandments of the Torah. On another level, devekut may be obtained only by means of strenuous effort, going above and beyond the “letter of the law.” On this second level, devekut is considered an intense mystical experience. The first kind of devekut might be attained by all; however, the second level, “complete devekut,” is restricted to very few. Those few are individuals who embody the rare combination of mystic, saint, and scholar.