Last week we sent an email explaining how Sefaria’s interconnected library can support learners seeking to explore kabbalistic texts. We also thought you’d like to know about some new additions to the Kabbalah section of the library. All of these resources were added to Sefaria’s library in the last year. They encompass a wide array of scholarship about Jewish mysticism, spanning years of thought and contemplation.

There’s a lot here! Take a deep breath — let’s dive in.

Sha'arei Orah (Gates of Light): Written in Spain in the 13th century, this is Rabbi Joseph Gikatilla’s most influential work. It discusses 300 ‎names of God and is organized into ten chapters, one for each sefirah.

Petichah LeChokhmat HaKabbalah (Introduction to the Wisdom of Kabbalah): Written by Rabbi Yehuda Ashlag in the mid-20th century, this is an introduction to the study of Kabbalah, consisting of 188 brief sections that, among other topics, provide explanations of basic concepts in Kabbalah, such as light, contraction (“tzimtzum”), and the breaking of vessels.

Baal HaSulam's Preface to Zohar: A 20th-century introductory essay by Rabbi Yehuda Ashlag that aims to answer the questions of why one should study the Zohar and what Kabbalah’s approach is to existential questions such as why suffering exists and what peoples’ purpose is in this world.

Introduction to Sulam Commentary: A 20th-century introduction to Rabbi Yehuda Ashlag’s commentary on the Zohar, written by the author. This text explains certain concepts of kabbalistic thought, focusing on the sefirot and the relationships between them.

The Beginning of Wisdom: A 19th-century introduction to kabbalistic thought written by Rabbi Aryeh Leib Lifkin, a Lithuanian community rabbi, author, and publisher.

[Works by 13th-century Spanish kabbalist, Rabbi Abraham Abulafia]

Ohr HaSekhel (Light of the Intellect): This volume was written at the request of Rabbi Abulafia’s students and is a guide to achieving prophetic enlightenment – or, if prophecy is withheld, at least to unlocking secrets of Torah and the reasons for commandments.

Sefer HaCheshek: This work describes the author’s approach to connecting with God — and even achieving prophecy — by reciting certain combinations of letters and divine names, along with other meditation techniques.

Get HaShemot (Divorce of the Names): The stated purpose of this volume is to convey the general principles of the author’s kabbalistic system.

Gan Naul (A Locked Garden): One of three commentaries by Rabbi Abulafia on Sefer Yetzirah, this is an early mystical work that describes how God used the Hebrew alphabet and numbers to create the world.

VeZot LiYehuda: An expansive letter from the author to Rabbi Yehuda Salmon, in which he explains his own approach in relation to other kabbalistic schools of thought.

[Works by 16th- and 17th-century kabbalist, Rabbi Chaim Vital]

Sha'ar HaHakdamot (Gate of Introductions): This volume delves into theoretical Kabbalah, especially its fundamental ideas about Creation and divine emanation.

Sha'ar HaMitzvot (Gate of Commandments): An examination of kabbalistic meanings of biblical commandments, in order of their appearance in the Torah.

Sha'ar Ruach HaKodesh (Gate of Divine Inspiration): In this text, the author explores the practical application of Kabbalah as a meditative discipline.

Sha'ar HaKavanot (Gate of Intentions): This book ventures into the kabbalistic meanings and accompanying intentions of various traditional prayers, as well as the purpose of prayer as a whole.

Sha’arei Kedusha (Gates of Holiness): The Gates of Holiness is, in essence, the author’s guide to living a holy life and attaining divine inspiration through character development.

Sha'ar Ma'amarei Rashbi (Gate of the Sayings of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai): A commentary on various sections of the Zohar, the foundational kabbalistic text traditionally ascribed to the second-century sage Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai.

Sha'ar Ma'amarei Razal (Gate of the Sayings of the Sages): This “gate” provides kabbalistic expositions on a selection of passages from the Talmud and Midrash.

Sha'ar HaPesukim (Gate of the Verses): The fourth “gate” written by Rabbi Vital, this is a kabbalistic commentary on the Bible. Like most of Vital’s writings, it is based on the teachings of Rabbi Isaac Luria.

[Works by miscellaneous writers in the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries]

Yahel Ohr on Zohar: Written by Rabbi Elijah of Vilna (also known as the Vilna Gaon or the Gra) in the 18th century, this comprehensive commentary on the Zohar also includes an appendix by another central kabbalist thinker, Rabbi David Luria.

Beur HaGra on Sifra DeTzniuta: Composed by the Vilna Gaon (mentioned above) in the mid-1700s, this is an extensive commentary on Sifra DeTzniuta (The Book of Concealment), a brief section included in the Zohar considered one of its core sections. This commentary is seen as essential to understanding the author’s approach to Kabbalah.

Nefesh David on Zohar: A commentary on the Zohar written by the 19th-century kabbalist Rabbi David Luria. The title, which means "Soul of David," alludes to a connection between a sage’s eternal soul and the words he leaves behind.

BePardes HaChasidut VeHakabbalah (In the Orchard of Chasidut and Kabbalah): Written by neo-Chasidic thinker Hillel Zeitlin in the early 20th century, this is a structured introduction to Chasidic and kabbalistic thought. The text addresses topics such as the meaning of commandments, a defense of Kabbalah, and the authenticity and development of the Zohar and its teachings. [A brief section is available in both English and Hebrew]

Ohr HaChamah (Light of the Sun): This volume of 17th-century collected commentaries on the Zohar was compiled in Hebron by Rabbi Abraham Azulai. It summarizes four earlier Zohar commentaries.