Kabbalah

Kabbalah, or Cabala (from the Hebrew word for “traditional lore”), mystical Jewish interpretation of the Torah and other holy writings. Based largely on doctrines of post-biblical sages, it entails the idea that every word and letter of the holy writings contains hidden meanings whose mystery must be uncovered through constant study. Under the guidance of Isaac Luria in the late 16th and early 17th century, Kabbalism became more messianic in orientation. Hasidism, a Jewish movement that began in the 18th century, adopted many Kabbalist beliefs.

See also: Judaism.