Kabbalah in Gnosis Magazine (1985-1999)
UvA-DARE (University of Amsterdam) May 2, 2026 DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.19978415 via OpenAlex
Summary
The chapter examines the role of Kabbalah in contemporary spiritual revival movements, arguing that modern appropriations of Jewish mysticism often diverge from traditional practices and are shaped by broader cultural and social trends. It explores how Kabbalistic symbols, texts, and ideas are adapted in New Age and spiritual circles, sometimes stripped of their original Jewish context. The text highlights tensions between academic scholarship on Kabbalah and its popular, often commodified, forms. It suggests that these contemporary uses reflect a search for meaning and identity in a globalized world, while also raising questions about authenticity and cultural appropriation.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Mysticism |
| Keywords | Kabbalah History Art Literature |
| Key finding | Modern spiritual movements frequently reinterpret Kabbalistic traditions in ways that depart from historical Jewish practice, reflecting broader cultural shifts toward individualistic and eclectic spirituality. |
Abstract
in: Boaz Huss (ed.), Kabbalah and Contemporary Spiritual Revival (The Goldstein-Goren Library of Jewish Thought Publication No. 14), Ben Gurion University of the Negev Press: Beer-Sheva 2011, 251-266.