Index of Sages

mystical text by R. Yosef Karo.

Rabbi Yehudah ben Betzalel Loew c. 5285-5369 (c. 1525-1609 CE). His mystical writings include Be'er Hagolah; Netivot Olam; Tiferet Yisrael. He is also famous for having produced a golem (humanoid).

known as the Rambam, from the acronym of his name R. Moshe ben Maimon; 4895-4964 (1135-1204 CE). Physician and Torah scholar originally from Cordoba, Spain, but who fled from persecution to North Africa, passing through Morocco and eventually settling in Egypt. Known for his works of Jewish law and philosophy works, Mishna Torah and Guide to the Perplexed, he also commanded kabbala, though he did not overtly present this knowledge in his works.

Kabbala work by R. Natan Nota Shapiro.

(Ramah) 4950-5004 (1190-1244 CE). He wrote a commentary on Sefer Yetzira entitled Lifnei v'Lifnim. See also Abulafia entry above.

c. 5240-? (1480- ? CE). Fled from the Spanish Inquisition.

d. 5422 (1622). One of the important kabbalists in the circle of the Ari, lived in Jerusalem and studied kabbala under R. Yaakov Tzemach. Best known for putting in order Rabbi Chaim Vital's manuscripts of the Ari zal's teachings and printing them. He arranged the manuscripts according to the index written in Rabbi Chaim Vital's own handwriting that he found in Damascus in the possession of Rabbi Shmuel Vital, the son of Rabbi Chaim Vital. Rabbi Meir himself wrote several important kabbalistic works. He is buried on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. [See Encylopedia l'Gedolei Yisrael (Margolius) (Hebrew)]

(Anshei Knesset HaGedola) received from Baruch ben Neriah and his court. It was comprised of 120 sages included Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi, Daniel, Chananya, Nehemiah ben Chachalya, Mordechai, Zerubavel and many others.

(Rama miPano) 5308-5380 (1548-1620 CE). Very important kabbalist in Italy. Student of Rabbi Yisrael Sarug and Mordechai Dato.

4983-5050 (1223-1290 CE). Wrote a mystical commentary on the Torah. He quotes frequently from Ramban.

(the Tzemach Tzedek) 5549-5626 (1789-1866 CE),third Rebbe of Chabad-Lubavitch; grandson of R. Shneur Zalman of Liadi (the "Alter" Rebbe) and nephew of R. Dovber of Lubavitch (the "Mittler" Rebbe).

(1902-1994), Rebbe of Lubavitch from 1950.

an unpublished commentary on Sefer Yetzira by Rabbi Shmuel Motot.

began prophesying in 3160 (600 BCE). He received from Isaiah and his court.

a commentary on Pirkei Avot, by Shmuel Ozida.

treatise on Zohar by R. Shalom Buzaglo.

commentary on Maarechet HaElokut by R. Yehuda Chayat.

a kabbalistic work by R. Emanuel Chai Riki.

2368-2488 (1393-1273 BCE). Directed the Exodus from Egypt. Received the Torah for the Jewish People.

5268-5353 (1508-1593 CE). Author of a "Torat Moshe," a mystical commentary on the Torah.

4895-4964 (1135-1204 CE) also called "Maimonides", the Rambam. Physician and Torah scholar originally from Cordoba, Spain, but who fled from persecution to North Africa, passing through Morocco and eventually settling in Egypt. Known for his halachic expositions and rationalist philosophic works, the Guide to the Perplexed and Mishna Torah, he also commanded kabbala, though he did not overtly present this knowledge in his works.

(Ramban) born c. 4955 (1195 CE) in Gerona, Spain, d. 5030 (1270 CE) in Acco, Israel. A disciple of Rabbi Ezra and Rabbi Azriel of Gerona.

5000-5070 (1240-1310 CE). Spanish kabbalist who was very highly regarded by his contemporaries. He wrote several kabbalistic works.

c. 5150- c. 5200 (c. 1390- c. 1440 CE). Rabbi Moshe was a Spanish kabbalist who became famous for his commentary on Sefer Yetzira.

(Ramchal) b. in Padua 5467 (1707 CE) d. in Acco, Israel 5506 (1746 CE) Author of important kabbalistic works, "KLaCh" Pitchei Chochma, Da'at Tevunot, Derech Hashem, and Mesillat Yesharim.

5282-5330 (1522-1570 CE). Kabbalist in Safed. Author of several important Kabbalistic works, including Pardes Rimonim (completed at the age of 27); Sefer Eilimah Rabbati; Or Ne'erav, Or Yakar (a commentary on Zohar) and many others. Student of Rabbi Yosef Karo and Rabbi Shlomo Alkabetz.

c. 5000 - c. 5065 (c. 1240 - c. 1305 CE) in Leon near Castile. Published the manuscripts of the Zohar that had come into his possession.

(known as Ramaz or Remez). Born around 5380 (1620 CE) in Amsterdam; d. 5457 (1697 CE) (studied in Amsterdam, Holland, Poland and Lithuania. Rabbi in Venice and Mantua, Italy where he died). Studied for two years under a student of the Ari zal, Rabbi Binyamin haLevi who came as an emissary from Safed. Wrote Kol HaReMez

5532-5570 (1772-1810 CE), grandson of Israel Baal Shem Tov, and early Chassidic leader. His stories and teachings have been collected by his followers, beginning with his first disciple, Rabbi Nosson.

began prophesying in 3240 (520 BCE). He received from Joel (Yoel) and his court.

1st half of 17th C. CE. Born in Frankfort. Author of Emek HaMelech (pub. 5408 (1648 CE).

5345-5393 (1585-1633) Author of Megaleh Amukot and Ranav Ofanim. Eliyahu HaNavi is said to have visited with him regularly.

of Yerushalayim, published Tuv Ha'Aretz in 1655, a mystical treatise on Eretz Yisrael. Immigrated from Cracow. Became Chief Ashkenazi Rabbi of Jerusalem. Named after his uncle, author of Megaleh Amukot.

(Tanna of the second half of 1st Century CE). A disciple of Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai. Teacher of Rabbi Yishmael, Rabbi Akiva, Rabbi Eliezer HaGadol. Wrote the Bahir; Sefer HaTemuna (together with Rabbi Yishmael).

a kabbalistic treatise by the Maharal of Prague.

famous kabbalistic commentary on the Torah by R. Chaim ibn Attar.

Kabbala work by R. Moshe Cordovero.

a commentary on Zohar by R. Moshe Cordovero.

mystical interpretation of Talmudic passages by Todros Abulafia.

Kabbala work by R. Moshe Cordovero.

Kabbala work written by Eliezer HaGadol.

(acronym of the name Rabbi Avraham Av Beit Din).

(acronym of the name of R. Menachem Azaryah deFano) 5308-5380 (1548-1620 CE). Very important kabbalist in Italy. Student of Rabbi Yisrael Sarug and Mordechai Dato.

acronym of the name R. Moshe Cordovero.

acronym of the name R. Moshe ben Maimon, also called "Maimonides"; 4895-4964 (1135-1204 CE). Physician and Torah scholar originally from Cordoba, Spain, but who fled from persecution to north Africa, passing through Morocco and eventually settling in Egypt. Known for his works of Jewish law and philosophy works, Mishna Torah and Guide to the Perplexed, he also commanded kabbala, though he did not overtly present this knowledge in his works.

acronym of the name R. Moshe ben Nachman,"Nachmanides". Torah scholar and kabbalist originally from Gerona, Spain, author of one of the first and the most important mystical commentaries upon the Torah. At the end of his life he moved to the Holy Land and greatly strengthened the Jewish community in Jerusalem. He is buried in Acco.

acronym of the name of R. Moshe Zacuto. Born around 5380 (1620 CE) in Amsterdam; d. 5457 (1697 CE) studied in Amsterdam, Holland, Poland and Lithuania. Rabbi in Venice and Mantua, Italy where he died. Studied for two years under a student of the Ari zal, Rabbi Binyamin haLevi who came as an emissary from Safed. Wrote Kol HaReMez.

acronym of the name of R. Moshe Chaim Luzatto b. in Padua 5467 (1707 CE) d. in Acco, Israel 5506 (1746 CE). See Moshe Chaim Luzatto.

Kabbalah work by R. Natan Nota Shapiro.

acronym of the name R. Shlomo ben Aderet, c. 4995-5070 (1235-1310 CE). Born in Barcelona. Student of Rabbeinu Yonah of Gerondi and Ramban.

acronym of the name of R. Shimon bar Yochai (2nd Century CE) and his circle. Rabbi Shimon was one of the main students of Rabbi Akiva. Rabbi Shimon and his son Rabbi Elazar hid in a cave to escape Roman persecution in 3909 (149 CE). Author of the Zohar, buried at Meron, west of Safed.

acronym of Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki 4800-4865 (1040-1105 CE), born in Troyes, France. Foremost commentator and Talmudist. Also knew and practiced Kabbala as is evident from his commentary to Sukka 45a; Sanhedrin 65b, etc.

4059-4113 (299-353 CE) According to Rashi's commentary on Talmud tractate Sanhedrin 65b, Rava created a golem using the mysteries of Sefer Yetzira and sent it to Rav Zeira, who nullified the golem and returned it to dust.

a contemporary of Rava nullified the golem sent to him by Rava (cf. Rava) and returned it to dust.

kabbalistic ethical treatise by R. Eliyahu daVidas

major work (and play on the acronym of his name) of R. Moshe Zacuto, the Ramaz. "Remez" in Hebrew means 'hint'.

Kabbalah work of R.Yaakov of Marvege, France.

work of Elazar of Worms c. 4920-4998 (c. 1160-1237 CE), also known as the Rokeach. (Born in Speyer, Germany; died in Worms).

b. 4642 (882 CE) in Egypt; d. 4702 (942 CE) in Sura (Babylon). Author of Emunot v'De'ot; Commentary on Sefer Yetzira. Was appointed Gaon of Sura in 4688 (928 CE).

2830-2882 (931-878 BCE) received from Eli and his court.

variant name of SeferHaBahir, Kabbalah work written by Nechunia ben HaKana ben Zakai.

a kabbalistic treatise by R. Eliezer Azkiri.

Kabbalah work attributed to R.Yehuda HaChassid of Regensburg.

Kabbalah work written by Nechunia ben HaKana ben Zakai.

Kabbalah work by R. Moshe Cordovero.

Kabbalah work of Avraham ben Yitzchak of Narbonne.

Kabbalah work by Shem Tov ibn Gaon.

Kabbalah work written by Nechunia ben HaKana (together with Rabbi Yishmael).

Kabbalah work of R. Asher ben David.

Kabbalah work attributed to Avraham Avinu (Abraham the Patriarch) which, according to some, was finally redacted by Rabbi Akiva.

Kabbalah work by R. Avraham Zacuto.

Kabbalah work by Yosef Gikatila.

Kabbalah work on the 10 sefirot by Todros Abulafia

Kabbalah work attributed to R. Yaakov ben Sheshet of Gerona.

Kabbalah work of Azriel of Gerona.

Kabbalah work by Yosef Gikatila

Kabbalah work by Yosef Gikatila

(c. 1561-1619). Author of Shefa Tal.

5460-5540 (c. 1700-1780 CE). Born in Marakesh, Morocco. Student of R. Avraham Azulai, Yaakov Pinto; Yeshayahu HaKohen. Later lived in London. Author of Mikdash Melech on Zohar.

(Rashash) 5480-5537 (1720-1777 CE). (1780-1837??) Born in Yemen. Later lived in Israel and became head of Yeshivat Bet E-l.

early Talmudic scholar, known for strictness of his decisions. Hillel and Shammai and their court received from Shmaya and Avtalyon and their court, and began the Talmudic era.

a kabbalistic work of Rabbi Sheftel Horowitz.

(Shabtai Sheftel), 5321-5379 (c. 1561-1619 CE). Author of Shefa Tal.

(Shenei Luchot HaBrit), work of commentary and halacha by noted kabbalist, R. Yeshayahu Horowitz, b. 5320 (1560 CE) in Prague; d. 5390 (1630 CE) in Jerusalem.

5043-5100 (1283-c. 1340 CE). Disciple of Rashba and Raavad; studied Kabbala under R. Yitzchak ben Todros. Spent some time in Safed, Israel. Author of kabbalistic works Kesser Shem Tov; a super-commentary on the mystical sections of Ramban's commentary on Torah; Badei HaAron; Sefer HaPe'er among others.

d. 5190 (1430 CE). A leading Spanish kabbalist. He fought vigorously against philosophy. He wrote several works in kabbala, only fragments of which are still extant.

appointed Gaon of Pumbedita in 4728 (968 CE)

(Rashbi) (2nd Century CE) and his circle. Rabbi Shimon was one of the main students of Rabbi Akiva. According the Talmud tractate Shabbat 33b, Rabbi Shimon and his son Rabbi Elazar hid in a cave to escape Roman persecution in 3909 (149 CE). Author of the Zohar, buried in Meron, west of Safed.

b. 5248-5348 (1488-1588 CE). Born in Spain and fled to Morocco to escape the Inquisition. On his way to Israel, he stopped of in Tripoli N. Africa. When he saw how ignorant of Torah the people there were he decided to stay and teach them. He is the author of Ketem Paz, an important commentary on the Zohar.

left Spain as a child during the expulsion in 1492. His family settled in North Africa, where he grew up to be a renowned scholar and Kabbalist. He set out for Israel in 1549, but when he stopped in Tripoli along the way and saw the ignorance and lack of Torah observance among the Jews who lived there, he decided to remain in order to teach, which he did with great success. Today, he is best known as the composer of the popular Bar Yochai hymn sung on Lag B’Omer, and by many Jews on Shabbat too.

a noted kabbalist and the author of a number of esoteric commentaries. He was martyred during the Cossacks' Uprising on July 15, 1648. 

c. 5260-5340 (c. 1500-1580 CE). Author of the mystical hymn Lecha Dodi, composed in Safed at the time of the Lurianic influence.

(Rashba) c. 4995-5070 (1235-1310 CE). Born in Barcelona Student of Rabbeinu Yonah of Gerondi and Ramban.

5601-5684 (1841-1924 CE). Author of Leshem Shevo V'Achlama.Major exponent of Lithuanian Kabbalah of his day. Also known as Rav Shlomo of Shavel. Immigrated to Israel with the help of Rav A.Y. Kook in 1922.

5310-5379 (1550-1619 CE) Poland; author of Kli Yakar a commentary on the Torah.

4800-4865 (1040-1105 CE) better known as Rashi, born in Troyes, France. Foremost commentator and Talmudist. Also knew and practiced Kabbala as is evident from his commentary to Succah 45a; Sanhedrin 65b, etc.

Kabbalah work of Azriel of Gerona on the mystical meaning of the sacrifices.

14th C. CE. Wrote Meshovev Netivot an unpublished commentary on Sefer Yetzira.

b. ca. 5300 (1540 CE) in Safed. He was one of the disciples of the Ari zal. He is famous as the author of Midrash Shmuel, a commentary on Pirkei Avot.

son of R. Chaim Vital. Lived in the 17th C. CE. He was born in Damascus and studied Kabbala under his father. When Rabbi Chaim Vital passed away, he inherited many of his father's manuscripts in the kabbalistic teachings of the Ari zal. He arranged these in eight categories, known as the Shmoneh Shaarim. He also wrote several kabbalistic works of his own. Rabbi Shmuel had many important students, among them Rabbi Yaakov Tzemach; Rabbi Meir Poppers. Towards the end of his life he moved to Egypt, and died in Cairo.

(Shenei Luchot HaBrit), work of commentary and halacha by a noted kabbalist, R. Yeshayahu Horowitz.

5505-5573 (1745-1813 CE), the "Alter Rebbe" of the Lubavitch dynasty. Author of Tanya, an early Chassidic text and the Shulchan Aruch haRav, an extended work on halacha.

(Code of the Jewish Law), compilation of halacha by R. Yosef Karo, completed 5335.

2912-2964 (849-797 BCE) Son of David, king of Israel. Built the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.

a comprehensive commentary on the entire Zohar, by R. Yehudah Ashlag.

a kabbalistic treatise by the Maharal of Prague.

Kabbalah work of R. Asher ben David.

Kabbalah work by R. Avraham Beruchin.

4994-5060 (1234- c. 1300 CE). Author of Otzar HaKavod a mystical interpretation of Talmudic Aggadata; Shaar HaRazim a work that describes the 10 sefirot.

sons-in-law and grandsons of Rashi. The Baalei HaTosefot lived in France and Germany in 12-13th centuries CE. Rabbeinu Yaakov of Marvege, France wrote Responsa from Heaven 4963 (1203 CE) — using mystical techniques he obtained responses from the Heavenly Court regarding certain questions he posed.

early Chassidic work by R. Shneur Zalman of Liadi, the first ("Alter") Rebbe of the Lubavitcher dynasty; it provides Chassidic insight according to the weekly Torah readings of Genesis and Exodus.

5567-5640 (1807-1880 CE) Morocco; author of numerous kabbalistic treatises, and patriarch of a family of kabbala scholars.

A colleague of R. Ezra and R. Azriel of Gerona. Reputedly the author of Shaar HaShamayim (Warsaw 1798 CE).

France, one of the Tosafot school, wrote Responsa from Heaven 4963 (1203 CE) — using mystical techniques he obtained responses from the Heavenly Court regarding certain questions he posed.

Bucharest. Author of Tal Orot (Levov 1876 CE)

Born in Portugal- settled in Safed sometime between 5370-5380 (1610-1620 CE). In 5388 (1628 CE) went to Damascus, Syria to learn under R. Shmuel Vital. d. after 5425 (1665 CE).

a commentary on Zohar by R. Avraham Galante.

(1st and 2nd C Tanna CE). One of the five main disciples of Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai.

began prophesying in 3055 (705 BCE) received from Elisha and his court.

and Nittai HaArbeli and their courts. The former was appointed as Nasi of the Sanhedrin in 3610 (151 BCE). They and their court received from Yose ben Yo'ezer and Yosef ben Yochanan and their court.

the Maharal of Prague. c. 5285-5369 (c. 1525-1609 CE). His mystical writings include Be'er Hagolah; Netivot Olam; Tiferet Yisrael. He is also famous for having produced a golem (humanoid).

and his court received from Yehoshua ben Prachya and Nittai HaArbeli. Yehuda ben Tabbai and Shimon ben Shatach and their courts received from Yehoshua ben Prachya and Nittai HaArbeli. Shimon ben Shatach became the rabbinical head of the Sanhedrin in 3688 (73 BCE).

c. 4910 - c. 4985 (c. 1150 - c. 1225 CE). Born in Provence, France; died in Spain. Disciple in Kabbala of R. Yitzchak Sagi-Nahor. Colleague of R. Ezra and R. Azriel of Gerona. Had a great influence on Ramban, and the Rashba spoke very highly of him — see Teshuvot HaRashba #523.

suffered terrible persecution at the hands of the Spanish Inquisition until he managed to flee to Venice and then Mantua. He is famous for his commentary — called Minchat Yehudah — on Maarechet HaElokut.

of Regensburg lived c. 4910-4977 (c. 1150-1217 CE), author of Sefer Chasidim. He headed the movement of Chasidei Ashkenaz. He had learned Kabbala from his father, Rabbi Shmuel ben Klonymos.

(Sulam) 5645-5714 (1885-1954 CE). Author of the Sulam, a comprehensive commentary on the entire Zohar. Rabbi Ashlag was born in Lodz Poland. In 1921 CE, he emigrated to Israel. He passed away in Jerusalem where he is interred.

of Barcelona 4795-4865 (1035-1105 CE) author of an important commentary on Sefer Yetzira. He was also famous for his encyclopedic knowledge of all major halachic works until his time. His Beit Midrash became the center of halachic rulings in his time.

(Shlah) b. 5320 (1560 CE) in Prague; d. 5390 (1630 CE) in Jerusalem. Author of Shnei Luchot HaBrit (Shelah).

(the Baba Sali) 5649-5744 (1889-1984 CE) Morocco. Moved to Israel where he settled in Netivot. His graveside has become a holy site visited by thousands annually.

[or Saruk] (16th century). A disciple of the Ari zal in Egypt and Israel, later influential in Italy. Author of Limmudei HaAtzilut, "Kontres Ne'im Zemirot Yisrael," a kabbalistic commentary on three of Luria's piyutim (sacred poems) for Sabbath, and other kabbalistic works published after his lifetime.

5657-5730 (1897-1970 CE) Morocco.

5010-5100 (1250-1340 CE). A disciple of Ramban after the latter came to the came to the Holy Land.

(Ari zal, 'the Ari') 5294-5332 (1534-1572 CE). Born in Jerusalem, d. in Safed. Founder of a new school in Kabbala — so-called "Lurianic Kabbala." Studied with Rabbi Moshe Cordovero whom he succeeded as the leading mystic of Safed.

(the Blind) c. 12th C. CE. Son of Raavad III (Rabad of Posquieres); grandson of Rabbi Avraham ben Yitchak of Narbonne. Teacher of Rabbi Ezra and Rabbi Azriel of Gerona, the teachers of Ramban.

3713-3833 (47 BCE-73 CE). He received from Hillel and Shammai and their courts. Expert in Kabbala, Rabbi Yochanan had five main disciples: Rabbi Eliezer HaGadol, Rabbi Yehoshua, Rabbi Yose HaKohen, Rabbi Shimon ben Netanel and Rabbi Elazar ben Arach.. Rabbi Akiva apparently also studied under Rabbi Yochanan. (See Ethics of the Fathers Pirkei Avot 2:8; Talmud Chagiga 14b, Tosefta 2; Sanhedrin 68a.

(Rabbeinu) 4940-5023 (c. 1180-1263 CE)

c. 5450-5524 (c. 1690-1764 CE). Studied in Poland, Moravia and Prague as a child, and later in Prossnitz and Vienna. Settled in Prague. In 5485, (1725 CE) excommunicated Shabbtai Tzvi's sect. Appointed Dayan of Prague in 5496 (1736 CE); Rabbi of Metz in 5501 (1741 CE) and Rabbi of the three communities Altona, Hamburg and Wandsek in 5510 (1750 CE). Was suspected of Shabbatean leanings by Yaakov Emden and became the center of many disputes.

of Tzraidah d. 3610 (151 BCE) was appointed as President (Nasi) of the Sanhedrin in 3550 (211 BCE). This court received from Antigonos and his court.

4258-5335 (1488-1575 CE) Rabbi Yosef was born in Spain and fled the Inquisition with his family at the age of 4. Settled in Safed, Israel. Author of Shulchan Aruch (Code of the Jewish Law) and a mystical work entitled Maggid Mesharim.

(known from the name of his most famous work as the Ben Ish Chai) 5594-5669 (1834-1909 CE) Prolific leader of Persian Jewry and kabbalist. In addition to many works on Jewish law and Talmud, authored many kabbalistic commentaries.

5008 - c. 5070 (1248- c. 1310 CE) born in Medinaceli, Castile and lived in Segovia for many years. Between 1272-1274 studied with Avraham Abulafia who praised him as his most successful student. Wrote Ginat Egoz; Shaarei Orah; Shaarei Tzedek; Shaar HaNikud. Was apparently friendly with Moshe de Leon around 5040 (1280' s CE).

variant spelling of Yosef Caro 4258-5335 (1488-1575 CE) Rabbi Yosef was born in Spain and fled the Inquisition with his family at the age of 4. Settled in Safed, Israel. Author of Shulchan Aruch (Code of the Jewish Law) and a mystical work entitled Maggid Mesharim.

5250-5330 (c. 1490-1570 CE). An Italian rabbi and kabbalist. See Otzar HaGedolim #520.

a kabbalistic work by R. Emanuel Chai Riki.

the Baal Shem of Michelshtadt, mid 18th C. CE

major Kabbalah work originally redacted by R. Shimon bar Yochai; and subject of many commentaries since that time.