Mystical Classics

An anthology from the Shelah, the Alshich, the Ohr Hachayim, and others

Intermediate

The Temple and its Destruction are matters of the soul

By Rabbi Isaiah Horowitz; adapted from Shenei Luchot HaBrit by Eliyahu Munk

"How can this have happened? How can there be wisdom without compassion?"

Translated and annotated by Rahmiel-Hayyim Drizin from PaRDeS HaBahir

Why does Assaf appear to dedicate a hymn to the destruction of the Temple, instead of an elegy?

From the Ohr HaChaim commentary by Rabbi Chaim (ben Moshe) ibn Attar

We Jews have long memories for those who have afflicted us and all those who made our desert stay less hospitable.

Translated and annotated by Rahmiel-Hayyim Drizin from PaRDeS HaBahir

For something from which one can derive personal gain, one will search for some way to permit even the forbidden.

From the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov