Spreading Secrets: Kabbalah and Esotericism in Isaac ibn Sahula's Meshal ha-kadmoni

摘要: ISAAC IBN SAHULA'S Meshai ha-kadmoni, completed in 1281, is one of the most famous works Jewish literature from medieval Castile. Imitating style both Muslim and Christian popular compositions, ibn Sahula's Hebrew poetic allegory was intended to attract attention admiration learned Jews who were drawn non-Jewish literary such as KaIUa Dimna The Voyage,) Sinbad SaUor. ' Muhal a rhymed prose narrative, consists five sections depicting debate between "cynic" "moralist" arguing themes ethics piety through use animal fables.2 work also contains an introduction by author prologue which "Man God" exhorts "Isaac" advocate cause morality inspire religious devotion among masses telling fables riddles.The scholarly consensus has been that Mejhal ha-kadmoni no kabbalistic material.3 This finding surprising light fact Sahula commentary on Song Songs just two years later 1283,4 he attests studied Kabbalah with Moses Burgos,5 important Castilian Kabbalist. He claims text his learning esoteric matters bent began youth,6 thus precluding possibility acquired all knowledge after Mohal ha-kadmoni. We know fellow townsman likely associate de Leon, possibly even member group Kabbalists believed be responsible for composition Zohar.7 Most significantly, first cite Midraah hane'elam, earliest stratum Zohar.8Below I will argue though there explicit reference doctrine ten ?efirot number passages indicate sought promote conception Judaism tradition, inaccessible rational speculation keeping Kabbalah, represents ideal form wisdom. Knowledge concerning divine providence, mysteries human soul, attainment "spiritual health" prophetic or mystical enlightenment are addressed basis secret tradition. While some more complex radical symbolism not treated explicitly, evidence suggests approach this work, we can regard early attempt popularize worldview.9 A careful examination Meshal yield valuable information intellectual environment gave rise many texts late thirteenth century.10THE POWER OF THE SECRETAs scholars have noted, stated motivations composing Mes hai demonstrate superiority beauty poetry. However, articulation purpose hakadmoni indicates interested than promotion aesthetics. Ibn describes project hopes reinfuse meaning into rituals imparting readers, allusion parable, something core Judaism. As Elliot Wolfson argued, "Nothing understanding mentality kabbalist emphasis esotericism,"12 it precisely find at In book, laments:Because observed common people, whom gold luster [Hebrew] expression dulled13 their occupation books heretics sciences Greeks proverbs Arabic peoples ... responded them shocked bitter heart, saying; "I declare, you beings,14 hewn holy quarry, hammered out mine light. …