noun
- Plural of kabbala; systems of Jewish mystical interpretation of the Hebrew scriptures based on numerical and symbolic values of letters.
Usage: Also spelled Kabbalah, Cabala, or Qabala; Often capitalized; Religious/mystical context
Examples
- The student of Jewish mysticism studied various kabbalas to understand their symbolic interpretations.
- Different kabbalas emerged throughout medieval Jewish communities.
- The rabbi explained how kabbalas use letter values to unlock hidden meanings in sacred texts.
- Modern scholars compare different kabbalas to trace the development of Jewish mystical thought.