The Vilna Gaon: A Mystical Genius
As the 18th century dawned, European Jews were trying to recover from decades of destruction and disillusionment. In 1648 a Ukrainian named Bodgan Chmielnicki led a revolt against Poland. In the ensuing violence, Chmielnicki’s forces slaughtered upwards of 100,000 Jewish people and destroyed 300 Jewish villages. Hundreds were left homeless and wandered about as refugees. Out of the ashes, howeveGet More Articles—Subscribe Today!
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In the 21th century, we can see many people looking for answers to their spiritual life. It’s like people in our world are connecting to the worship of Angels and other religions like mixing the Buddha teachings with Jewish practices. I stand by the 66 chapters of the Torah and the beliefs of One Universe Creator and the coming of the Messiah and building of the Temple in the Old City of Jerusalem. What is your opinion?
Based on what do you say that “The Gaon’s endorsement of Kabbalah is perhaps his most glaring error”? Such a genius who was also a master of every scientific field, it seems rather flippant to dismiss his mysticism as erroneous.
Thank you, Alexander, for reading my article and for your question. It was not my intent to come across as flippant regarding the Gaon’s endorsement of Kabbalah. I gave it much thought when I wrote these words, “He was wrong to give the same authority to extrabiblical writings that he gave to the Bible.” With all due respect for the Gaon’s knowledge and expertise, I would say the same of anyone who seeks ultimate truth from mysticism, whether Kabbalah or any other form of mysticism. Ultimate, final, objective truth is only found in the written, inspired text of the Bible. Being learned and educated in other fields is all well and good. But in order to acquire an eternal, personal relationship with the God who created us, one must know and study the Bible – His word. Nothing else is needed. Again, thank you for your inquiry.
I found your article very interesting. I have some additional information on Vilna Gaon that you will find most interesting. Please send me your email and I will send it to you.
God Bless, Luke