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| Arizal Synagogue, Safed - Photo Steven Pinker |
The Arizal [1534-1572] - Rabbi Isaac Luria was the most famous Kabbalist in the city of Safed, Israel who became known as the "Arizal" or ARI, an acronym for “The G-dly Rabbi Isaac of Blessed Memory.”
The Arizal passed away at the age of 38, and it was only during the last two years of his life that he met his foremost disciple, Rabbi Chaim Vital. The Arizal himself never wrote any books, however all his words were faithfully recorded by Rabbi Chaim Vital in what is known as Kitvei Ari, the “writings of the Arizal.” The Kitvei Ari is the key to the secrets of the Zohar, and it was the Arizal who formulated the Kabbalah into a comprehensive system. Rabbi Chaim Vital writes in the name of the Arizal that, “It is a Mitzvah to reveal this wisdom.” Until the time of the Arizal, knowledge of Kabbalah was not known outside of the tightly knit circle of the tzaddikim.
More about the Arizal at Ascent of Safed or click on the label "ARIZAL" below to read more of his teachings.
OMGosh, "As thousands gathered Monday night at the Kever of the Arizal to mark his Yartzheit, a massive fire broke out in the area – forcing the area to be evacuated. As can be seen in the attached video, the massive flames were close to the famed Tzefas Cemetery, and police evacuated the many visitors for fear of their safety.” yeshivaworldnews
ReplyDeleteWonder if there was a special message in that?
Very strange, and remember this also happened earlier this year on R' Elimelech's yarzheit
ReplyDeleteFire at R' Elimelechs Kever
I would interpret it as a message to care for and respect more your husbands/wives, so as Rabbi Akiva said: “If husband and wife are deserving, G-d’s Presence dwells in their midst. If they are not deserving, fire devours them.”
ReplyDelete