Gershon Scholem

Gershom Scholem was a pivotal Israeli philosopher and historian, widely credited as the founder of the modern academic study of Kabbalah. Born in Berlin, he pursued studies in mathematics, philosophy, and Hebrew, developing deep intellectual friendships with figures like Walter Benjamin and Martin Buber. Scholem's academic career began in earnest after immigrating to Palestine in 1923, where he became a librarian and later the first professor of Jewish mysticism at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He dedicated his work to understanding Jewish mysticism not as a fringe element, but as a central and dynamic force within Jewish tradition. His rigorous scholarly approach contrasted with earlier, less systematic treatments of the subject, bringing a new level of intellectual respect and historical context to the study of Jewish esoteric thought.

Gershom Scholem is recognized as the foremost scholar in establishing the academic study of Kabbalah. His work transformed the perception of Jewish mysticism, moving it from a marginal topic to a central element of Jewish history and thought. He held the distinction of being the first professor of Jewish mysticism at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, a position he maintained until his retirement. Scholem's methodology involved a deep engagement with primary texts, historical context, and philosophical analysis, aiming to understand the development and significance of mystical traditions within Judaism.

Scholem's intellectual development was shaped by significant relationships and academic pursuits. He studied under Gottlob Frege and engaged with prominent thinkers of his time, including Walter Benjamin, Martin Buber, Leo Strauss, and Zalman Shazar. His close friendship with Walter Benjamin, which lasted until Benjamin's death, profoundly influenced his work, with Scholem dedicating his book "Major Trends in Jewish Mysticism" to him. Scholem's academic approach was also informed by his critique of the 19th-century Wissenschaft des Judentums movement, which he felt failed to grasp the non-rational and mystical core of Judaism.

Scholem's approach to Jewish mysticism emphasized its historical development and its integral role in Jewish life. He viewed mythical and mystical components as vital forces, not peripheral ones, within Judaism. He proposed a three-period division of Jewish history to understand the interplay of rational and irrational elements. Scholem also put forward controversial hypotheses, such as the connection between Lurianic Kabbalah and the Sabbatean movement, and the idea that 13th-century Kabbalah originated from Jewish Gnosticism. He believed in the unique power of the Hebrew language to reveal divine truth, viewing Kabbalists as interpreters of a foundational linguistic revelation.