The Elementary Light: A Study of the Evolution of the Concept of Man in Jewish Mysticism

Document Type : Original Research

Authors
M. Zurvani 1
B. Jamidieh 2
M. A. Bichi 3
I. Nahnah 1
1 Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies, University of Tehran.
2 Facultu of Theology and Islamic Studies, University of Tehran.
3 Faculty of Sharia, University of Qatar.
Abstract
There are many concepts associated with light in Jewish mysticism, and all its meanings are attributed to the verse of light from the book of Beresheet (1:3). The origin of all lights is the light of Ein Sof “the infinite light”, that all other lights emanate from, which are called Sefirot. Among them is the primordial light associated with man. In this article, we try to explain the concept of primitive light within the development of the concept of man, in the Kabbalistic literature. This study aims to clarify the various meanings associated with the concept of man and its development, by studying a number of names and their meanings, such as Adam Harishon, Adam of the Earth, and then researching the concept of Adam Kadmon, and the third element, which is the primordial light, or Adam-Kadmon, which is related to the end of time, and the emergence of Al-Mashih.

Finally, the study concludes with the consideration that the several of these labels are metaphorical to bring the understanding closer to the mind. We find that the development of the concept of man in Kabbalah has a mystical dimension linked to the world of Sefirot. The first of these is the heavenly man under the designation "Adam Harishon", which corresponds to the Elohim in his image, and whose association with the Sefirot represents human organs. The heavenly Adam contrasts with the earthly Adam, who is composed of a body and a soul, where his soul is connected to Elohim and it is the element of his Sefirutic connection.

The second concept of man is Adam Kadmon, considering him a primary light linked to creation within the worlds of “Abia” within the level of “Keter”. Then this concept develops to represent the entire universe within the Lurian tsumtsum theory. The third concept is related to the light of the Mashah that appears at the end of time, and at the beginning of its creation is called the primordial light, while it is called Adam Kadmon within the reform process “Tikun” the end of time.


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The Journal of Research in Humanities
Volume 30, Issue 2
January 2023
Pages 1-32