For the first time in history, the core texts of Kabbalah - those foundational works referenced for centuries but never before fully accessible - have been meticulously translated and published by the Jewish Studies Department at Providence University. These monumental efforts include the writings of renowned Kabbalists such as Abraham Abulafia, Chaim Vital, Eleazar of Worms, and many others. Through our groundbreaking translations, we are opening the gates to this profound spiritual heritage, making it available to both scholars and seekers worldwide.
Our translation process is unparalleled in its rigor and commitment to fidelity. We understand that every word, every nuance of these ancient texts, carries immense spiritual and intellectual significance. That is why we have developed a meticulous, multi-step process to ensure maximum accuracy while maintaining the spirit and essence of the original works.
The Translation Process
- Assignment to Hebrew Experts
Each text is assigned to a Hebrew mother-tongue translator, chosen from a pool of Rabbis, academics, or seasoned scholars. When the original text is in Aramaic, we typically engage Rabbis with deep expertise in this ancient language. In some cases, we employ groups of translators to leverage diverse insights and expertise. - First Draft Translation
The translator (or team) produces a literal draft of the text, striving to preserve every word and nuance from the original. Nothing is omitted, ensuring the integrity of the author’s message. - First Proofreading
The initial draft undergoes a detailed review where translation batches are stitched together into a cohesive whole. During this stage, the text is polished and organized, and key terms are standardized. Hebrew citations, Bible verses, and calculations involving Gematria are carefully annotated to guide readers through these intricate references. - Second Proofreading
The refined translation is handed to an English mother-tongue proofreader who ensures the language flows naturally while retaining the precise meaning of the original. This step bridges the gap between the ancient and modern, making the texts accessible to a wider audience. - Rabbinic Review
The translated text is then presented to a Rabbinic board of 36 members, a distinguished group of scholars who scrutinize every detail, ensuring the highest fidelity to Kabbalistic tradition. The board may refine the text further and add insightful commentary to enhance its depth and clarity. - Academic Review
Finally, the translation undergoes a second layer of scrutiny by an academic board of another 36 members, comprising leading experts in Jewish mysticism, linguistics, and history. Their role is to guarantee the academic rigor and scholarly excellence of the final product. - Multilingual Consistency
After the English edition is finalized - typically presented in a bilingual format (Hebrew-English) - we expand our efforts to produce translations in Spanish, French, Italian, and Portuguese. These editions are derived directly from the English version to ensure absolute consistency across languages. Readers can rest assured that what they access in one language will be identical in meaning and accuracy to the others, making our publications the definitive reference in the field of Kabbalah studies. - Publication
Once all linguistic editions pass these rigorous stages, they are ready for publication. The result is a suite of translations that not only honor the original texts but also transcend language barriers, ensuring their wisdom reaches audiences worldwide.
The Challenge of Forgeries
After the release of our initial groundbreaking publications, the field of Kabbalistic studies experienced a surge of interest. Unfortunately, this also led to the emergence of numerous forgeries claiming to offer authentic translations of Kabbalistic texts. While these works may appear similar, they lack the meticulous accuracy and integrity of our translations.
Unlike these imitations, our translations adhere strictly to the original texts, preserving every word, nuance, and layer of meaning. Our multi-step process, involving expert translators, Rabbinic and academic reviews, and exhaustive proofreadings, ensures that our publications stand apart in both authenticity and scholarly rigor.
Preserving Ancient Wisdom
Through our translations, we honor the profound legacy of Kabbalistic thought and ensure it can inspire future generations. Whether you are a scholar seeking to delve into the intricacies of medieval mysticism, or a spiritual seeker yearning for timeless wisdom, our publications serve as a beacon for deeper understanding.
Join us in this extraordinary journey of rediscovery and enlightenment. By sharing these works with the world, we aim to fulfill the mission of illuminating the divine wisdom that transcends time, language, and culture. In a landscape of imitations, our commitment to truth and excellence ensures that the light of authentic Kabbalah continues to shine.
