Isaac Ben Solomon Luria

Isaac Ben Solomon Luria: "Luria was known for his innovative ideas in understanding creation and various other metaphysical concepts. He created the idea of zimzum, the belief that God in a way 'shrunk himself' to leave a void in which to create the world. He was conservative in interpreting Jewish law and believed that each commandment had a mystical meaning. He respected all strains of tradition and customs in Judaism and although he was of Ashkenazic descent, preferred Sephardic prayer liturgy. Lurianic Kabbalah refers often to Messianism and many say that his Messianic ideas paved the way for the false Messiah, Shabbetai Zvi. Luria died in an epidemic in the summer of 1572 and was buried in Safed. His teachings were recorded by his disciples, particularly Rabbi Chaim Vital. Books on his work include: Ez Hayyim, Shulhan Aruch Shel R. Yizhak Luria, Orhot Zaddikim and Patora de Abba. Sources: Encyclopedia Judaica. 'Luria, Isaac Ben Solomon'. Jerusalem: Keter Publishing House, 1972. The Jewish Encylopedia. 'Isaac ben Solomon Ashkenazi Luria.' New York: Funk and Wagnalls Company, 1904. Encyclopedia of Geat Men in Israel. 'Rabbi Yitzhak Luria Ashkenazi'. Tel Aviv: Yavneh Publishing House, 1986."