Who Was The Ramak?

By Rabbi Amichai Cohen

Who Was The Ramak?

The 16th-century city of Tzfat in Israel witnessed the convergence of two towering figures in Kabbalah, the mystical tradition of Judaism: Rabbi Moshe Cordovero, commonly known as the Ramak, and Rabbi Isaac Luria, also known as the Ari.

Rabbi Moshe Cordovero, known as the Ramak, was a remarkable figure in Kabbalistic teachings. His profound insights and scholarly contributions left an indelible mark on the development and study of Kabbalah.

Born in 1522 in the city of Tzfat, located in the northern region of Israel, the Ramak’s spiritual journey was shaped by his education under the tutelage of Rabbi Joseph Caro. Rabbi Caro, renowned for his authorship of the comprehensive legal code known as the Shulchan Aruch, played a significant role in the Ramak’s master of the Talmud and Jewish law.
By age twenty, the Ramak was proficiently versed in the entire Talmud and served as a Rav and a judge known as a Dayan.

In 1542, the Ramak, experienced a pivotal moment when he heard a heavenly voice compelling him to delve into the study of Kabbalah. He received guidance from his brother-in-law, Rabbi Shlomo Alkabetz, renowned for authoring the beloved L'cha Dodi prayer sung to welcome the Shabbat on Friday evenings. This initiation into the mystical teachings of the Zohar, attributed to the Mishnaic sage Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, became a transformative experience for the young Ramak, who diligently immersed himself in the profound wisdom.
Although the Ramak successfully mastered the Zohar, he found its teachings to be at times, obscure and lacking a discernible structure. Motivated by a desire to bring clarity to these mystical teachings, he embarked on the task of writing two significant books. The first work, Ohr Yakar ("The Precious Light"), served as an extensive commentary on the Zohar, offering elucidation and interpretation to illuminate its profound messages. The second work, completed in 1548, was Pardes Rimonim.

The Pardes Rimonim, often referred to as the Pardes, was a monumental achievement, as it represented a comprehensive systemization of all Kabbalistic thought up to that point. In this remarkable work, the Ramak undertook the task of harmonizing various early schools of thought with the teachings of the Zohar, revealing the intrinsic unity and philosophically coherent foundation of Kabbalah. The Pardes served as a milestone in developing Kabbalistic literature, providing a structured framework that brought together diverse strands of mystical teachings into a cohesive whole.
Through his meticulous commentary in Ohr Yakar and the systematic approach of Pardes Rimonim, the Ramak not only deepened his own understanding of Kabbalistic concepts but also made significant contributions to the intellectual and philosophical underpinnings of Kabbalah. His works became enduring sources of inspiration and study, illuminating the profound mystical teachings of Jewish tradition and leaving an indelible mark on the systemization of Kabbalistic thought.

The Ramak also wrote a profound ethical treatise called "Tomer Devorah.” Which is often studied by scholars and novice students alike.
"Tomer Devorah" translates to "The Palm Tree of Deborah" in English and is named after the biblical figure Deborah, renowned for her wisdom and leadership.
Published in 1588, "Tomer Devorah" focuses on the virtues of compassion, loving-kindness, and divine attributes that individuals should strive to emulate in their daily lives. The book draws upon both Kabbalistic and ethical teachings, offering practical guidance on cultivating positive character traits and fostering a deep connection with the divine.
The structure of "Tomer Devorah" is based on the “13 Attributes of Mercy,” which are the Divine attributes or emanations that represent different aspects of God's nature as they are within the metaphysical realm of Keter.

Each chapter explores a specific attribute and its corresponding ethical implications. The Ramak emphasizes the importance of imitating God's qualities, such as mercy, patience, and forgiveness, as a means to repair and elevate the spiritual realm.

Throughout "Tomer Devorah," The Ramak intertwines ethical teachings with mystical insights, highlighting the interplay between personal conduct and spiritual growth. He emphasizes the interconnectedness of all beings and stresses the profound impact of our actions on the divine tapestry of creation.

The "Tomer Devorah" has been widely studied and revered and serves as a guide for moral behavior and spiritual development, offering profound insights into the principles of Kabbalah and the practical application of its teachings in everyday life. The work continues to inspire individuals to cultivate noble character traits and strive toward a more compassionate and Godly existence.

Legend has it that during the Ramak's time in Tzfat, he was known for his exceptional spiritual insight and wisdom. One day, a group of students approached him, seeking his guidance and instruction. They asked him, "Rabbi, please teach us the secret of attaining spiritual enlightenment."

The Ramak looked at them, understanding the depth of their longing for divine knowledge, and replied, "The secret to spiritual enlightenment is found in one word: 'Shema.'" (The Shema is a central prayer in Judaism that affirms the oneness of God.)

The students were surprised by this seemingly simple answer, as they had expected a complex formula or intricate teachings. But the Ramak continued, "When you recite the Shema with true intention and focus, with every fiber of your being, you open yourself to the divine presence. You merge your consciousness with the ultimate reality, the source of all existence. That is the path to enlightenment."

The profound simplicity of his message struck the students. They realized that the true essence of spiritual growth lies not in accumulating knowledge or performing elaborate rituals, but in the sincere devotion of the heart and the complete surrender to the divine.
This story highlights the Ramak’s emphasis on the inner journey of the soul and the transformative power of prayer and intention. His teachings sought to bridge the gap between the esoteric teachings of Kabbalah and the everyday spiritual practice of individuals, emphasizing the accessibility of divine connection for all sincere seekers.

Shortly before his passing in 1570, the Ramak made a prophetic statement about his successor, sharing profound insights with his disciples. He expressed that although the statements of his successor might appear contradictory to his own teachings, they were, in fact, derived from the same divine source and entirely true. The Ramak revealed that his successor possessed a soul connected to the great sage Shimon bar Yochai, and opposing him would be akin to opposing the Divine Presence.

When the disciples inquired about the successor's identity, the Ramak explained that, at that moment, he did not wish his name to be revealed. However, he provided a sign for recognition: The one who witnessed the cloud preceding his funeral bed would be his designated successor.

A few weeks later, on the 23rd of Tammuz, Rabbi Moshe Cordovero passed away, leaving the entire Safed community grief-stricken. His funeral was attended by the entirety of Safed's Jewish population, and numerous eulogies were delivered. Among the eulogizers was the renowned Ari (Rabbi Isaac Luria), who praised the Ramak as a truly righteous and sinless individual.
As the procession moved toward the cemetery, the bearers of the Ramak's holy body walked for a considerable distance until reaching a specific spot. They intended to lay him there beside one of Israel's esteemed sages. However, the Ari intervened, insisting that the burial not take place there. He proclaimed that the cloud preceding them would guide them to the desired burial site chosen by the Ramak.

This revelation stunned the onlookers, for they now recognized the identity of their new leader. At that moment, the fame of the Ari began to spread rapidly, attracting numerous esteemed scholars who flocked to learn from him.

The Talmud says, "as the sun sets, a new sunrise appears." Destiny had it the passing of the Ramak, a new chapter in Safed's spiritual legacy commenced under the leadership of the Ari, who would go on to become one of the most influential figures in Kabbalistic thought. The events surrounding the Ramak's funeral served as a signpost guiding the Safed community to its next spiritual guide, cementing the Ari's reputation as the successor to the Ramak's mystical teachings.

The Ramak’s teachings and writings continue to resonate deeply with subsequent generations of Kabbalists and Chassidic masters, earning him a lasting legacy. His profound understanding of Jewish mystical texts allowed him to articulate complex ideas clearly and systematically, making the esoteric teachings of Kabbalah more accessible to scholars and practitioners alike. Cordovero's work not only advanced the theoretical underpinnings of Kabbalah but also provided practical guidance for those seeking spiritual growth and connection with the Divine and Tikkun Olam- rectifying the world.

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