Ein Sof

In Kabbalah, Ein Sof (literally, “without end”) is the term used to describe God prior to creation. Ein Sof is usually translated as “the Infinite.” It is the ultimate reality, the First Cause—unmanifest, incomprehensible and indescribable, the “divine nothingness.”

The major text of the Jewish mystical tradition, the Sefer ha-Zohar (Book of Splendor), or Zohar, reveals a process of creation that started deep within the hidden recesses of the formless Ein Sof and unfolded as a series of emanations. Central to this drama was a single point that gave forth light and sowed “the holy seed,” creating a cosmic conception that is depicted as an explosion of light.

Since Ein Sof is indescribable and unknowable, then we have to describe and know God in some other form. Kabbalists say that Ein Sof reveals itself through ten aspects of God’s being called sefirot.

See also

Sefirot

For more information

Elizabeth Clare Prophet, Kabbalah: Key to Your Inner Power

Sources

Pearls of Wisdom, vol. 38, no. 6, February 5, 1995.

Elizabeth Clare Prophet, Kabbalah: Key to Your Inner Power