Reconsidering the Emergence of Kabbalah: The Role of Isaac the Blind

This study builds on recent research to challenge a central element of the standard account of the emergence of Kabbalah: the centrality of Isaac the Blind as the most important figure in the early history of Kabbalah. First, I question the extent of Isaac's literary productivity, with a focus on demonstrating that he is not the author of a commentary on the creation narrative that has been attributed to him. Second, I challenge the common conception that Ezra ben Solomon of Gerona and Azriel of Gerona were his disciples; in contrast to prevailing views, I show that Ezra's relationship to Isaac was no closer than Jacob ben Sheshet's and Nahmanides'. Third, I question Isaac's centrality in the thought of his nephew, Asher ben David. Finally, I argue that Isaac's so-called disciples must have had other sources for their kabbalistic views beyond the teachings of Isaac's family.