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Abraham Cohen de HerreraReligious philosopher and Kabbalist
Date of Birth: 01.01.1570
Country:  Portugal |
Content:
Abraham Herrera
Early Life and FamilyAbraham Herrera was born into a wealthy Marrano (secret Jew) family in Florence, Italy. His father or grandfather had served as a rabbi in Cordoba, Spain, but was forced to flee with his family in 1492 following the expulsion of Jews from the country.
Life and Travels
Herrera lived in Florence and Dubrovnik before settling in Amsterdam in the 17th century. In 1596, while in Cadiz, he was captured by English raiders and held captive until 1600.
Kabbalistic Works
Herrera's most renowned work is "Puerta del Cielo" ("Gate of Heaven"), an influential treatise on Kabbalah. He sought to reconcile contemporary Kabbalah with Plato, Neoplatonism, Hermeticism, and Christian theology. The book faced criticism from various religious authorities but became a seminal text for philosophers and scholars in Europe.
The Infinite: Ein Sof
Herrera's interpretation of Lurianic Kabbalah focused on the concept of Ein Sof, the infinite Creator of the universe. He described Ein Sof as utterly self-sufficient, possessing infinite goodness, presence, and power. It existed before all things and was not subject to any external influences.
Influence on Thinkers
Spinoza studied "Puerta del Cielo" in Hebrew translation. Through a Latin translation, it influenced prominent philosophers such as Henry More, Leibniz, John Locke, and Isaac Newton. Herrera thus became a conduit for the dissemination of Lurianic mysticism throughout Europe and beyond.
Legacy
Despite his significance, Herrera's contributions to philosophy and mysticism have received scant attention in English literature. However, his writings continue to shape the understanding of Kabbalah and its impact on Western thought.
