Jewish mysticism of 11th century Ashkenaz (Germany and northern France) was not Lurianic Kabbalah, but rather a much more primal form of mysticism based on the Merkava and Heichalot texts of the Rabbinic or Geonic periods. Despite some statements to the contrary, it appears that the great commentator Rashi -- known for his extensive and comprehensive commentaries on the Tanach and the Talmud -- was aware of these mystical traditions. In this episode, Gavin and Jordan discuss the evidence for Rashi's mysticism and where he might have learned it, with a side-discussion on the real reason why we spill drops of wine at the Passover seder.

Read the original blog post at http://www.kotzkblog.com/2020/08/290-was-rashi-mystic.html