History of the Jews, Vol. 4 (of 6)

"History of the Jews, Vol. 4 (of 6)" by Heinrich Graetz, is a historical journey through the Jewish experience between 1270 and 1618 CE. This volume explores the intellectual and cultural shifts within Jewish communities, starting with the growth of Kabbalah and ending with the arrival of the Marranos in Holland. It emphasizes the development of Kabbalistic thinking, the problems caused by expulsions, and navigating life in society at that time. The story starts focusing on nurturing of Kabbalah and then it's later prohibition of certain scientific and philosophical ideas, with key figures like Todros and Abraham Abulafia taking center stage. The book recounts Abulafia's unconventional life and his attempts to remodel Jewish mystical teachings, which included various Messianic claims that had dedicated followers and strong opponents. The beginnings of the book gives a look into how these spiritual movements heavily influenced Jewish communities, foreshadowing the expulsions from Spain and the change in Jewish identity in medieval and early modern Europe.