An Historical Assessment of the Narrative Uses of the Words “Kabbalah,” “Cabala,” and “Qabala/h”: Discerning the Differences for Theological Libraries

Abstract

Terminology surrounding the subject of “Kabbalah” has long been notoriously inconsistent and complex. What limited scholarly attention has been devoted to this quandary has in some cases served only to increase the confusion, resulting in significant problems for cataloging and for reference services.

This essay explores the background of variant orthographies, including origins, definitions, and usages, and considers the implications of this inconsistency for libraries. A bibliography of pertinent literature is included.