ABSTRACT
In the mystical group that centred round Beth-El in Jerusalem the Sepharadi tradition remained an underlying principle, even though the centre was also directed by the teachings of HaAri, as expounded by his pupil Vittal. For the heavy and sombre spirit that went with this system was somehow eliminated. Practical Kabbala was completely prohibited. In its place came the insistence on the living of a pure and holy life underlying which was a joy as sincere as it was silent ; a silence which was helpful and productive ; a brotherly love. There was no pilgrimage to graves, no use of amulets. The seal of the true Sepharadi tradition marked the spiritual centre in Beth-El.
