VITAL, HAYYIM

(1543-1620)

Palestinian kabbalist. He was a student ofMoses CordoverroandMoses Alshekh, and was associated withIsaac Luriaduring his last years in Safed. After Luria's death, Vital claimed that he alone had an accurate account of Luria's teaching. He boasted that his soul was that of the Messiah, son of Joseph, and he became known in oriental countries as a miracle worker. His notes on Lurianic kabbalah were transcribed and published asEtz Hayyim. From 1590 he lived in Damascus, where he wrote kabbalistic works and preached the coming of the Messiah.