Ohr Ne'erav

On the Rectification of the Harm Incurred on Account of the Opinions of Those Who Stay Aloof from This Science

Those who shun this science [of Kabbalah] can be divided into three classes. The first [class comprises] those who shun it because they think that there is no need to believe [in the existence] of an esoteric meaning of Torah. There are a number of reasons [for their opinion]. Some believe that the words [of the Torah] must be understood literally. Hence they have no desire [to comprehend] the esoteric. Who, indeed, can force them to believe in the ten sefirot and the other aspects of this science?

Furthermore, they have no desire to transcend their belief in [God’s] wondrous unity. When some aspect of this discipline comes before them, whether it concerns Eyn Sof or the form of the Torah, they begin to denounce the enlightened [Kabbalists], who appear to them as little short of heretics. Some of them take up this argument—to the deficiency of their souls—without believing it entirely. Others sincerely believe it to be true. To argue against such people is nearly forbidden because of the embitterment [it causes]. Nonetheless the honor of the Torah must be upheld and this opinion must be refuted.