While his name is not widely known, there is a good case to be made that Hayyim Vital Calabrese (1542–1620) was one of the most influential Jewish thinkers of the post-talmudic era. Born in Safed in the Galilee, Vital (as he is generally know) studied with some of the outstanding rabbis of his day, and eventually became the favored disciple of the great kabbalist Rabbi Isaac Luria. Because Luria never committed his teachings to writing, it was largely the work of Vital that disseminated Lurianic mysticism to the Jewish world. Without this contribution, the rise of Hasidism is difficult to imagine, and much Ashkenazi and Sephardi theology and practice would be very different today.

In conversation with Nachi Weinstein, Morris Faierstein discusses his recent translation of Vital’s Sefer Hezyonot (literally, “book of visions”), which is part autobiography and part diary of mystical experiences. These include the identification of gilgulim (reincarnated souls), visits to Muslim magicians and fortunetellers, exorcisms, and even—in Faierstein’s interpretation—Christology. (Audio, 83 minutes.)

Small in area and population and rich in natural gas, Qatar plays an outsize role in the Middle East. While its support keeps Hamas in business, it also has vital relations with Israel that are much better than those enjoyed by many other Arab countries. Doha’s relationship with Washington, though more complex, isn’t so different. Yoel Guzansky offers a comprehensive examination of Israel’s Qatar dilemma:

At first glance, Qatar’s foreign policy seems filled with contradictions. Since 1995, it has pursued a strategy of diplomatic hedging—building relationships with multiple, often competing, actors. Qatar’s vast wealth and close ties with the United States have enabled it to maneuver independently on the international stage, maintaining relations with rival factions, including those that are direct adversaries.

Qatar plays an active role in international diplomacy, engaging in conflict mediation in over twenty regions worldwide. While not all of its mediation efforts have been successful, they have helped boost its international prestige, which it considers vital for its survival among larger and more powerful neighbors. Qatar has participated in mediation efforts in Venezuela, Lebanon, Iran, Afghanistan, and other conflict zones, reinforcing its image as a neutral broker.

Israel’s stated objective of removing Hamas from power in Gaza is fundamentally at odds with Qatar’s interest in keeping Hamas as the governing force. In theory, if the Israeli hostages would to be released, Israel could break free from its dependence on Qatari mediation. However, it is likely that even after such a development, Qatar will continue positioning itself as a mediator—particularly in enforcing agreements and shaping Gaza’s reconstruction efforts.

Qatar’s position is strengthened further by its good relations with the U.S. Yet, Guzansky notes, it has weaknesses as well that Israel could exploit:

Qatar is highly sensitive to its global image and prides itself on maintaining a neutral diplomatic posture. If Israel chooses to undermine Qatar’s reputation, it could target specific aspects of Qatari activity that are problematic from an Israeli perspective.