Rabbi Daniel Biton Unveils Mystical Texts, Vatican Secrets

Rabbi Daniel Biton, head of the "Ha'Meor" institute, discussed the world of practical Kabbalah and mystical texts in a new episode of "Yitgadal V'Yitkabal." He showcased rare manuscripts from figures like Rabbi Moses Cordovero, Rabbi Eliyahu David Rabinowitz-Tzvi, and Rabbi Joseph Caro, alongside thousands of books published by his institute over four decades. Biton's journey to acquire these texts spanned national libraries, private collections, and even the Vatican archives.

Biton explained the origins of "Ha'Meor," which began 40 years ago with the goal of making ancient Jewish texts accessible. He recounted how he was inspired by stories of individuals who found merit in funding the printing of religious books, leading to personal blessings. He also shared consultations with prominent rabbis like Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky and Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, who guided his early publishing endeavors.

The interview highlighted challenging projects, including the publication of the writings of Rabbi Yosef Rozin, the "Rogatchover Gaon," whose home and manuscripts were destroyed in a fire. Biton also detailed the painstaking process of deciphering and publishing the works of Rabbi Eliyahu David Rabinowitz-Tzvi and Rabbi Akiva Eiger, some of which were discovered in fragments.

Biton addressed contemporary questions about Kabbalah, emphasizing that its study is meant for learning and requires guidance from qualified teachers. He dismissed many online claims about mystical practices as "nonsense" but affirmed that concepts like the "evil eye" and dybbuks still exist. He also shared personal anecdotes, including a story about a candle lighting itself during a search for a missing child and an egg exploding to reveal its contents, which he witnessed.

Further discussions touched upon the vastness of Jewish texts in the Vatican, with the library director noting that 9 kilometers of the archives are Jewish in origin. Biton also shared insights into the significance of the month of Elul and the preparation for Rosh Hashanah, linking it to the concept of fleeing from sin. He concluded by discussing the profound differences between the Babylonian and Jerusalem Talmuds and the importance of bridging these scholarly divides.