Influence of Cabala on the adult short stories of Isaac Bashevis Singer.

Abstract

Isaac Bashevis Singer's Hassidic upbringing allowed him to become familiar with Cabalistic lore. The influence of Cabala is visible in his literary creativity, especially in his short stories for adults. Cabalistic impact is noticeable either in the composition, narration and language of these stories or in the Cabalistic philosophical concepts that shaped their reality and plots. Following the idea that the earthly world is full of confusion, Singer shapes his narration to challenge the reader by using a variety of voices, changes of viewpoints, and supernatural narrators. A Cabalistic belief about the special role of language and the magic of words influences Singer's use of a variety of discourses and an apocalyptic tone. His short stories also display a Cabalistic fascination with numbers. Furthennore, the doctrines of Tzimtzum and Shu 'ir Komah constitute a philosophical grounding; they explain the act of creation, which detennined the limits of God's presence and intervention in the world, and the problem of evil. The remoteness of God gives characters the possibility of belief and disbelief simultaneously, giving rise to their erratic behavior and persistent searches for truth. Several other Cabalistic doctrines also influenced Singer's stories for adults to a lesser extent. Such doctrines counter weigh the pessimistic ideas of Tzimtzum and Shu 'ir Komah to suggest that the world contains some order. The doctrines ofsoul, Gilgul, and Tikkun describe man as the central being in the universe suggesting that the fate of the world hinges on the performance of a man. The doctrine of Devekuth shows that a deep religious insight can lead to spiritual contentment. And, the doctrine of Shekhinah demonstrates a belief in the balance and compatibility of feminine and masculine components in the universe, and the importance of marriage ties.