The Art of Kissing

What does the kabbalah say about kissing?

In Kabbalah, a kiss is not merely a physical gesture; it is a profound mystical concept representing spiritual union, the sharing of divine breath, and the connection between opposing forces. It symbolizes the meeting of human consciousness and the Divine, as well as the harmony between masculine and feminine energies. [1, 2]

The mystical tradition explores the significance of kissing through several core ideas:

• Divine Union: The foundational text of Jewish mysticism, the Zohar, interprets the opening of the Song of Songs as a metaphor for the soul yearning to cleave to God. The "kiss of the mouth" represents a reciprocal, ecstatic exchange where human breath and spirit intertwine with the Divine. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
• Connection of Opposites: According to the My Jewish Learning explanation of the Zohar, a kiss is a unification of the "spirits" of the lovers. Because Kabbalah teaches that everyone carries both masculine and feminine energies within, a kiss unifies these dualities into one harmonious state. [1]
• Intimacy and Holiness: Mystics and Hasidic masters taught that physical intimacy is a sacred act. Teachings from the Ba'al Shem Tov emphasize that taking time for "great love" (or a deep, spiritualized kiss) before intimacy is essential to awaken deep desire and holiness within a marriage. [1, 2]
• Connection to Sacred Objects: The emphasis on kissing as a medium of spiritual connection extends to physical expressions of devotion in Judaism. The mystical practice of kissing a Torah scroll, prayer book, or a Mezuzah on a doorpost is viewed as a physical touch that penetrates layers of the material world to connect with the divine essence of the teachings. [1, 2, 3, 4]