Kabbalistic Tarot : Inner Traditions : 9781594770647 : 1594770646 : 11 Jul 2005 : An introduction to the ancient kabbalistic origins and meanings of the tarot ? Reveals the intimate relationship of the tarot to the esoteric teachings of the Torah and the Kabbalah ? Provides kabbalistic interpretations for all 78 traditional tarot cards ? Includes a detailed kabbalistic reading and interpretation of the Tree of Life spread When the Greeks invaded Israel and forbade study of the Torah, the Jewish people began a secret method of Toranic study that appeared to be merely a simple way to fill time: playing cards. These first tarot decks enabled study of the Torah without detection. Once the Maccabees expelled the Greeks from Israel and Israel once again became a Jewish kingdom, tarot cards dropped from sight. Fifteen hundred years later, in response to Jewish disputations with Catholic theologians, political and religious persecutions, and ultimately the Inquisition, the cards resurfaced