Hello,
I wasn't sure if I should post this in the Kabalah thread or elsewhere, because it is a very open ended question.
As far as I understand, Jews don't believe in Hell.  However I was watching a documentary on Alistair Crowley the other day (yes I know he was a racist and had problems with many ethnicities, but I always thought he was a an interesting character).  In the documentary, it is said Crowley did spells from a book called 'The Book of Abramelin' by Abraham Von Worm a German Jew, however some argue today it was written by Rabbi Yaakov Moelin, a Talmudist.   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Book_of_Abramelin

In one of the rituals it is said one must call out demons from hell and Lucifer, now as stated above, I thought Jews don't believe in hell and Lucifer.  So the author of 'The Book of Abramelin' did he come from another Jewish Sect that did believe in Hell or someone who misunderstood their own faith or do certain teaching of the Kabalah lean towards the existence of hell?
Thanks

Well, 'like he said' basically -
there are things in kabbalah that get CALLED 'magic' and certainly SOUND like magic: but the basis of it is rather different, since it relies on a thorough understanding of the 'way the real' (kabbalistic frame of reference) 'world works', therefore certain acts/words can result in certain - results. Because 'everything is connected'. But is isn't 'magic' in the typical understanding of it.

Still - the terminology of 'spirits' and 'demons' and so forth can be misleading and confusing. I think we could say it's a bit like personification of characteristics, rather than belief in the actual independent existence of devils and such.

but I am far from an expert or even a learned novice, in that area.

Well, 'like he said' basically -
there are things in kabbalah that get CALLED 'magic' and certainly SOUND like magic: but the basis of it is rather different, since it relies on a thorough understanding of the 'way the real' (kabbalistic frame of reference) 'world works', therefore certain acts/words can result in certain - results. Because 'everything is connected'. But is isn't 'magic' in the typical understanding of it.

Still - the terminology of 'spirits' and 'demons' and so forth can be misleading and confusing. I think we could say it's a bit like personification of characteristics, rather than belief in the actual independent existence of devils and such.

but I am far from an expert or even a learned novice, in that area.

[QUOTE=Seek&UShallFind;542754]Even the Christian "hell" is disputed amongst Christians as to whether it is an actual place or if it is seperation from God on earth.
Jesus oftern spoke of Hell as more seperation from God.  Satan is never once mentioned as the ruler of Hell in the New Testament but rather as the ruler of this world & a tempter & murderer from the beginning.
The concept of Satan ruling a fiery Hell did develop over time thru Catholicism, but isn't described that way by Jesus in the NT 
Jesus does mention the fiery pit a lot, but then He also frequently spoke in metaphors. 
Church doctrine is something that developed in Catholicism & sometimes I think differs from what Jesus taught.

Sorry to stick my nose in a Jewish debate, I am a Christian, but I am interested in Judaism & I am a Christian that thinks today's Christians have strayed too far from what the early Jewish-Christians believed.[/QUOTE]

We really have no way of knowing what early Christians who were born Jewish may have believed regarding the afterlife, or any number of things. There simply aren't enough early sources to draw those sorts of conclusions. Most sources that exist today are dated some decades after the death of Jesus and are not first hand accounts.

In truth, it's up to Christians to decide what they believe, how to continue to develop their religion and faith, and how to interpret their scriptures and apply them to their lives.
I am glad you are interested in learning new things and have an interest in learning more about Judaism. I see nothing wrong with anyone of any faith learning more about other groups and people in the world.
Also, this isn't the Jewish debate board. On this board, you can ask questions to learn more about Judaism if you like. Welcome.

alanmoorefan wrote:

I wasn't sure if I should post ...In one of the rituals it is said one must call out demons from hell and Lucifer, now as stated above, I thought Jews don't believe in hell and Lucifer. So the author of 'The Book of Abramelin' did he come from another Jewish Sect that did believe in Hell or someone who misunderstood their own faith or do certain teaching of the Kabalah lean towards the existence of hell?
Thanks

BS"D

True kabbalah is simply Torah tradition with the mystical interpretation. It is NOT magick. But as Judaism does not dictate beliefs, you will find Jews dabbling in all sorts of non-Jewish endeavors - even magick. It only causes a problem when it violates divine commands or harms other people.