Shaar HaKavanot by Rabbi Chaim Vital: the intentions of prayer
Shaar HaKavanot (שער הכוונות), “The Gate of the Intentions,” is the sixth of the eight “gates” into which the writings of Rabbi Chaim Vital, the main disciple of the Arizal, were arranged. It delves into the kabbalistic meanings and accompanying intentions (kavanot) of the different prayers recited on weekdays, Shabbat and holidays, as well as the purpose of prayer as a whole.
Quick facts
| Title | Shaar HaKavanot (“The Gate of the Intentions”) |
| Author | Rabbi Chaim Vital |
| Arranger | His youngest son, Rabbi Samuel Vital (the eight gates) |
| Composition | Between 1570 and 1650 (according to Sefaria) |
| First printing | Jerusalem, 1863 (according to Sefaria) |
The eight gates
Rabbi Samuel Vital organized a collection of his father’s writings into eight “gates,” each of which “opens” up a particular topic. Shaar HaKavanot is the sixth. See also Etz Chaim.
Sections
Among the sections Sefaria lists are the introduction, the morning prayers, the sermons on Kaddish and the sermons on tzitzit.
Frequently asked questions
How many gates does the collection have?
Eight; Shaar HaKavanot is the sixth.
What is it about?
The kabbalistic meanings and intentions of the prayers, and the purpose of prayer.
Sources
- Sha’ar HaKavanot, entry on Sefaria