shemiṭṭot

The term "shemiṭṭah" (שמיטה) refers to the sabbatical year in Judaism, a concept of remission or release. In Jewish mysticism, known as Kabbalah, the concept of "shemiṭṭot" (plural of shemiṭṭah) refers to cosmic cycles through which the world passes. Each cycle is governed by a different divine attribute, such as grace, judgment, or mercy, and influences how the Torah is interpreted.12

Jewish mysticism, which developed from ecstatic and contemplative forms in the 1st century CE to more esoteric expressions by the 12th century, explores concepts like the 10 sefirot (divine emanations). These sefirot represent aspects of the divine, from the supreme crown (keter 'elyon) to kingship (malkhut), which is identified with the Divine Presence (Shekhina). The Sefer ha-temuna is an influential work that elaborates on the idea of these cosmic cycles and their impact on the understanding of the Torah.32