heb-naco  

Re: Cabala vs. kabbalah

Lenore Bell
Wed, 03 Feb 2010 21:38:16 -0800

Dear Colleagues, 

I did a quick search in primary English language  reference sources. 
Merriam-Webster and EJ both provide "kabbalah" as their main entries (though 
Britannica gives "Kabbala"), so a case could be made for the change.

Please note, however, that one can not simply propose the change to the heading 
"Cabala" (sh 85018546) without also proposing the change to the many other 
headings including the term (e.g., "Cabala and Christianity" sh 85018547 ) and 
other headings in the reference hierachy for "Cabala" (e.g., narrower term 
"Hekhalot literature" sh2001001245).  Of course, there will be significant 
bibliographic file maintenance required as a result of such changes.

The Israel and Judaica Section will consider this project, as time permits, and 
in consultation with PSD.  Please note that any Judaica Funnel or other other 
SACO member is welcome to undertake the proposals to implement these changes.

Many thanks for the suggestion!
Lenore

   


Lenore Bell
Israel & Judaica Section / Asian & Middle Eastern Division / Library of Congress
(202) 707-7313 / l...@loc.gov 

>>> Barry Walfish <barry.walf...@utoronto.ca> 2/2/2010 9:52 AM >>>
 I guess this is for Lenore, but I'm curious if other people agree.

LC uses Cabala as  a subject heading, which is a form of kabbalah which is 
hardly used these days. Wouldn't it be nice to join the parade and use the form 
of the term that is most common?

Barry


Barry Dov Walfish, Ph.D.
Judaica Specialist
University of Toronto Libraries 
Toronto, ON M5S 1A5
Canada