What is Machshava?מחשבה
Machshava is Jewish thought — the literature dealing with belief, providence, free will, and the reasons behind the commandments, as distinct from law or ethics.
Also written: Machshavah, Hashkafa, Hashkofo, Jewish thought
The category covers classical philosophical works such as the Kuzari and Moreh Nevuchim alongside later and contemporary writing on worldview. It is closely related to mussar but aims at understanding rather than at character change.
Hashkafa is used almost interchangeably in everyday speech and is the more common search term among English speakers, which is why both appear on this entry.
Browse Machshava listings on SimplySefer
Related terms
- Mussar — Mussar is the Jewish literature of ethical and character development, aimed at refining traits such as humility, honesty, and self-discipline through sustained study.
- Chassidus — Chassidus is the body of thought and literature produced by the Chassidic movement, emphasising inner service, joy, and the mystical dimension of Torah.
- Kabbalah — Kabbalah is the Jewish mystical tradition, centred on the Zohar and the later Lurianic writings, concerned with the inner structure of creation and the meaning behind the commandments.