The Association of Jewish Theosophists in the Netherlands: The Efforts of Louis Vet and Others to Revive Judaism

Abstract

This article presents and analyses the activities of the Association for Dutch Jewish ­Theosophists (VJT), which was formed during the Order of the Star of the East congress in 1926. The VJT, which has never been studied before, helped in altering the perception of Judaism in the ­Netherlands. Dutch Theosophists began to see Judaism and its mystical Kabbalah as a religion with a long history comparable to Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam. Prior to the VJT, several Dutch Jewish Theosophists developed other initiatives to educate their brethren and others about Judaism. Although none of these activities were long lasting, they illustrate that Theosophy was an incentive for Dutch Jewish Theosophists to have a fresh look at their own religion. This may even have led them to develop an affinity with progressive Judaism. These developments came to a halt when Jews began to be transported to Camp Westerbork.

Keywords

• jewish theosophists in the netherlands
• the order of the star of the east
• judaism
• progressive judaism
• kabbalah
• shoah