He was a fervent adherent of the Kabbalah, in which he was well versed, and led an ascetic life. Eliyahu de Vidas related that with the exception of Sabbath nights, Joseph for forty years never slept in a bed, but on a box, with his feet on the ground.
Joseph was deeply committed to the Kabbalah, having extensive knowledge of it, and led a strict lifestyle. According to Eliyahu de Vidas, he never slept in a bed for forty years except on Sabbath nights, resting on a box with his feet on the floor.