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.
He was a devoted follower of the Kabbalah, in which he was well acquainted, and lived an austere life. Eliyahu de Vidas recounted that apart from Sabbath nights, Joseph slept on a box for forty years without using a bed, with his feet touching the ground.