Synopses & Reviews
The Jewish mystical tradition is still speaking to us.
Spirituality] is, first and foremost, a yearning to connect to the deep essence of things, a sense that there is a layer of existence that lies concealed beneath the surface of perception. It is this same quality that is reflected in the mystical sensibility . It is, however, important to emphasize that the mystical dimensions of Judaism do not separate easily, if at all, from the traditional structures of the religion.
from the Introduction
In this thoughtful and lucid exploration of the Jewish mystical tradition, leading scholars and teachers come together to share their favorite texts many available in English for the first time and explore why these materials are meaningful and relevant to contemporary life.
The rich combination of classical texts and contemporary reflections will provide you with inspirational and thought-provoking materials for contemplation, discussion and action, whether you are well-acquainted with Jewish mysticism or encountering it for the first time.
Contributors
Yehonatan Chipman
Mimi Feigelson
Lawrence Fine
Eitan Fishbane
Michael Fishbane
Nancy Flam
Everett Gendler
Joel Hecker
Shai Held
Melila Hellner-Eshed
Barry W. Holtz
Jeremy Kalmanofsky
Judith A. Kates
Lawrence Kushner
Ebn Leader
Shaul Magid
Ron Margolin
Daniel Matt
Haviva Pedaya
Nehemia Polen
Neal and Carol Rose
Or N. Rose
Zalman Schachter-Shalomi
Jonathan P. Slater
Gordon Tucker
Sheila Peltz Weinberg
Chava Weissler
Synopsis
Why have so many spiritual seekers turned to the
teachings of Jewish mysticism in recent years? What
is it about Kabbalah and Hasidism that has so
captured the imagination of unprecedented numbers
of Jewish and non-Jewish readers and practitioners?
In this unique volume, leading scholars and teachers
of the Jewish mystical tradition share their favorite
textssome available in English for the first time
and explore why they think these materials are
meaningful and relevant to contemporary life.
The rich combination of classical texts and
contemporary reflections provides both the newcomer
and the seasoned reader with a beautiful array of
inspirational and thought-provoking materials for
contemplation, discussion and action. Organized
thematically, each section of the book focuses on a
different dimension of the spiritual life, including
prayer and meditation, interpersonal relations, Torah
study and ritual observance.
This is an invitation to enter into the esoteric
worlds of past Jewish thinkers and to engage with
today's best interpreters in exploring how these sources
might help us in our quest for meaning here and now.
Synopsis
Leading scholars and teachers share their favorite texts of the Jewish mystical tradition--many available in English for the first time--and explore why these materials are meaningful and relevant to us today.
In this unique volume, some of Judaism's most insightful contemporary thinkers bring the words of sages past to bear on the present. They explore how we can become closer to God through our relationships with others, our observance at home and our actions in the world, asking:
- What do mitzvot have to do with mysticism?
- Is spirituality selfish?
- Can mysticism enhance community?
Organized thematically, each section focuses on how mysticism engages and complements the dimensions of religious life, including studying Torah, performing mitzvot and observing halakhah.
Contributors:
Yehonatan Chipman - Mimi Feigelson - Lawrence Fine - Eitan Fishbane - Michael Fishbane - Nancy Flam - Everett Gendler - Joel Hecker - Shai Held - Melila Hellner-Eshed - Barry W. Holtz - Jeremy Kalmanofsky - Judith A. Kates - Lawrence Kushner - Ebn Leader - Shaul Magid - Ron Margolin - Daniel Matt - Haviva Pedaya - Nehemia Polen - Neal and Carol Rose - Or N. Rose - Zalman Schachter-Shalomi - Jonathan P. Slater - Gordon Tucker - Sheila Peltz Weinberg - Chava Weissler
Synopsis
Leading scholars and teachers share their favorite texts-many available in English for the first time-and explore why these materials are meaningful today. A rich combination of classical texts and contemporary reflections on Jewish mystical tradition.