A Gateway to the Kabbalah

by Eugene A. Wernick

Overview

This brand-new title offers the reader an accessible and chronological presentation of the history and development of this most unique of philosophies. What were the political influences on its development? How much impact did other cultures have? Learn and explore as you go along on this historical journey. Perfect for adult education sessions or Hebrew high school discussions.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780838100011
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	01/01/2015
Pages:	102
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.80(h) x 0.20(d)

Table of Contents

Preface vii

Introduction ix

For the Reader xi

1 Occult Origins: Exile and Return 1

2 The Greco-Roman World: The Mishnah, the Maccabees, and Merkavah Mysticism 9

3 The Book of Creation: J New Beginning 21

4 Brilliance and Piety: Along the Banks of the Rhine 25

5 Languedoc and Catalonia: The Kabbalah Takes Form 31

6 Off the Beaten Track: Abraham Abulafia 37

7 The Zohar 41

8 Christian Cabala: How the Kabbalah Saved the Talmud 51

9 The Spiritual Capital on the Mountaintop 57

10 Hasidism: Revolt against the Eastern Wail 69

Afterword 79

Appendix 83

For Further Reading 85

Bibliography 89

Editorial Reviews

Welcome to Rabbi Wernick’s classroom. This is a book that serves to make an esoteric subject accessible without compromising intellectual integrity. Rabbi Wernick takes his role as guide and teacher with utmost seriousness, knowing when to hold our hand. .. and when to let go.

Michael Monson

A Gateway to the Kabbalah provides a brief yet in-depth introduction to Jewish mysticism. It’s not a quick and cute look at the ‘what’ of Kabbalah, like some sort of ‘Dummies’ book. Rather, it provides a serious introductory look into the why and how of Jewish mysticism, its origins, and its reasons for being. It made me want to know more.

Ira Casel

The depth and breadth of Rabbi Wernick’s knowledge and his profound love of Jewish teaching and learning are evident in this brief yet comprehensive history of Jewish mysticism. From its roots in biblical prophecy, through syncretism with Zoroastrianism and Greek thought, to its development in the milieu of Christian theology and philosophy, Rabbi Wernick traces the history of the Jewish quest for spiritual enlightenment and understanding. With insightful clarity, he explains the mystery of the Sefirot, its expression in the Zohar, in Lurianic mystical thoughts, in Hasidic manifestation, and touches upon contemporary attempts to transcend the mundane. This book is a must for those looking for a source to reveal what had long been a ‘hidden’ subject in Jewish history—mysticism and Kabbalah.

Linda Coppelson