The Sabbath Soul: Mystical Reflections on the Transformative Power of Holy Time

by Eitan Fishbane

Overview

Enter into the mystery of the Sabbath, into the wonder and light of the seventh day.

"We live in a world dominated by speed and distraction, with demands for our attention at every turn…. We frequently forget the restorative blessing of stillness, our desperate need for rest … a rest that brings us back to the center of existence, a calm that allows us to reconnect with the divine breath at the soul of All."
—from the Introduction

Enrich your spiritual experience of Shabbat by exploring the writings of mystical masters of Hasidism. Drawing from some of the earliest teachings in the family of the Ba'al Shem Tov through late nineteenth-century Poland and the homilies of the Sefat 'Emet, Eitan Fishbane evokes the Sabbath experience—from candle lighting and donning white clothing to the Friday night Kiddush and the act of sacred eating. Fishbane also translates and interprets a wide range of Hasidic sources previously unavailable in English that reflect the spiritual transformation that takes place on the seventh day—one that can shift your awareness into the realm that is all soul. Personal prayers of the Bratzlav (Breslov) Hasidic tradition express the spiritual dimension of Shabbat in the language of devotional and individual yearning.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781683364238
Publisher:	TURNER PUB CO
Publication date:	10/01/2011
Pages:	208
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Eitan Fishbane, PhD, a frequent scholar-in-residence and guest speaker at congregations across North America, is assistant professor of Jewish thought at The Jewish Theological Seminary; author of As Light Before Dawn: The Inner World of a Medieval Kabbalist (Stanford UniversityPress); and co-editor of Jewish Mysticism and the Spiritual Life: Classical Texts, Contemporary Reflections (Jewish Lights).

Eitan Fishbane is available to speak on the following topics:

• Shabbat
• Prayer
• Spirituality
• God and Theology
• Mysticism
• Ethics
• Torah

Table of Contents

Introduction

A Prayer for Joy (LIKUTEI TEFILOT)
Candle Lighting (SEFER SEFAT 'EMET)
Longing for Closeness (LIKUTEI TEFILOT)
Spiritual Preparation (PRI TZADDIK)
Freedom and Fear Transformed (LIKUTEI TEFILOT)
Wearing White on Shabbat (PRI TZADDIK)
The Pleasure of Shabbat (LIKUTEI TEFILOT)
A Path through the Sea (DEGEL MAH. ANEH 'EFRAYIM)
The Desire for Money (LIKUTEI TEFILOT)
Soul of the World (SEFER ME’OR 'EINAYIM)
Cleansing the Soul throughWashing and Immersion (LIKUTEI TEFILOT)
Kiddush (LIKUTEI HALAKHOT)
An Intention for Eating on the Sabbath (LIKUTEI TEFILOT)
Eating and Contemplation (LIKUTEI HALAKHOT)
Transforming Our Speech (LIKUTEI TEFILOT)
Hallah as a Symbol of Spiritual Wholeness (LIKUTEI HALAKHOT)
Reading the Torah Portion as a Spiritual Practice (LIKUTEI TEFILOT)
Refraining from Labor (LIKUTEI HALAKHOT)
As Though All My Work Is Done (LIKUTEI TEFILOT)
Awareness of God (SEFER SEFAT ’EMET)
Song and Peace (LIKUTEI TEFILOT)
Uniting the Physical and the Spiritual (SEFER SEFAT ’EMET)
The Power of Melody (LIKUTEI TEFILOT)

Concluding Meditations
Acknowledgments
Notes
Suggestions for Further Reading

Editorial Reviews

"Moving.... Fresh [and] new, filled with ancient wisdom. Readers will want to use this book for reflection and teaching around the Shabbat table."
—Dr. Arthur Green, author, Seek My Face: A Jewish Mystical Theology

"Displays the spiritual depths that reside within Jewish religious teaching and practice.... Unlocks the divinity that dwells in the timeless spirituality of the day."
—Rabbi David Ellenson, president, Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion

“An inspiring gift to all those who wish to sanctify the Sabbath and create a day of holiness to uplift their souls.”
—Professor Susannah Heschel, Eli Black Professor of Jewish Studies, Dartmouth College

“Extraordinary … ushers us into the very heart of time and soul.... Filled with insight and delight.”
—Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson, PhD, dean, Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies; vice president, American Jewish University

“[A] gift. Brings us not only insight and intention but also spiritual practices to help deepen the experience of Shabbat.”
—Rabbi Laura Geller, senior rabbi, Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills

“Rich nourishment for the modern soul. Learned, lucid, inspiring and sacred.”
—Rabbi David Wolpe, Sinai Temple, Los Angeles

“A rich, literate and compelling banquet for anyone interested in 'guarding the Sabbath day' and 'making it a delight.'”
—Rabbi Lawrence Kushner, Emanu-El Scholar at Congregation Emanu-El, San Francisco; author, I’m God; You’re Not: Observations on Organized Religion & Other Disguises of the Ego

“Illuminate[s] the intentional sacred practice of the Sabbath—the quintessential Jewish gift to the world.... A profound and accessible companion for today’s spiritual seeker.”
—Rabbi Sheila Peltz Weinberg, Institute for Jewish Spirituality

“Beautifully captures the soul of Shabbat…. A must-have resource for personal and family celebration!”
—Dr. Ron Wolfson, Fingerhut Professor of Education, American Jewish University;
author, Shabbat: The Family Guide to Preparing for and Celebrating the Sabbath

“Inspiring…. Allow this spirit-filled work to open your heart and soul to the inner mysteries of Shabbat. You will be elevated and enriched!”
—Rabbi Marcia Prager, author, The Path of Blessing: Experiencing the Energy
and Abundance of the Divine

“Weaving together gems of Hasidic teachings … offers us spiritual exercises that nurture an illumined clarity of mind and heart.”
—Rabbi Jonathan Slater, co-director of programs, Institute for Jewish Spirituality;
author, Mindful Jewish Living: Compassionate Practice

From the Publisher