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.

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. New in paperback! 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

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

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. New in paperback! 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.

The first comprehensive, down-to-earth introduction to explain the primary message of Kabbalah--that we are to become like God. Unlike the faddish books that just discuss Kabbalah as a magical system, or those that treat it as if it were separable from Judaism, this inspiring book makes accessible the mysteries of Kabbalah with thorough scholarship and depth of spiritual insight. It traces the evolution of Kabbalah in Judaism and sets forth its most important gift: a way of revealing the connection that exists between our "everyday" life and the spiritual oneness of the universe. Including hands-on "personal Kabbalah" exercises that help bring the teachings into your life, The Gift of Kabbalahexplores: Healing from the Source Holiness in the Ordinary Contemplating Your Place in History Building a Positive Structure for Life The Soul's Contract with God ... and much more.

An accessible introduction to the concepts of Jewish mysticism and how they relate to our lives. Allows us to experience mysticism's inexpressible reverence before the mystery of creation and celebrate the quest to transform ordinary reality into holiness.

An accessible introduction to the concepts of Jewish mysticism, their religious and spiritual significance, and how they relate to our lives. The Way Into Jewish Mystical Tradition allows us to experience and understand mysticism's inexpressible reverence before the awe and mystery of creation, and celebrate this rich tradition's quest to transform our ordinary reality into holiness.