Kabbalah: popular works Books

Book Synopsis"By the time we met, he was a newly ordained curate and I was scratching a living in the esoteric world, had written a book on the Qabalah and ran an occult magazine. We were thus inhabitants of two worlds that were never supposed to meet - at least by popular convention - or if they did, to be diametrically opposed to each other." The catalyst for such a meeting of the minds was the provocative poetry of Anthony Duncan, hitherto little known to the world but privately praised by Kathleen Raine. Following on from the "Lord of the Dance" chapter in his recent autobiography, I Called it Magic, and various entries in his book of collected letters, Yours Very Truly, Gareth Knight muses on the esoteric resonances resulting from his unlikely friendship with the Reverend Anthony Duncan. Their intellectual sharing of ideas led to Duncan's The Christ, Psychotherapy and Magic and Knight's Experience of the Inner Worlds, which have become companion texts of esoteric Christianity often read and taught together. The pair had planned to co-author a book before Duncan's untimely passing in 2003 so Christ & Qabalah comes as a fulfilment of a long-held promise. The book will delight admirers of both authors with its intertextual interplay as well as a fresh exploration of the differences and similarities between a cleric and an occultist. Knight has described the book as an "organic process, almost an initiation, that has left me with a somewhat expanded consciousness." Readers are invited to share in the various machinations that sparked this dynamic relationship - one that keeps on giving.

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Book SynopsisIn 1940, Rav Yehuda Ashlag published the first, and only copy of the paper, The Nation. After WWII, he wrote The Writings of the Last Generation, contemplating the causes and solutions to anti-Semitism. This book contains these writings, as well as The Nation. These writings are bold, inspiring, and make you wonder what our lives would be like had we known about them earlier, or if we would adopt some of his ideas henceforth.

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Book SynopsisPlease see the Zohar Home Page for ancillary materials, including the publication schedule, press release, Aramaic text, questions, and answers.Trade Review"This sensitive commentary and translation of the classic text of Kabbalah is of foundational importance for an understanding of "Jewish mysticism.'"—Jewish Book World"While translation may be an art, it can also be genuine scholarship of the highest order. . . . Restoring the Zohar to our comprehension, these volumes are a monumental contribution to the history of Jewish thought." —Koret Jewish Book Award, Philosophy and Thought, 2003-2004, The Zohar: Pritzker Edition, Volumes I and II"A powerfully poetic rendition of this spiritual masterpiece. . . . Matt's new Zohar is a classic already in its first two volumes. The edition alone, or the translation alone, or the commentary alone would be a major contribution. The whole is a work of art." —Journal of the American Academy of Religion"More than a translation, this projected twelve-volume Pritzker edition amounts to an encyclopedia of the Zohar and is set to become one of the single most important contributions to the topic in the English-speaking world."—Times Literary SupplementTable of Contents@fmct:Contents @toc4:Foreword iii @tocca:Margot Pritzker @toc4:Translator's Introduction iii @tocca:Daniel C. Matt @toc4:Acknowledgments iii Diagram of the Ten Sefirot iii Introduction iii @tocca:Arthur Green @toc2: Haqdamat Sefer ha-Zohar 000 Parashat Be-Reshit 000 Parashat Noah 000 @toc4: List of Abbreviations 000 Transliteration of Hebrew and Aramaic 000 Glossary 000 Bibliography 000 Index 000 Library of Congress Subject Headings for this publication: Bible, O, T, Pentateuch Commentaries Early works to 1800, Cabala Early works to 1800, Zohar

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Book SynopsisHidden within the first three chapters of Genesis rests one of the greatest jewels of Western mystical literature. For millennia religious literalism has dominated our understanding of the Bible, imprisoning its subtle inner wisdom within the most coarse and superficial aspects of the narrative. Generations have been led to believe that Genesis 1-3 is only a primitive proto-cosmic history, a mythological explanation of the human moral disposition, a religious fairy tale. But by accepting the text as pure kabbalistic metaphor, the mystical content of Genesis springs forth, revealing the Divine nature of creativity as well as a new understanding of the human mind. Deconstructing each line of Genesis 1-3 with esoteric methods derived from the oral teachings of the Kabbalah, David Chaim Smith reveals how the ten sefirot, collectively known as the Tree of Life, are not simply a linear hierarchy. They are a unified interdependent whole with ten interactive functions, forming the template through which creative diversity manifests. Through acts of creation and creativity, the mind expresses its Divine nature. Through our Divine creative power, we are able to touch upon Ain Sof (the infinite), the lifeblood of all creative expression. Smith's line-by-line examination of Genesis 1-3 reveals a complete model not only of Divine creativity but also of the predicament of the human mind, of the Divine nature of consciousness as well as our inability to recognize the mind's Divinity. With this new interpretation, which removes the concept of a Creator God, we are able to transcend the contrasting notions of "being" and "non-being" at the heart of conventional habits of perception and awaken a new mystical understanding of Unity and the fathomless depth of Divinity.Trade Review“An amazing book--boy does it have chutzpah!” * Hymenaeus Beta, Frater Superior, Ordo Templi Orientis *“A gifted artist who has a deep contemporary understanding of Jewish mystical wisdom, David Chaim Smith takes us into the domain where zero is one, where the all is nothing, and where the creative moment is constantly renewing itself. The Kabbalistic Mirror of Genesis is not a book simply to read but to contemplate and live with.” * Rodger Kamenetz, author of Burnt Books and The Jew in the Lotus *“A unique mystical voice out of a Blakean tradition, The Kabbalistic Mirror of Genesis is a mind-expanding spiritual text that will both clarify and transform you. Smith has rethought biblical basics from the ground up (‘with-beginningness’) providing insights into the profound depths of mind, perception, reality, life, creativity, luminosity, and transcendence. . . . This is kabbalistic commentary from a living practitioner that will help us immeasurably to help heal the world.” * John Zorn, musician *Table of ContentsIntroduction Part I Window of Manifestation 1 The Essential Nature of Creativity The First Word of Genesis 2 Blueprint of the Creative Process Commentary on the First Chapter of Genesis Part II PriMordial Gnosis and Its Obscuration 3 The EdeNic State Commentary on the Second Chapter of Genesis 4 The CoNsequence of Habit Commentary on the Third Chapter of Genesis Appendix I Kabbalistic SyNopsis of the Three Chapters Appendix II Kabbalistic Array of names Index About the Author

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Book SynopsisAn innovative, spiritual workbook that integrates the Tarot and the Kabbalistic tradition of Counting the Omer • Explores the origins and meaning of the 49-day Kabbalistic meditative practice of Counting the Omer and how it can lead to spiritual revelation, personal insight, and connection with the Divine • Reveals the correspondence of the Tarot’s minor arcana with the Sephirot of the Tree of Life and explains how both relate to the Omer meditation • Provides a daily practice workbook that explores the related Sephirot and Tarot cards for each day, examines their Kabbalistic and spiritual meanings, and provides questions for daily reflection and meditation guidance The 49-day mystical practice known as Counting the Omer is an ancient Jewish ritual observed between the holidays of Passover and Shavuot (also known as Pentecost). As practiced by Kabbalists, it is designed to cleanse and purify the soul in preparation for spiritual revelation and a personal connection with God. The ritual creates a spiritual inner journey that follows the path of the ancient Israelites from the moment of their physical freedom from slavery in Egypt to the establishment of their spiritual freedom forty-nine days later when they arrived at Mt. Sinai. Adeptly integrating this mystical practice with the transformative symbolism of the Tarot, Mark Horn uses the ritual of Counting the Omer as a template for a guided meditative practice that gives readers insight into their personal life journey and help in overcoming the issues that hinder their growth and spiritual awakening. Examining the correspondence of the Tarot’s minor arcana with the Sephirot of the Kabbalistic Tree of Life, he shows how using the cards in connection with Counting the Omer can unlock the gates to a deep experience of the sacred. In the detailed daily practice workbook section, Horn provides day-by-day descriptions of the 49-day meditative practice of Counting the Omer. He divides the journey into seven week-long segments, which in turn are broken down into seven daily practices. For each day, he explains the related Sephirot and Tarot cards and their Kabbalistic and spiritual meanings, providing the reader with questions for daily reflection, guidance for meditation, and insight from traditional Jewish texts as well as teachings from Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, and Muslim traditions. Unveiling the relationship between Tarot and the Kabbalah, Horn shows readers how uniting these two practices can open them to a deeper experience of the Divine.Trade Review“ Tarot and the Gates of Light will undoubtedly rise in ranks to become an authoritative text on Kabbalistic tarot. It is one of the most accessible guides for Counting the Omer. Tarot and the Gates of Light is itself encoded with the power to augment and deepen any tarot practice. Easily one of my favorite tarot books.” * Benebell Wen, author of Holistic Tarot *“This is not a book you will want to part ways with after 49 days, rather it serves as a lifelong guide, emblematic talisman, and faithful companion for your ever-unfolding journey on the path of enlightenment.” * Sasha Graham, author of 365 Tarot Spreads *“Mark Horn’s brilliant new book opened up a new world for me. I was familiar with both fields of tarot and Kabbalah, but I had never viewed them through the larger lens Mark provides. This unique synergy offers rich psycho-spiritual insights and provides practical processes anyone can apply. May it change the lives of millions of readers.” * New York Times bestselling author Gay Hendricks, Ph.D., author of The Big Leap *“Mark Horn has distilled decades of study and practice into a journey of archetypes and images that is powerful, healing, and transformative. Tarot and the Gates of Light is a road map for anyone of any background to follow. So sit, read, study, and follow this step-by-step path from bondage to liberation, and you will find yourself growing into the wise, embodied soul you really are.” * Andrew Ramer, author of Fragments of the Brooklyn Talmud *“Perfect for those who want to follow a spiritual practice that combines tarot, Hebrew Kabbalah, and personal meditation. It is also a great way to explore the deeper meanings of the Minor Arcana.” * Mary K. Greer, author of Tarot for Your Self *“Spiritual disciplines are like prisms, refracting the ineffable light into radiant diversities of human imagination. This makes Tarot and the Gates of Light a prism within a prism, glittering with Mark Horn’s insights, histories, wit, and wisdom.” * Rabbi Jay Michaelson, author of God vs. Gay? *“By using a traditional Jewish devotional system, the 49-day spiritual exercise known as Counting the Omer, and then matching each day with the appropriate tarot images, Mark Horn gives tarot readers a way into both Jewish Kabbalah and the contemporary Jewish Renewal movement and gives concrete form to some of the more abstract ideas about the Tree of Life. This book is rich in both information and practice. A valuable and innovative contribution.” * Rachel Pollack, author of Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom *“Mark has given a profound gift and ‘technology’ to the serious seeker: an erudite, yet highly accessible and engaging, compendium of knowledge and wisdom teachings and, most importantly, a dedicated path of transformation--one self, one soul, one day at a time.” * Professor Katherine Kurs, M.Div., Ph.D., editor of Searching for Your Soul *“Offers a spiritual practice for self-transformation, based on the tarot and the mystical practice of counting the 49 days prior to the revelation holiday of Shavuot/Pentecost. For each of the 49 days, Horn offers a combination of tarot cards as a meditative opening to growth and self-knowledge. Horn’s work displays a deep appreciation of tarot as a language for the soul and applies that language to a mystical technology for daily transformation. His book will appeal to diviners and spiritual seekers, Kabbalists and New Age practitioners. The practice laid out in this book is openhearted and challenging, ecumenical and ethically astute. It has the potential to set us on the path to enlightenment.” * Rabbi Jill Hammer, Ph.D., author of The Jewish Book of Days *“Mark Horn courageously provides an autobiographical approach to teaching the Kabbalistic practice of Counting the Omer. Tarot and the Gates of Light gives Jews and Christians alike a powerful, accessible tool for advancing personal spiritual growth and development.” * Rabbi Goldie Milgram, author of Reclaiming Judaism as a Spiritual Practice *“Horn has shattered the old saying ‘there’s nothing new under the sun’ with this unorthodox and ambitious work. Tarot and the Gates of Light presents the rare opportunity to find liberation through a serious and meaningful ancient practice refined over the centuries. Tarot and Kabbalah are wedded together as never before--in perfect harmony and beauty.” * Angelo Nasios, author of Tarot: Unlocking the Arcana *"Tarot and The Gates Of Light is an artfully creative book that is inspiring in its originality. Blending the ancient wisdom traditions of Judaism and Buddhist practice with the oracle cards in a novel and practical way, it is an essential volume for a wide range of readers--ideal for tarot readers who are new to Kabbalah as well as those, like myself who consider themselves lifelong students of the mystical." * Heather Mendel, author of The Syzygy Oracle, Dancing in The Footsteps of Eve, The Sacred Mandala Tar *"I am deeply impressed by Mark Horn’s book. Although there are many paths to healing the human spirit so that the immanence of the divine becomes apparent, what joins all of them together is heart. If a path has heart, you can follow it with the assurance that its intelligence will guide you well. Mark’s book has heart. You can feel it in the writing, you can hear it in the song that flows through it. It will guide you well." * Jason Shulman, Founder of A Society of Souls *"Horn offers amazing information on both the Tarot and the Tree of Life. His insights and descriptions of his own path of transformation included within the daily essays make for a challenging yet accessible practice that brings profound insights into the Tarot, the Tree, and brings opportunities for substantial personal growth and development. Here is a book that will appeal to Kabbalists, Tarot enthusiasts, and spiritual seekers!" * Raushanna, PaganPages.org *Table of ContentsA Personal Introduction Kabbalah, Tarot Cards, and Counting the Omer-- What’s This All About? The Forty-Nine Steps of Spiritual Refinement How a Biblical Commandment Turned into a Kabbalistic Meditation The Adoption and Adaptation of Pentecost by the Early Christians The Tikkun Prayer Vigil Kabbalah, Cabala, and Qabalah The Tree of Life The SephirotThe Four Worlds The Tarot ConnectionPutting It All Together How to Follow the Daily PracticeThe Ritual Using the Cards How to Use the Key Words to Help Interpret the Cards The Meditation The Blessing: A Nontraditional VersionThe Prayer: A Nontraditional VersionLooking Ahead to the 50th Day Week 1 Chesed Day 1: Chesed of Chesed. Starting the Journey with LoveDay 2: Gevurah of Chesed. Structure and Struggle Held in Loving-kindnessDay 3: Tiferet of Chesed. Holding Hurt and Pain with Love and Compassion Day 4: Netzach of Chesed. Defending Yourself without Falling Prey to Your Defenses Day 5: Hod of Chesed. Finding the Victory in Love by Surrendering the Ego Day 6: Yesod of Chesed. Shining the Light of Love into Our Darkest Places Day 7: Malchut of Chesed. Accepting Love and Being True to Who You Fully Are in Relationship Week 2 GevurahDay 8: Chesed of Gevurah. Creating Structure without Stricture Day 9: Gevurah of Gevurah. Learning Restraint in Judgment Day 10: Tiferet of Gevurah. Seeing the Beauty in StructureDay 11: Netzach of Gevurah. Perseverance Furthers Day 12: Hod of Gevurah. Getting Yourself Out of the Way of Your Self Day 13: Yesod of Gevurah. Intimacy Can Blossom in a Strong Container Day 14: Malchut of Gevurah. Healthy Boundaries Make Healthy Relationships Week 3 Tiferet Day 15: Chesed of Tiferet. Finding Joy in Harmony Day 16: Gevurah of Tiferet. The Role of Judgment in Compassion Day 17: Tiferet of Tiferet. The Heart of the MatterDay 18: Netzach of Tiferet. Finding the Victory in TruthDay 19: Hod of Tiferet. Witness and Withness--Humility in Compassion bYesod of Tiferet. Harnessing the Passion in CompassionDay 21: Malchut of Tiferet. The Dignity in Compassionate Action Week 4 Netzach Day 22: Chesed of Netzach. Love Endures All Things Day 23: Gevurah of Netzach. Endurance Requires DisciplineDay 24: Tiferet of Netzach. Finding Compassion in Victory Day 25: Netzach of Netzach. Passive Endurance vs. Active Endurance Day 26: Hod of Netzach. The Victory That Comes from Surrender Day 27: Yesod of Netzach. The Connection That Fuels CommitmentDay 28: Malchut of Netzach. Nobility in Endurance Week 5 HodDay 29: Chesed of Hod. Overflowing with Gratitude Day 30: Gevurah of Hod. Living in Awe of the Splendor of Creation Day 31: Tiferet of Hod. An Open Heart Is Always Full, but Never Full of Itself Day 32: Netzach of Hod. Finding Endurance in Humility Is Finding Victory in Humility Day 33: Hod of Hod. Glory, Glory HallelujahDay 34: Yesod of Hod. The Connection of I-Thou Begins in HumilityDay 35: Malchut of Hod. When You’re Secure in Your Dignity, Humility Comes Naturally Week 6 YesodDay 36: Chesed of Yesod. The Secret Love Binding the World Together Day 37: Gevurah of Yesod. Setting Boundaries in Intimacy Day 38: Tiferet of Yesod. Truth Is the Foundation of Intimacy Day 39: Netzach of Yesod. The Ongoing Commitment to Intimacy Day 40: Hod of Yesod. Humility Creates the Space for IntimacyDay 41: Yesod of Yesod. Desire as the Foundation for All Spiritual PursuitsDay 42: Malchut of Yesod. Being Fully Present for RelationshipWeek 7 Malchut Day 43: Chesed of Malchut. Directing the Flow with Nobility Day 44: Gevurah of Malchut. Self-Discipline and Restraint Define Sovereignty Day 45: Tiferet of Malchut. Leadership Sets an Example through Compassion Day 46: Netzach of Malchut. The World in a Grain of Sand, Eternity in an Hour Day 47: Hod of Malchut. Balancing the Openness of Humility with Sovereignty Day 48: Yesod of Malchut. The Foundation of Nobility Day 49: Malchut of Malchut. Living in Integrity Is True Sovereignty Pentecost Day 50: The Gates Are Always Open Meditation Instructions Glossary A Note about God LanguageNotes Bibliography Acknowledgments Index

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Book SynopsisThis book presents a new perspective on the challenges currently facing the world. Dr Laitman shows the reader that the problems of the world are the consequence of humanity''s growing egotism. In that spirit, the book suggests ways to use our egos for society''s benefit, rather than merely for our own self-interest. The earlier chapters offer a unique understanding of humanity''s existence on this planet and how our collective egoism has influenced the development of our society. By understanding the ego and its origins the reader discovers a new understanding of the global integral existence as the remedy for society''s ills. The final chapters address our current social and political challenges, and explain how we can use our egos to resolve them, rather than continuing the downward cycle that humanity finds itself in.

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Book SynopsisA Tapestry for the Soul takes the Introduction to the Zohar (as translated in In the Shadow of the Ladder ) as its main thread, from its beginning to its end. Excerpts from Rabbi Ashlag's other writings are skillfully placed throughout, in order to explain the Introduction to the Zohar in depth. This is a totally innovative way of teaching. The benefits thus obtained include the fact that the reader can follow Rabbi Ashlag's thought directly, without the need for an intermediary to explain his ideas, thus enabling direct contact between the Master Kabbalist and the reader. Now, even the beginner is able to learn from authentic Kabbalah texts.

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Book SynopsisCovers the first half of "Exodus". This book discusses the mystical explorations of Pharaoh's enslavement of the Israelites, the birth of Moses, the deliverance from Egypt, the crossing of the Red Sea, and the Revelation at Mount Sinai. It probes the biblical text and seeks deeper meaning of the nature of evil and its relation to the divine realm.Trade Review"A monumental contribution to the history of Jewish thought." —Koret Jewish Book Award, The Zohar: Pritzker Edition, Volumes I and II"Daniel C. Matt is giving us what I hardly thought possible: a superbly fashioned translation and commentary that opens up the Zohar to the English-speaking world The lucidity and overwhelming relevance of Matt's Zohar will provide both common and uncommon readers with access to a work capable of changing the consciousness of those who enter it."—Harold Bloom, Max Sterling Professor of Humanities, Yale University"Daniel Matt's work is superior to any other available translation of the Zohar because of its superb poetic language, the exegetical contribution of its copious notes, and its superior underlying Aramaic text, which was specially prepared by Dr. Matt from numerous original Zohar manuscripts and serves as the basis for his translation. Both the general English reader and scholars in the field of religious studies will benefit tremendously from this new series of volumes." —Moshe Idel, Max Cooper Professor of Jewish Thought, Hebrew University of JerusalemTable of Contents@fmct:Contents @toc4:Foreword iii @tocca:Margot Pritzker @toc4:Translator's Introduction iii @tocca:Daniel C. Matt @toc4:Acknowledgments iii Diagram of the Ten Sefirot iii Introduction iii @tocca:Arthur Green @toc2: Haqdamat Sefer ha-Zohar 000 Parashat Be-Reshit 000 Parashat Noah 000 @toc4: List of Abbreviations 000 Transliteration of Hebrew and Aramaic 000 Glossary 000 Bibliography 000 Index 000 Library of Congress Subject Headings for this publication: Bible, O, T, Pentateuch Commentaries Early works to 1800, Cabala Early works to 1800, Zohar

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"[T]his is a very serious translation of the Zohar holy, an elaboration that took years of work and research on the part of Daniel C. Matt and his team of several scholars who have spared no effort to give the greatest number information of each passuk, each parashah, bringing reliable sources . . . This fantastic edition of The Zohar not only presents an accurate translation of the text, but also an interpretation with insights, more accessible . . . Brilliant expositions on complex subjects rendered easy by Daniel C. Matt, his wonderful ability to transmit profound ideas is amazing."—Gilson Sasson, Journal Mitzvah"Matt provides invaluable commentary to put the Zohar into context and explain the almost disconnected paragraphs."—Daniel D. Stuhlman, Association of Jewish Libraries"Matt's commentary may be the most significant and comprehensive line-by-line exegesis of the Zohar to ever appear, given its fusion of wisdom gained from the older religious commentaries and the fruits of modern critical scholarship."—Eitan P. Fishbane, Jewish Review of BooksTable of Contents@fmct:Contents @toc4:Foreword iii @tocca:Margot Pritzker @toc4:Translator's Introduction iii @tocca:Daniel C. Matt @toc4:Acknowledgments iii Diagram of the Ten Sefirot iii Introduction iii @tocca:Arthur Green @toc2: Haqdamat Sefer ha-Zohar 000 Parashat Be-Reshit 000 Parashat Noah 000 @toc4: List of Abbreviations 000 Transliteration of Hebrew and Aramaic 000 Glossary 000 Bibliography 000 Index 000 Library of Congress Subject Headings for this publication: Bible, O, T, Pentateuch Commentaries Early works to 1800, Cabala Early works to 1800, Zohar

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"The Pritzker edition...serves up the Zohar lucidly and clearly for the reader of English.For the first time, the modern reader is given the keys to a classic text from the Jewish bookshelf, and a broad opening is created to an understanding of the world of medieval kabbala and the streams branching off from it."—Omri Shasha, Haaretz

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Book SynopsisThis book empowers the reader to plan a life changing journey through the land of Israel. This unconventional guidebook will offer its readers a chance to actually follow the footsteps of Abraham and experience the Holy Land from a spiritual perspective. The reader whether a religious pilgrim, a spiritual seeker or an adventurer looking for something out of the ordinary will find this guidebook both fascinating as well as practical. By following the journey outlined in the book, the reader will find a deeper meaning in their trip to Israel than he may have ever hoped to achieve.

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Without Matt's clarifications in his running commentary at the bottom of every page, the mysteries that unfold from the rabbis' discussions would be too esoteric for my humble brain. Matt, [...], is an amazing decoder of the mysteries that the kabbalistic rabbis herein reveal."—Tim Boxer, 15 Minutes Magazine"A monumental contribution to the history of Jewish thought."—Koret Jewish Book Award"A superbly fashioned translation and commentary that opens up the Zohar to the English-speaking world. The lucidity and overwhelming relevance of Matt's Zohar will provide both common and uncommon readers with access to a work capable of changing the consciousness of those who enter it."—Harold Bloom, Max Sterling Professor of Humanities, Yale University"Daniel Matt's landmark translation of the Zohar . . . is a tour de force of scholarship and linguistic imagination. An English Zohar that sounds like literary Aramaic in the same way that Ezra Pound invented an English poetry that sounds like Chinese."—First Things"Daniel Matt's work is superior to any other available translation of the Zohar because of its superb poetic language, the exegetical contribution of its copious notes, and its superior underlying Aramaic text, which was specially prepared by Dr. Matt from numerous original Zohar manuscripts."—Moshe Idel, Max Cooper Professor of Jewish Thought, Hebrew University of JerusalemTable of Contents@fmct:Contents @toc4:Foreword iii @tocca:Margot Pritzker @toc4:Translator's Introduction iii @tocca:Daniel C. Matt @toc4:Acknowledgments iii Diagram of the Ten Sefirot iii Introduction iii @tocca:Arthur Green @toc2: Haqdamat Sefer ha-Zohar 000 Parashat Be-Reshit 000 Parashat Noah 000 @toc4: List of Abbreviations 000 Transliteration of Hebrew and Aramaic 000 Glossary 000 Bibliography 000 Index 000 Library of Congress Subject Headings for this publication: Bible, O, T, Pentateuch Commentaries Early works to 1800, Cabala Early works to 1800, Zohar

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"A monumental contribution to the history of Jewish thought." —Koret Jewish Book Award, The Zohar: Pritzker Edition, Volumes I and II"Daniel Matt's work is superior to any other available translation of the Zohar because of its superb poetic language, the exegetical contribution of its copious notes, and its superior underlying Aramaic text, which was specially prepared by Dr. Matt from numerous original Zohar manuscripts."—Moshe Idel, Max Cooper Professor of Jewish Thought, Hebrew University of Jerusalem"A superbly fashioned translation and commentary that opens up the Zohar to the English-speaking world. The lucidity and overwhelming relevance of Matt's Zohar will provide both common and uncommon readers with access to a work capable of changing the consciousness of those who enter it."—Harold Bloom, Max Sterling Professor of Humanities, Yale University"A powerfully poetic rendition of this spiritual masterpiece . . . Matt's new Zohar is a classic already in its first two volumes. The edition alone, or the translation alone, or the commentary alone would be a major contribution. The whole is a work of art."—Journal of the American Academy of Religion"Daniel Matt's new translation of the Zohar . . . will quickly become the definitive and unrivaled English edition of one of the pre-eminent classics of world mystical literature."—The Jerusalem Report

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"As with previous volumes in this series, the translation is lucid and accurate....The comprehensive commentary masterfully guides the reader through the thickets, and illumines the underlying sources and ideas. Joel Hecker's translation and commentary continues the highest standards of scholarship that are a hallmark of this series. It is an indispensable resource for the study of the Zohar which achieves the golden mean of accessiblity to the non-specialist, but also as an invaluable resource for the specialist."—Morris M. Faierstein, Reading Religion

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Book SynopsisThe Book of Zohar (Book of Radiance), also known as The Zohar is one of the most mysterious and misunderstood compositions ever written. The awe, admiration, and even fear it has evoked over the years are unsurpassed. This book contains the secrets of the whole of Creation, but until recently these secrets were shrouded in a cloud of mystery and misconceptions. Now The Zohar is openly unfolding its wisdom throughout the world, to show humanity a way forward, as the book itself declares (VaYera, Item 460), When the days of the Messiah draw near, even infants will discover the secrets of the wisdom. The greatest Kabbalist of the 20th century, Rav Yehuda Ashlag (1884-1954) paved a new way for us by which we can reveal the secrets of The Zohar. He wrote the Sulam [Ladder] Commentary and the four introductions for The Zohar to help us come to know the forces that govern our lives, and teach us how we can assume control over our destinies. This book is an invitation to a wondrous journey to a higher world. The author, Kabbalist Dr Michael Laitman, wisely ushers us into the revelations of the Sulam commentary. In so doing, Laitman helps us fine-tune our thoughts as we read in The Zohar, to maximize the spiritual benefit derived from reading it. In addition to explaining The Book of Zohar, the book contains numerous inspiring quotes from The Zohar, specifically translated, edited, and compiled for easy reading and understanding of this powerful text.

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Book SynopsisHasidism, a controversial, mystical-religious movement of Eastern European origin, has posed a serious challenge to mainstream Judaism from its earliest beginnings in the middle of the eighteenth century. Decimated by the Holocaust, it has risen like a phoenix from the ashes and has reconstituted itself as a major force in the world of ultra-OrthodTable of ContentsIntroduction to the 2016 Edition ix Editor's Introduction xxiii Book I HASIDISM AND MODERN MAN 1 Part I 1 Part II 5 Part III 12 Part IV 14 Book II MY WAY TO HASIDISM 16 Book III THE LIFE OF THE HASIDIM 31 Hitlahavut: Ecstasy 31 Avoda: Service 37 Kavana: Intention 44 Shiflut: Humility 51 Book IV THE WAY OF MAN, ACCORDING TO THE TEACHINGS OF HASIDISM 60 Introduction 60 I Heart-Searching 61 II The Particular Way 65 III Resolution 69 IV Beginning with Oneself 73 V Not to Be Preoccupied with Oneself 77 VI Here Where One Stands 80 Book V THE BAAL-SHEM-TOV'S INSTRUCTION IN INTERCOURSE WITH GOD 85 Introduction 85 Of Knowledge 86 Of Fervor and of Work 88 Of the Holy Sparks and Their Redemption 89 How One Should Serve 90 Of Distance and Nearness 91 Of Secrecy 92 A Parable of Prayer 93 Of True Intention 94 Of the Might of Words 95 Of Devotion 96 Of Binding 96 Of Distracting Thoughts 97 Of Good and Evil 98 Of Pride and Humility 99 Of the Twofold Movement .101 Explanatory Notes .101 Book VI LOVE OF GOD AND LOVE OF NEIGHBOR 108 Part I 108 Part II 113 Part III 120 Part IV 128

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Book SynopsisThis third volume of The Zohar: Pritzker Edition completes the Zohar's commentary on the book of Genesis.Trade Review"Daniel Matt's translation of the Zohar is a masterful approach to one of the most enchanting and intriguing texts of religious literature. . . . This new volume will be read and reread with delight and fervor by teachers and students alike."—Elie Wiesel"An epochal event. . . . This work of learning will free us from the errors and misrepresentations that have long existed in almost all the popular accounts of the Zohar. We shall have this text in which the Zohar appears in all of its spiritual depth."—Rabbi Arthur Hertzberg"Daniel C. Matt is giving us what I hardly thought possible: a superbly fashioned translation and commentary that opens up the Zohar to the English-speaking world. . . . The lucidity and overwhelming relevance of Matt's Zohar . . . will provide both common and uncommon readers with access to a work capable of changing the consciousness of those who enter it."—Harold Bloom, Yale UniversityTable of Contents@fmct:Contents @toc4:Foreword iii @tocca:Margot Pritzker @toc4:Translator's Introduction iii @tocca:Daniel C. Matt @toc4:Acknowledgments iii Diagram of the Ten Sefirot iii Introduction iii @tocca:Arthur Green @toc2: Haqdamat Sefer ha-Zohar 000 Parashat Be-Reshit 000 Parashat Noah 000 @toc4: List of Abbreviations 000 Transliteration of Hebrew and Aramaic 000 Glossary 000 Bibliography 000 Index 000 Library of Congress Subject Headings for this publication: Bible, O, T, Pentateuch Commentaries Early works to 1800, Cabala Early works to 1800, Zohar

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"For this reader, a single word will suffice to describe this one volume of an already highly recommended set: Wow!"—David B. Levy, Association of Jewish Libraries Newsletter

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Book SynopsisThis groundbreaking presentation of Neo-Hasidic philosophy gathers and analyzes the writings of its progenitors: five great twentieth-century European and American Jewish thinkers—Hillel Zeitlin, Martin Buber, Abraham Joshua Heschel, Shlomo Carlebach, and Zalman Schachter-Shalomi—along with a young Arthur Green. Trade Review"A New Hasidism describes the renewal of Jewish life that I and so many of our colleagues have found to be meaningful. It draws us into an important conversation that will enrich our lives and the lives of those we touch as teachers and rabbis."—Rabbi Laura Geller, CCAR Journal: The Reform Jewish Quarterly"A compelling, enjoyable book and a centrally important contribution to the study of Neo-Hasidism. We are seeing with this book the early stages of an exciting new field of study, toward which Green and Mayse do an excellent job orienting us, particularly by providing for us an initial set of questions, texts, and suggestions for further reading. Although this book is recommended especially for audiences in Jewish and Jewish studies settings, it is accessible—and likely quite interesting—to broader audiences, both in the academy and outside it."—Steven Kaplin, Reading Religion“After reading these two intellectually informative and spiritually rich works, we ask how indeed twenty-first-century Jews living in comfort, in freedom, in modernity in an age of feminism and egalitarianism, at a time when they draw close to those who have been ‘other’ will adapt the spiritual teaching of their eighteenth- and nineteenth-century ancestors. Judaism will be much enhanced by such adaption as has been this reader.”—Michael Berenbaum, Jewish Journal “For more than a hundred years, people in search of religious renewal who are not Hasidic have found inspiration in Hasidism. Now Arthur Green and Ariel Mayse, both scholars of Hasidism and committed spiritual seekers, have assembled critical texts for the fashioning of Neo-Hasidism in the twenty-first century. The result is a landmark contribution to Jewish spirituality.”—David Biale, Emanuel Ringelblum Distinguished Professor of Jewish History at the University of California, Davis, and editor in chief of Hasidism: A New History“A New Hasidism is a treasure for the heart and mind. With this superb two-volume anthology in hand, contemporary seekers and scholars have a broad spectrum of spiritual wisdom with which to contemplate the history and contemporary character of Neo-Hasidism. The first volume provides the ‘roots’ of the modern reinterpretation of Hasidism in Europe and America; the second displays the ‘branches’ spreading over Jewish life in the United States and Israel in our times. Together they mark a major moment of our Jewish religious renaissance.”—Michael Fishbane, Nathan Cummings Distinguished Service Professor of Jewish Studies at the University of Chicago“In two sequential volumes, the diamonds of Hasidic spiritual teaching have been skillfully recut and set to offer seekers of all backgrounds entry into a challenging and soul-expanding opportunity. You are invited to enter a multigenerational conversation, deeply engage with the most inspiring teachings of Hasidic and contemporary teachers, build upon these insights, and carry them forward.”—Rabbi Marcia Prager, director and dean of the ALEPH Ordination Program and author of Path of Blessing: Experiencing the Abundance of the Divine“The impact of Neo-Hasidism on contemporary Jewish life cannot be overstated; its influence has penetrated farther and wider than is usually acknowledged. Yet what is Neo-Hasidism really—what are its main teachings, and where do those ideas stem from? Here, brought together for the first time, are the essential texts of Neo-Hasidism, from forebears like Hillel Zeitlin and Abraham Joshua Heschel, and from recent and contemporary thinkers like Zalman Schachter-Shalomi and Arthur Green. Whatever their own relationship to Neo-Hasidism, students of Jewish thought and contemporary religious life cannot afford to miss these volumes. They are a veritable feast for seeker and scholar alike.”—Rabbi Shai Held, president and dean of the Hadar Institute and author of The Heart of Torah: Essays on the Weekly Torah Portion“Over the past century, a number of creative spirits have reimagined Hasidism—infusing it with new energy, liberating it from its insularity and dynastic power structure, and translating its radical wisdom into a modern idiom. Now, for the first time, one of those creative spirits, together with his brilliant disciple, have chronicled that transformation and assembled its foundational documents (or ‘roots’) along with many of its recent literary ‘branches.’ Dip into these volumes to experience the renewal of Jewish spirituality.”—Daniel Matt, author of The Essential Kabbalah and the annotated translation, The Zohar: Pritzker Edition“Just when we are in such dire need of old/new tools for truth telling and loving kindness (chesed ve’emet), we receive these wise, passionate, intellectually compelling essays that continue the unfolding of the Neo-Hasidic revolution in our own times. These volumes will open minds, hearts, and even souls.”—Rabbi Lisa Goldstein, executive director of the Institute for Jewish Spirituality“Green and Mayse have masterfully crafted a living tree of Neo-Hasidic worldview and practice spanning the sources of Neo-Hasidic thought and their manifestations in contemporary Neo-Hasidism. These two wonderfully innovative volumes reveal a creatively alive Judaism informed by a deep legacy.”—Melila Hellner-Eshed, senior research fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute and author of A River Flows from Eden: The Language of Mystical Experience in the Zohar Table of ContentsPreface Acknowledgments Introduction Editors’ Note 1. Hillel Zeitlin Introduction What Is Yavneh? (Untitled Manuscript, ca. mid-1920s) What Does Yavneh Want? (1924) Admonitions for Every True Member of Yavneh (1924) The Fundaments of Hasidism (1910) Mystery of Thought (1928) Suggestions for Further Reading 2. Martin Buber Introduction The Life of the Hasidim (1908) Spirit and Body of the Hasidic Movement (1922) Interpreting Hasidism (1963) Suggestions for Further Reading 3. Abraham Joshua Heschel IntroductionPikuah Neshamah: To Save a Soul (1949) Hasidism as a New Approach to Torah (1972) Dissent (Date Unknown) Suggestions for Further Reading 4. Shlomo Carlebach Introduction Introduction to “The Torah of the Nine Months” The Torah of the Nine Months (Undated, 1970s) Suggestions for Further Reading 5. Zalman Schachter-Shalomi Introduction Hasidism and Neo-Hasidism (1960) Toward an “Order of B’nai Or”: A Program for a Jewish Liturgical Brotherhood (1964) Foundations of the Fourth Turning of Hasidism: A Manifesto (2014) Selections from an Interview with Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi (ca. 2000) Suggestions for Further Reading 6. Arthur Green Introduction Notes from the Jewish Underground: On Psychedelics and Kabbalah (1968) After Itzik: Toward a Theology of Jewish Spirituality (1971) “Where Are We Going?”: An Address to the Neo-Hasidism Conference, New York City (2003) Suggestions for Further Reading Source Acknowledgments Notes

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Book SynopsisThis Jungian interpretation of Tarot symbolism uses the Tarot archetypes as mirrors for looking inside ourselves. Following Jung''s personality types as guiding principles, the author shows how the Tarot can be an incisive tool for self-transformation, enabling you to discover the forces that are operative in your own personality. Provides a system for evaluating your strong and weak personality traits by indicating the court card and suit that correspond to your personality makeup. Highly original card spreads enable you to focus on and strengthen weaker facets of your personality. Other spreads enable you to gain insight into complex and challenging personal relationships. A section is devoted to using the Tarot to progress through the levels of consciousness represented by the sephiroth on the Tree of Life.

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Book SynopsisIn the essays in A Sage''s Fruit: Volume 2, Rav Yehuda Ashlag, author of the Sulam (Ladder) commentary on The Book of Zohar, offers remarkable ideas about our lives and the world we live in. Despite the poor state of the original manuscripts, the content and message resonate from every page in this invaluable compilation. Delicate care has been taken by the translator to preserve the authenticity of these writings, and important Kabbalistic terms remain in Hebrew along with English translation.

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Book SynopsisEver since the appearance of The Zohar in 13th Century Spain, scholars, scientists and spiritual seekers have struggled to unlock its secrets. Isaac Newton thought it held alchemical formulas. Many in Hollywood ascribe to it instructions for meditation and mysticism. In truth, it speaks only about how the single interconnected reality was shattered to pieces, so that from this "Big Bang" humanity would evolve and reassemble the pieces in heart and mind, and rise above suffering to joy and wholeness. This pocket-sized collection of excerpts was carefully chosen for accessibility and poetic depth.

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Book SynopsisThe Merkavah movement is widely recognized as the first full-fledged expression of Jewish mysticism, one that had important ramifications for classical rabbinic Judaism. This title offers a look at the history of Jewish mysticism from the book of "Ezekiel" to the Merkavah mysticism of late antiquity.Trade Review"Peter Schäfer, Winner of the 2007 Distinguished Achievement Award from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation"Table of ContentsAcknowledgments XI Abbreviations XIII Introduction 1 Mysticism 1 Jewish Mysticism 9 1 Phases of Jewish Mysticism 9 2 Unio mystica 17 Origins 20 The Origins of Jewish Mysticism 23 Chapter 1: Ezekiel's Vision: The Cosmos as Temple 34 Chapter 2: Enoch and His Circle: Ascent to Heaven 53 The Book of the Watchers (1 Enoch 1-36) 53 The Testament of Levi67 Similitudes of Enoch (1 Enoch 37-71) 72 2 Enoch 77 Chapter 3: Enoch's Companions: From the Community to the Individual 86 Apocalypse of Abraham 86 Ascension of Isaiah 93 Apocalypse of Zephaniah 99 Apocalypse of John 103 Chapter 4: Qumran: Communion with the Angels 112 A Community of Priests 113 Communion with the Angels in the Holy War 116 Liturgical Communion with the Angels 122 The Songs of the Sabbath Sacrifice 130 The Self-Glorification Hymn 146 Summary 151 Chapter 5: Philo: The Ascent of the Soul 154 Philo's Concept of God 155 Body and Soul, Senses and Mind 160 The Soul's Vision of God 164 Chapter 6: The Rabbis I: Approaching God through Exegesis.175 Reading and Expounding the Torah 176 The Cycle of Seven Stories 185 1 Yohanan b Zakkai and Eleazar b Arakh: Teacher and Student 186 2 Chain of Transmission 195 3 Four Entered a Garden 196 4 Parable of the King's Garden 203 5 Parable of the Middle Course 206 6 Ben Zoma and Creation 207 7 Creation 209 Summary 210 Chapter 7: The Rabbis II: The Merkavah in Context 214 Yerushalmi 214 Bavli 222 Chapter 8: The Merkavah Mystics 243 Hekhalot Rabbati 244 1 The Gedullah Hymns 245 2 The Qedushah Hymns 254 3 The Ten Martyrs Narrative 256 4 The Apocalypses 257 5 Qedushah Hymns and Hymns of Praise 259 6 The Ascent Accounts 268 Hekhalot Zutarti 282 1 335-374: Ascent Accounts 283 2 375-406: Metatron 294 3 407-427: The Test of the Mystic and His Ascent 298 4 489-495: The Book of the Mysteries of the Divine Names 304 5 498-517: The Magic of the Name 305 Shi'ur Qomah 306 3 Enoch 315 1 Ishmael's Ascent 316 2 Enoch Is Metatron 318 Summary 327 Chapter 9: Conclusions 331 Ezekiel and the Ascent Apocalypses 331 Hekhalot Literature 339 Qumran 348 The Rabbis 350 Philo 352 Mysticism 353 Bibliography 357 Source Index 373 General Index 391

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisThis is a unique collection of excerpts from a man whose wisdom has earned him devoted students in North America and the world over. Michael Laitman is a scientist, a Kabbalist, and a great thinker who presents ancient wisdom in a compelling style. Written in a unique and metaphorical language, this book speaks to us in a sincere, yet thought-provoking manner while answering the deepest questions all humans have asked. When life gets out of hand, when we need a moment to reflect and to be alone with our thoughts, this book will help us rediscover our inner compass. This book does not profess to teach Kabbalah, but rather gently introduces ideas from the teaching. The Point in the Heart is a window to a new perception. As the author himself testifies to the wisdom of Kabbalah, "It is a science of emotion, a science of pleasure. You are welcome to open and to taste". In Kabbalah, the heart is a symbol of our desire to enjoy. And the point in the heart is that special, intimate moment when we ask ourselves about our purpose for being here. It is that time when we pause and reflect on what lies beyond the incessant "gadget-chase" and ask not if we really need them, but why is it that we want them in the first place. In Laitman''s own words, this is "the beginning of the soul, the first step toward revealing love". When you need a light in the dark, this book will be your candle.

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Book SynopsisRav Baruch Shalom HaLevi Ashlag ("Rabash") changed the course of studying Kabbalah by integrating the concept of unity in our world to reach spiritual attainment. Rabash''s father and teacher was the great Kabbalist, Rav Yehuda Leib HaLevi Ashlag, (known as Baal HaSulam) who wrote commentary on The Book of Zohar. While Baal HaSulam gave us insight on the spiritual worlds, it was Rabash who articulated the human essence of Kabbalah for our generation. Rabash gave us the practical advice on how to realise spirituality by simply forming study groups and using unity and love as our tools for attaining spirituality in in our time. The writings in this book aren''t just for reading, the reader can utilise the book as a guide in his everyday life and within his study group. By following the advice Rabash gives us in the book, the student will discover new insights in his studies. Rabash shows how to utilise the Wisdom of Kabbalah to find true spirituality in our life.

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Book SynopsisThis book offers contemplations from the ocean of wisdom contained in the wisdom of Kabbalah, touching upon topics such as pleasure, ego, love, men and women, education, Nature, The Book of Zohar, and spirituality. Just open the book wherever you wish, and begin to read, and the words within will serve you as a "glimpse of the Light" illuminating the profound emotions and perceptions we can all attain.

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Book SynopsisDelving deep into this very misrepresented tradition, Samael Aun Weor definitively shows the beauty and majesty of the Aztec mysticism and how it is firmly based in the universal laws represented in the Kabbalah and the Tarot.

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