Book Description
One of the great masterpieces of Western religious thought, the Zohar represents an attempt to uncover hidden meanings behind the world of appearances. It is the central work in the literature of the Kabbalah, the Jewish mystical tradition.
This volume of selected passages from the Zohar, culled by the greatest authority on Jewish mysticism, offers a sampling of its unique vision of the esoteric wonders of creation; the life and destiny of the soul; the confluence of physical and divine love; suffering and death; exile and redemption.
Customer Reviews:
Interesting First Look.......2003-04-15
This was an intense book and was frightfully challenging at times. Part of the challenge was due to a lack of cultural relevance. The book makes reference to all kinds of Jewish history and culture without any explanations. It felt as though I were missing huge chunks of important references.
But, that being said, what I was able to grasp was enormous. This book really put a new spin on the Old Testament for me. It made me think about allegory and allusion in a whole new light. The layers and layers of mythic and mystic knowledge that it hints at being concealed in the various Scriptures is both tantalizing and invigorating. And, perhaps most importantly of all, it has left me wanting more.
A Glimpse at the Mysterious Zohar.......2002-03-10
This book was primarily written for those people that want to get a flavor for the large compilation of writings known as the Zohar. The Zohar is the most widely used text in the study of Kabbalah. This book, written by Gershom Scholem, takes various exerpts from the Zohar to give the reader a basic idea of what manner of instruction and knowledge one can find in the Zohar. His selections are chosen to cover most of the stages of life and the major questions concerning what lies after and possibly our return. For taking such a small selection, Scholem masterfully picked his selections to provide a smooth transition between subjects. This book is very short and can be read in a couple of days without too much effort. Let the reader beware, if you choose to obtain the full version after reading this book, you might be surprised to find that much of the text is extremely difficult to understand. Scholem definitely chose those exerpts that are not too difficult to understand for this book. In spite of its brevity, I would recommend this book because it adequately portrays the Jews rich scholarship over the centuries and their constant striving to understand the more mysterious matters of their existence.
prayer book.......2001-11-19
I enjoy this small book by Herr Doktor Gershom Scholem. "Zohar : The Book of Splendor : Basic Readings from the Kabbalah" is a collection of passages from the Zohar. The Zohar is a five volume set which is the central work in the literature of the Kabbalah. It was written in the late 13th Century CE in Spain. As such, this little book is much too small to be considered as anything but snippets and favourite passages. At the same time, I find solace in the meditations. Like many prayer books, I find it helps to centre myself spiritually as I conform my conscious mind to my faith. If you are interested in a book of meditations to strengthen a prayer life, this book may be interesting to you.
Wisdom.......1999-12-01
Short book, with few passages, makes us think quite a bit to understand. It's a gate to start studying The Zohar; not too deep but also not too easy as the subject itself is far from light.
Book Description
A collection of lectures on the features of the movement of mysticism that began in antiquity and continues in Hasidism today.
Customer Reviews:
Still the finest scholar's introduction to the Kabbalah.......2006-10-22
When reading Scholem I often feel like I am reading an old testament prophet; his writing and words seem to convey a great dignity and authority and power beyond their age.
Major Trends is basically a set of lectures Scholem gave on Jewish mysticism. Scholem was one of the first scholars to apply scientific methods of criticism to Jewish mystical texts and traditions and their sources, which had been neglected to a large extent in favour of the rational Jews like Moses Maimonides. The age of Reason had little time for religion, myth and mysticism and it was really only in the latter part of the 20th century people began to return to their mystical traditions.
Scholem made many important discoveries, including showing the author of the Zohar (which supposedly came from the 2nd century) was written by Moses de Leon, a 11th century Spanish Jew. Also in this collection are some valuable studies of the relationship between Kabbalah and Christian Gnosticism, and on Isaac Luria's bizarre theosophic ideas, and of chariot mysticism which influenced early Christianity and many apocryphal biblical books such as the Books of Enoch.
Scholem's study remains the most important 20th century study of Jewish mysticism.
Excellent introduction to Kabbalah.......2006-01-03
Gershom Scholem was a pioneer in the academic study of Jewish mysticism. Major Trends in Jewish Mysticism is an excellent introduction to the kabbalah. The book covers the main historical movements and personalities. It explains the basic doctrines, rituals, and texts. The footnotes and referenced authors and texts become an excellent source of further study for both the academician and the spiritual seeker.
Mysticism Without Obfuscation.......2005-10-18
What I love best about Scholem is that he wrote eloquently about spiritual enlightenment without presenting himself as being a mystical master or guru. He will guide you through the history of Jewish esoteric thought, after which you can sample some source texts (many of which now are available in English translation). No preaching here - just good scholarly thought and clear, eloquent writing. It's also amazing how a 60-year old volume remains the standard introduction while still being regarded as controversial in fundamentalist quarters. An awesome achievement!
The Best Starter.......2005-09-17
Kabbalah is one of those things that everyone seems to want to be part of, and something that enjoys a high level of fashionability at the moment. While this is great, it also means that there is a lot of rubbish out there with "Kabbalah" printed on it. For the beginner or the curious, this can make getting at the real thing a bit daunting and difficult.
Scholem's book "Major Trends in Jewish Mysticism" is rightly considered a classic in the field of Kabbalah and the study thereof. While somewhat aged, the book still retains its status as among the most respected of works.
Scholem covers the major phases of Kabbalah, and includes sections on each one. He delves into the details, teachings, personalities and the impact of each phase, and brings the reader an erudite introduction to them. He includes early Jewish Merkabah mysticism, Lurianic Kabbalah, Abulafia, the Zohar, (a big section on this!) and even the very interesting Sabbatianism.
I found some points of terminology a little objectionable in connection with Gnosticism, but this would not be an issue for the general, non-Gnostic reader. As such, it should not discourage you from reading it.
As a starting point, Scholem's "Major Trends in Jewish Mysticism" is unbeatable for both its scholarly approach and also for Scholem's ability to make it all understandable and absorbable. This is a fantastic book and one worth getting. I could not praise this book enough.
To be honest, if Gershom Scholem wrote it, you can't go far wrong with it.
THE Modern Classic of Kabbalah.......2004-11-23
Gershom Scholem transformed Kabbalah into an acceptable academic discipline. Today many writers/scholars/professors follow in his footsteps (e.g. Wolfson and Idel). He, no doubt, did us a great service. It should be noted, however, that he was an historian--neither scientist nor Kabbalist. He appears to have faithfully presented Kabbalistic doctrines, teachings, etc. Nonetheless, the reader should be sensitive to a certain lack of scientific viewpoint on the one hand and mystical/experiential knowledge and orientation on the other--in all of his works. That said, this is a wonderful book, probably his best (certainly his most famous) and one of the best available today on Kabbalah per se. If you like this book, I'd recommend you also read, "Jewish Gnosticism-Merkabah Mysticism-and Talmudic Tradition," "On the Mystical Shape of the Godhead," and his voluminous entry in a Jewish Encyclopedia on Kabbalah published as a stand-alone volume entitled, "Kabbalah." Both this last work and "Major Trends" illuminate most of the main Kabbalistic concepts (e.g. the Shekinah, the female Presence or Immanence of God). Any serious student of Kabbalah will find the present work a necessary addition to his/her repertoire. It's probably the best known contemporary work on the subject. The historical data has great breadth and considerable depth. However, it does suffer from Scholem's lack of mystical or scientific background. For example, near the very front of the book, he asserts that no on would consider the prophets to be mystics. This is untrue. Since I consider it so (and he's broken the non-all ness principle), he is simply wrong. Since a mystic has direct knowledge or contact with God, and prophets have such, they are most definitely mystics. In set theory they would be a subset of mystics (a circle within a circle on a Venn Diagram). This does not, of course, imply that all mystics are prophets. My favorite quotation from this book is on page 229:
"It says something for its [the conception of the Shekhinah as the feminine element in God] vitality that, despite the opposition of such powerful forces [the philosophers and the strict Talmudists as well], this idea became part and parcel of the creed of wide circles among the Jewish communities of Europe and the East." Thus, Scholem points out the innovative content of Kabbalah vs. normative, Rabbinical Judaism with its emphasis on the transcendence of a male God. This book is a close as you get to required reading in Kabbalah for both the scholar and the practitioner. After all, a mystic needs the balance of having his/her feet on the ground (of good scholarship=good theory) as well as his/her head in the clouds (of meditation and mystical attunement).
Product Description
Translated by KLAUS OTTMANN. A groundbreaking text on alchemy by the leading scholar of Jewish mysticism is presented here for the first time in English translation. Scholem looks critically at the connections between alchemy, the Jewish Kabbalah; its christianized varieties, such as the gold- and rosicrucian mysticisms, and the myth-based psychology of C.G. Jung, and uncovers forgotten alchemical roots embedded in the Kabbalah.
Customer Reviews:
Scholarly Jewish approach.......2006-08-10
This monograph, traces the documentary history of alchemy as it relates to Jewish kabbalah. Drawing on access to a number of rare manuscripts as well kabbalistic texts available in print form, Scholem traces the penetration of alchemical symbols and practices into the Jewish mystical tradition. He also expounds on the use of kabbalah among medieval Christian alchemists and theosophists. That analysis is incomplete. In part III, he admits that he lacks the resources to do a complete survey. However, he does make some very salient points. The primary one, is the use of "kabbalah" as a marketing term. The appeal of medieval mystical texts were made that much more popular among the Christians, when they included "kabbalah" in the title. He shows that one of the primary foundation texts of western Christian occultism by Cornelius Agrippa really lacked an understanding of the Jewish mystical/magical tradition. The only negative to this text is that is lacks a bibliography. The notes contain complete citations, but it is hard to search for a particular source after the fact. I recommend this text to academic students of the western occult tradition as well as students of Jewish mysticism. This is an academic text, and its primary value to a spiritual seeker is as a catalog of primary texts.
A serious-minded, in-depth metaphysical scrutiny, especially recommended for college-level students of Judaic theology.......2006-04-08
Skillfully translated from the original German by Klaus Ottmann, Alchemy and Kabbalah is a classic text on alchemy by a leading scholar of Jewish mysticism, now available in English for the first time. Chapters delve into minute detail, critically examining transformations of the Jewish Kabbalah into "Christianized forms", from its rosicrucian mysticisms to long-forgotten alchemical roots hidden deep within the Kabbalah. A serious-minded, in-depth metaphysical scrutiny, especially recommended for college-level students of Judaic theology.
Amazon.com
On the Mystical Shape of the Godhead: Basic Concepts of the Kabbalah is Gershom Scholem's introduction to the essential terms of Jewish mysticism. His chapter on Shekhinah--the kabbalist symbol of the female element of the godhead--helps explain why Kabbalah has a growing following among women. His chapter on Gilgul, or reincarnation, is fascinating for its description of how a spiritual phenomenon is formed, following the process from revelation to writing to teaching. And his final chapter on Tselem, or the astral body, will make you think twice about laughing at Shirley MacLaine. The astral body, according to Kabbalah, is the spiritual nature of each human being--the image of God described in Genesis 1. Scholem quotes pages of medieval rabbis' fantastic discoveries of their astral bodies, such as the following:
When I wished to find knowledge of the secrets of Creation, I came upon a dark vault within the depths of the earth, filled with blowing winds.... Then there appeared to me in my sleep a shape of most wondrous beauty [giving me instructions on how to conduct myself in order to attain knowledge of the highest things]. I then said to him: "Who are you?" And he answered: "I am your perfected nature."
--Michael Joseph Gross
Book Description
"A major contribution to our understanding of the Kabbalah."
--Arthur Green, Professor of Jewish Thought, Brandeis University
In the Zohar and other writings of the Kabbalah, Jewish mystics developed concepts and symbols to help them penetrate secrets of the cosmos that cannot be understood through reason or intellect. These ideas about God, human beings, and creation continue to fascinate and influence spiritual seekers of all persuasions today.
In clear and easy-to-understand prose, Gershom Scholem, the pioneer of the modern study of Jewish mysticism explains the basic concepts of the Kabbalah: the mystical "form of the imageless God"; good and evil; the Tsaddik or righteous soul; the Shekhinah, the feminine aspect of God; gilgul, the transmigration of souls; and tselem, the concept of the astral body. For anyone seeking to taste the mysteries of the Kabbalah, this is an essential book.
Customer Reviews:
A Glimpse Into The Mind Of God.......2006-01-23
Pre-Requiste: Read Gershom Scholem's 'Kabbalah' first. If you survived that book you MAYBE ready for 'On the Mystical Shape of the Godhead: Basic Concepts in the Kabbalah.'
This book is much more challenging than 'Kabbalah' (is that possible?). In fact it's possibly the most difficult book I've ever read. Where 'Kabbalah' covers a lot of history and kabbalistic basics, this volume deals primarily with the most abstract concepts so be forewarned. A very difficult read, so make sure you're willing to put in the time and effort. If you do, you'll be among the knowledgeable.
One of his best--deserves 4.5 stars.......2004-11-23
Gershom Scholem transformed Kabbalah into an acceptable academic discipline. Today many writers/scholars/professors follow in his footsteps (e.g. Wolfson and Idel). He, no doubt, did us a great service. It should be noted, however, that he was an historian--neither scientist nor Kabbalist. He appears to have faithfully presented Kabbalistic doctrines, teachnings, etc. from the Middle Ages onward. Nonetheless, the reader should be sensitive to a certain lack of scientific viewpoint on the one hand and mystical/experiential knowledge and orientation on the other--in all of his works. That said, this is a wonderful book, one of his best (after "Major Trends in Jewish Mysticism"). If you like this book, I'd recommend you also read, "Jewish Gnosticism-Merkabah Mysticism-and Talmudic Tradition." The work here illuminates many of the main Kabbalistic concepts regarding the Godhead, including the Shekinah (God's Presence or the Immanance of God, which is female), the Sephiroth (emanations of God), the Zaddik (righteous person), etc. His voluminous entry in a Jewish Encyclopedia on Kabbalah has also been published as a stand-alone volume simply called, "Kabbalah." This work is highly recommended as it covers lots of ground including major Kabbalists. Any serious student of Kabbalah will find the present work a necessary addition to his/her repertoire. My favorite quote from this book is on page 139 where he quotes the Great Maggid of Mezerich: "The Tsaddikim make God, if one may phrase it thus, their unconscious." Rabbi Dov Baer of Mezhirech (the Great Maggid) Or Torah (Korets 1804) f. 115b & Jerusalem 1956
A must read!.......2003-05-25
Gershom Scholem presents a clear and well-researched study on Kabbalah. The book is a fascinating read, and I could hardly put it aside until I finished it. After having been confronted with all kinds of occult and paganized ideas on Kabbalah, this book is very refreshing.
The chapter on Shi'ur Komah (measure of height) shows how the Transcendent God becomes personal and knowable. It also explains how the Kabbalists perceived man to be made in G-d's image. The language of Shi'ur Komah is very anthropomorphic, while G-d's absolute transcendental being is not compromised. The second chapter, about Sitra Ahra (Other Side), explains the various views of how evil arose and what it is. The role of human beings is discussed as is the role of the Sefiroth. In particular the role of the Sefirah Din and the influence of human beings on it are discussed at some length.
The third chapter explains the role of the hasid and the tsaddik. How the role that each played changed and how the tsaddik becomes related to the Sefirah Yesod, and it's function as the source of all souls. Also discussed is the harmony the tsaddik brings and his role in creation.
he fourth chapter deals with shekinah. Scholem shows that originally there was no specific feminine nature atributed to it. He goes on to show how the idea of femininity developed in Kabbalah, and how the Shekinah relates to G-d and human beings. Also discussed is the relationship of Shekinah and the Sefiroth. Very interesting was the explanation of how human actions influence Shekinah to become active instead of merely passive in certain Kabbalists.
The fifth chapter speaks of gilgul. It is a very fascinating chapter. Not just the origins of reincarnation in Judaism is discussed, but also the varied concepts of the soul that go along with it. Scholem shows how certain elements of Kabbalist gilgul are highly original and creative. Much attention is given to the 'soul-sparks' and their redemption. Also interresting was the idea that gilgul reflects the inner workings of the sefirothic world.
The final chapter explains the concept of tselem. Scholem traces it's historic origins to Neo-Platonist influence and early Iranian influence. He shows how these two were given a creative synthesis in Kabbalah and what role it plays in Kabbalist mysticism. Tselem is that which makes a person this person, and seeing ones tselem can activate propheticism. Tselem also has the role of a guardian angel of sorts.
Not being Jewish myself, but an Eastern Orthodox Christian, I must say that this book of Gershom scholem is very helpful in understanding Kabbalah as a Jewish, and not a pagan-occult, phenomenon. The book will assist a non-Jew in gaining a more sympathetic and above all a more correct understanding of Jewish Mysticism. As an Eastern Orthodox I must say that several times Kabbalah and our own Mysticial tradition come very near each other, even though they also widely diverge.
It is a must read for those misinformed by Dione Fortune's fables, and a must read for anyone interrested in Kabbalah.
Historically Revealing and Informative.......2001-09-03
This is an important text for those studying Kabbalah. It covers the most basic tenents from a historical point of view, while delving fairly deep into their concepts. What I really like about this book is that it covers the many different secular beliefs that abound today as well as where these different systems found their origins. After reading this book, I understand that much like Christianity, different Kabbalists have various beliefs and interpretations of the Bible. After reading the chapter on what the Kabbalist is looking for in a Tsaddik, or righteous one, I'm surprised that more of them are not Christians. As I was reading this text, I couldn't help but think of numerous N.T. scriptures that were nearly identical to their beliefs. Take a look at this book, I think you'll agree.
basic spirituality.......2001-03-05
I enjoy the material in this book by Herr Doktor Gershom Scholem (1897-1982). Despite the title, I did not find the concepts introduced in "On the Mystical Shape of the Godhead" at all basic. The concepts presented include (i) imageless worship of GOD, (ii) good and evil, (iii) the role of the mystic in a religious community, (iv) the personification and hypostasis of GOD's presence in the world, and (v) the uniqueness of our individual spirit (principium individuantis). These are concepts which Herr Doktor Scholem introduced in his landmark book, "Origins of the Kabbalah". Here they are recapitualated in greater detail. The basic conceptual and methodological problem presented in this book is summarised in the forward by Mr Joseph Dan, "an essentially Jungian approach and Kabbalistic approach to the subjects presented by Scholem in this book may converge and present a united front against the historical analysis written by the scholar" Each chapter contributed to my spiritual relationship. My favourite is the second chapter, "Good and Evil in the Kabbalah". One of the ideas I found interesting in this chapter was the idea that good and evil both originate in GOD's creation. "Evil, however one conceives of it, is thus regarded as an entity deliberately created by GOD." (p57). The second idea with which I found resonance was that, as someone interested in maintaining a spiritual commitment, my most important task is to cultivate, maintain and strengthen my contact with spiritual reality. (p69) For me, this is a remarkable book which helps me to grow spiritually. If you are interested in the historical development of "basic" concepts in the Kabbalah, or in contributing to your spiritual development, this book will be interesting to you.
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Metaphysics of the Profane
Eric Jacobson
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Book Description
Walter Benjamin and Gershom Scholem are regarded as two of the most influential Jewish thinkers of the twentieth century. Together they produced a dynamic body of ideas that has had a lasting impact on the study of religion, philosophy, and literary criticism.
Drawing from Benjamin's and Scholem's ideas on messianism, language, and divine justice, this book traces the intellectual exchange through the early decades of the twentieth century -- from Berlin, Bern, and Munich in the throws of war and revolution to Scholem's departure for Palestine in 1923. It begins with a close reading of Benjamin's early writings and a study of Scholem's theological politics, followed by an examination of Benjamin's proposals on language and the influence these ideas had on Scholem's scholarship on Jewish mysticism. From there the book turns to their ideas on divine justice -- from Benjamin's critique of original sin and violence to Scholem's application of the categories to the prophets and Bolshevism. Metaphysics of the Profane is the first book to make this early period available to a wider audience, revealing the intricate structure of this early intellectual partnership on politics and theology.
Customer Reviews:
An Antti Keisala Comment: The Scholem Of Kabbalah.......2007-03-01
There's no question that Scholem is the titan of Kabbalah studies, and the father to the second generation of Kabbalah scholarship (including Moshe Idel). This book is a summarization of the bulk of his work, but if you are looking for an introduction to Kabbalah, then most certainly arrive to this book a bit later. The sheer ambition of this volume is daunting, and it does convey much of what Kabbalah is: from its origins and place in Jewish history and the people who influenced and helped to spread it to the world to the basic ideas and concepts, it's pretty much here in one form or another.
You might know that this is a collection of Scholem's writings he intended for an encyclopedia, and should be treated as such. The function of the book lies in the ease of reference, not in the introduction it might give to the subject: it's worthier than gold when it comes to finding different concepts explained or annotated quickly, say, Shabbateanism in the 18th century or "Ba'al Shem" ("Master of the Divine Name"). And it has an extensive list of bibiolgraphy for further reading, as well as a well-thought out general index of names, topics and concepts. But its purpose isn't to dwell profoundly in all the areas of Kabbalah, and it doesn't pretend to. I'd advice you to search for other Scholem first to get some grip on what's going on, then come back to this and let it stay with you in further readings when you venture to Idel and others; and even then his style of writing may seem heavy. This comes from the small experience I have with Scholem, that I've found "Godhead" and his other books to be more approachable by first sight. But you can go up the tree. My suggestion is simply to start a little lower and then reach higher. This is a book to keep with you once you get there.
With best regards,
AK
The Kabbalah's history, facts and evolution........2006-11-07
If you are interested in Kabbalah's history and facts, definitions and biographies of the main figures that contributed to the evolution and development of Kabbalah - this book is for you.
Although, if you are a member of one of the popular kabbalah organisation, you might be disappointed, since you would not find in it "slogans" of hope and motivation.
Shameful Spiritual Falsehood.......2006-11-05
If you are interested in Kabbala, it is best approached within the framework of a lifestyle observant of Jewish Law.
As one reads Gershon Scholem's books the thoughtful reader will quickly realize that he does not believe what he is writing. His point of view is intellectual only and he did not in his lifetime practice.
Anyone can take some of the principles of Kabbala and use them to get some pretty cool results. The unfortunate thing is that the earlier comment that you can get the same feelings from reading a dungeons and dragons book was absolutely true. The author of the Zoar, and the real kabalistic texts assume that the only people reading them would be Torah Observant Jews.
For the Kabbala to be explored, even slightly, requires the same strict adherence to Torah that the early masters had. Anything less is folly. Yes you can have nice feelings that are real, but you can get those practicing tai chi, you can meditate deeply, but anyone can do that counting sheep.
These people who say that this books and all others by Gershon Scholem are a waste of time are correct, but don't allow that to convince you that Kabbala is not of value. He did not know that he approached it in the wrong way, but you don't have to.
If you are interested in learning Kabbala do not purchase this book.
And I thought the Bible was over-the-top.......2006-10-22
This book just proves that religion is something the world does not need. You can get the same effect of this book by reading a Dungeons and Dragons rule guide or listening to a Helloween song.
Avoid.
Amazing.......2006-04-03
Hi! I'm a pseudo-intellectual and I dabble in obscure Eastern mysticism, therefore I am superior to you. Did I tell you about poignant passage where Az'herlhabeld casts a disenchantment spell on Saturn's rings? Oh that's right, you probably don't know who Az'herlhabeld is because you haven't read the beautifully mystifying KABBALAH.
Amazon.com
Gershom Scholem's Origins of the Kabbalah provides a painstakingly detailed history of Kabbalah's rise among medieval French and Spanish Jews, describes the first publication of Jewish mystical texts, and investigates the growth of their influence on Jewish religious life. The book also doubles back to describe secret traditions of Jewish Gnosticism, which describe a Creation story so numerological and esoteric it makes the New Testament book of Revelation look as simple and straightforward as a Saturday-morning cartoon. This book is much denser than Scholem's excellent On the Kabbalah and its Symbolism, but for readers with a basic knowledge of Kabbalah, it shouldn't be rough going. --Michael Joseph Gross
Book Description
One of the most important scholars of our century, Gershom Scholem (1897-1982) opened up a once esoteric world of Jewish mysticism, the Kabbalah, to concerned students of religion. The Kabbalah is a rich tradition of repeated attempts to achieve and portray direct experiences of God: its twelfth-and thirteenth-century beginnings in southern France and Spain are probed in Origins of the Kabbalah, a work crucial in Scholem's oeuvre. The book is a contribution not only to the history of Jewish medieval mysticism but also to the study of medieval mysticism in general and will be of interest to historians and psychologists, as well as to students of the history of religion.
Download Description
One of the most important scholars of our century, Gershom Scholem (1897-1982) opened up a once esoteric world of Jewish mysticism, the Kabbalah, to concerned students of religion. The Kabbalah is a rich tradition of repeated attempts to achieve and portray direct experiences of God: its twelfth-and thirteenth-century beginnings in southern France and Spain are probed in Origins of the Kabbalah, a work crucial in Scholem's oeuvre. The book is a contribution not only to the history of Jewish medieval mysticism but also to the study of medieval mysticism in general and will be of interest to historians and psychologists, as well as to students of the history of religion.
Customer Reviews:
conforming thought to faith.......2000-11-27
In my mind, this is one of the most important books written in the twentieth century. Strong words, I admit; please allow me to make my case. This book helps to remove much of the confusion concerning the Kabbalah which is a rich tradition of repeated attempts to achieve and portray direct experiences of GOD. In the words of a disciple of Isaac the Blind (1165?-1235?), "The essential thing in the divine service of the mystics and those who meditate on His name, lies in this : 'and cleave to Him.' [Deuteronomy 13:5] And this is a cardinal principle of Torah and of prayer, that one make one's thought conform with one's faith." One of the most important scholars of the twentieth century, Gershom G. Scholem (1897-1982) opened up a once esoteric world of Jewish mysticism, the Kabbalah, to concerned students of religion. The basic thesis of this book is that the Kabbalah originated in one chronologically limited time-span (13th century) and in one geographically limited area (Provençe, France and Gerona, Spain). The editor, R. J. Zwi Werblowsky who worked closely with Scholem, writes "in many way's URSPRUNG UND ANFäNGE DER KABBALAH (1962) [Origins of the Kabbalah] is the most impressive of all [of his writtings] for here Scholem dealt with a major yet enigmatic phenomenon in the history of Jewish spirituality." For Scholem, the oldest literary document of the Kabbalah is the book Bahir. He presents historical evidence that it is a product of Oriental sources combined with purely gnostic tradition (e.g. Merkabah literature) distilled in German Hasidim to arrive in Provençe sometime between 1130 and 1170. Scholem continues with the fascinating history of the Kabbalah with a study of Isaac the Blind, one of the greatest early interpreters from Provençe. Isaac's many new contributions included combining the Bahir with new ideas, thoughts and terminology. In the mid-13th century, the trail continues to the city of Gerona as the centre of the contemplative Kabbalah in its most complete development prior to the Zohar. Scholem writes, "The Kabbalah appeared in Gerona in the fully elaborated form of a contemplative mysticism that sought to draw all domains of Jewish existence into its sphere of influence and to embue them with its spirit." I honestly hold to the conviction that this is a book for everyone, regardless of faith, or disposition to esoteric mysticism. From the first edition, Professor Scholem writes, "Once the ice of ignorance has been broken and the charlatanism that dominated the field has been overcome, the way will be open to further fruitful research. Jewish studies as well as the history of Oriental and Western religions will benefit equally from a more penetrating study and discussion of the problem of the Kabbalah." If you are interested in a spiritual relationship, this book with be interesting to you.
Origins of the Kabbalah.......2000-08-08
This is a very in depth study of the origins of Kabalistic development. Mr. Scholem has obviously done alot of research into this field and is considered one of the leading authorities in it. His works are always very well researched and comprehensive in both scope and content. Though this text is not entertaining it is doubtful that those reading it are looking for entertainment. One will find a treasure trove of in depth information that is informative and insightful. No stone has been left unturned by Mr. Scholem in his study of the material at hand. His interpretation of this field of study is unique in the aspect that he gives the true historical evidence and avoids interjecting his own beliefs into the text. If one is looking to come to a true understanding of when, where, why, who, and how the Kabbalah came to take the form that is currently presented to us in other books then one should invest the time needed to read this text.
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Briefe
Walter Benjamin
Manufacturer: Suhrkamp
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000N502I2 |
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Los Origenes De LA Cabala
Gershom Scholem
Manufacturer: Ediciones Paidos Iberica
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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