The Way Into Jewish Mystical Tradition [Paperback]

"Jewish mysticism is not something one can 'do'" but rather "an attitude toward reality," writes Lawrence Kushner, the prolific Massachusetts rabbi whose books on mysticism include Honey from the Rock and The River of Light. Kushner notes this distinction at the beginning of The Way into Jewish Mystical Tradition, an excellent primer for lay readers who know nothing about mysticism, and a useful refresher for more advanced students of mysticism. The book's organization is inspired by Psalm 19, which Kushner says summarizes the "ways of Jewish mysticism" into three parts. It begins with "an inexpressible reverence before the awe and mystery of creation" then moves toward "the conviction that sacred text contains the key to unlocking the secret of being," and finally results in a "yearning to lead a life of holiness and righteousness." In The Way into Jewish Mysticism, each of these three stages is illustrated by key Jewish mystical ideas, drawn from every phase of Jewish history: Heikhalot mystics (beginning in the first century B.C.), for instance, developed a metaphor called shiur koma, which "attempted to describe the size of God's body"; and Lurianic mystics (in the 16th century) were preoccupied with the possibility of past lives and the transmigration of souls. Each of these ideas is preserved in a pithy phrase or biblical verse, offered in both English and its original Hebrew or Aramaic. And each idea, Kushner suggests, is just one part of the larger mystical worldview, which sees that "beneath the apparent contradictions, brokenness, and discord of this everyday world lies a hidden divine unity." --Michael Joseph Gross --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Jewish Lights adds another installment to its The Way Into... series with this examination of Jewish mysticism, which fails to live up to the standard of earlier volumes on such subjects as prayer and God. While those books each succeeded in presenting a basic introduction to one important concept in Judaism, most readers will find that Jewish mysticism continues to be a mystery after reading Kushner's murky primer. This is a shame, since Kushner is a genuine expert on Jewish mysticism and has authored much better books (Honey from the Rock; The River of Light) on the subject. Here, he relies largely on "classical texts" that turn on unfathomable passages drawn mostly from obscure 18th-century Hasidic rebbes. The material is organized into three parts, based on his division of Psalm 19 into a "triptych of Jewish mystical tradition." Throughout, Kushner offers 50 "Jewish mystical ideas": phrases, words or brief biblical quotations that are supposedly explained by the citations from the Hasidic rebbes. Some attempts at clarification become gross oversimplifications; for example, Kushner confounds Jewish mysticism with political activism, asserting that the mysticism of Abraham Joshua Heschel, "like most Jewish mysticism, was one of political activism." Such dubious statements are disappointing in a work that ought to elucidate the Jewish mystical tradition, not shroud it in further layers of obfuscation.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

The emptiness of a material existence and the loss of a central meaning in life have led many to look for access to spirituality through mysticism. Another entry in Jewish Lights' "The Way Into" series, this book by well-known rabbi, NPR commentator, and prolific author Kushner (Eyes Remade for Wonder, LJ 11/98; Hebrew Union Coll.) is directed to just such an audience, providing guidelines for the expansion of this discipline and the fulfillment of an often unacknowledged yearning. Kushner examines the primary themes of this mystical tradition through translated excerpts from classical texts. Each of the book's short chapters opens with one or more of these texts, after which the author of the excerpt is identified and the text is discussed in the context of mystical scholarship. The texts are chosen for their clarity, accessibility, and concise approach to the topic discussed. Kushner forms a clear path by which a novice in mystical learning can gain an understanding of the tradition and embark on a path of study. This is recommended for larger public libraries or smaller collections where there is an interest in mystical and spiritual movements. Idelle Rudman, Touro Coll. Lib., New York
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

"A brilliant fabric of classic rabbinic interpretations, medieval commentary, hasidic insights, and literary criticism which warms us and sustains us.” -- Dr. Norman J. Cohen, Professor of Midrash, Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion

"This strong, imaginative, open and profound book invites reading, rereading, talking and absorbing." -- Rabbi Rachel Cowen, Director of Jewish Life, Nathan Cummings Foundation

“As wise as he is prolific, Kushner is also eminently readable and his ministry transcends all faiths while deeply rooted in his own.” -- Peter Gomes, Pusey Minister in The Memorial Church, Harvard University

“Captures the flavor and spark of Jewish mysticism. Read it and be rewarded.” -- Elie Wiesel --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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. Rabbi Lawrence Kushner, one of the most widely read authors on Jewish spiritual life, is the Emanu-El Scholar at San Francisco’s Congregation Emanu-El and visiting professor of Jewish spirituality at the Graduate Theological Union. He is the bestselling author of such books for adults as Filling Words with Light: Hasidic and Mystical Reflections on Jewish Prayer; Honey from the Rock: An Introduction to Jewish Mysticism; The Book of Letters: A Mystical Hebrew Alphabet; and The Way Into Jewish Mystical Tradition (all Jewish Lights), among many others. His children’s books include Because Nothing Looks Like God (with Karen Kushner) and In God’s Hands(with Gary Schmidt) (both Jewish Lights), among many others.

What “Jewish mysticism” means: Classic and less familiar texts - and guidance on how to approach them--allow us to learn the key ideas of Jewish mysticism firsthand. Why mystical tradition is a part of the modern Jewish experience: The Bible, midrash, the Jewish prayer book and rabbinic literature teach us that mysticism is not something we “do” but is an attitude toward how we approach our daily lives, an important way of understanding, organizing and enriching Jewish religious life today--and every day. How mysticism contributes to Jewish spirituality: Through becoming aware of the Jewish mystical tradition and its goals, we share in the work of restoring harmony to the world we live in. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Lawrence Kushner is a leading teacher of Jewish mysticism and Rabbi-in-Residence at Hebrew Union College--Jewish Institute of Religion. He is regarded as one of the most creative spiritual writers in America. Kushner teaches and lectures widely to audiences of all ages, faiths and backgrounds, and has been a frequent commentator on National Public Radio’s All Things Considered. Through his teaching, lectures, and many acclaimed books--including Invisible Lines of Connection: Sacred Stories of the Ordinary; Honey from the Rock: An Introduction to Jewish Mysticism; The River of Light: Jewish Mystical Awareness; God Was In This Place & I, i Did Not Know; and The Book of Letters: The Mystical Hebrew Alphabet--he has helped shape the Jewish community’s present focus on personal and institutional spiritual renewal. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.