Kabbalah
A Very Short Introduction
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Oxford University Press Inc
Published:30th Aug '07
Should be back in stock very soon
Joseph Dan's Kabbalah provides a clear exploration of Jewish mysticism, debunking myths and tracing its historical evolution and significance in contemporary spirituality.
In Kabbalah: A Very Short Introduction, Joseph Dan, a leading authority on Jewish mysticism, delves into the rich history and complex nature of Kabbalah. He presents a clear and concise examination of the various systems and interpretations that have emerged over centuries, addressing the misconceptions that often cloud this mystical tradition. Dan explores how Kabbalah has been shaped by its historical context, from its ancient roots in Jewish spirituality to its evolution through medieval scholarship and modern movements.
The book highlights the connections between Kabbalah and other disciplines such as magic, astronomy, and numerology, while also addressing its relationship with Christianity and New Age practices. Dan provides a thorough analysis of key texts, including the Sefer Yezira, The Book of Bahir, and the Zohar, offering insights into their significance and the myriad interpretations they inspire. Through this exploration, he aims to clarify what Kabbalah truly represents versus the often sensationalized portrayals found in popular culture.
As Kabbalah gains traction among celebrities and in contemporary spiritual circles, Dan raises important questions about its authenticity and relevance today. He engages readers with a balanced perspective, examining both the historical significance of Kabbalah and its place in modern spirituality. Ultimately, Kabbalah serves as an accessible guide for anyone seeking to understand this profound tradition and its enduring impact beyond the confines of Judaism.
"Dan has given us the best concise history of Jewish mysticism.... As a 'very short introduction' to this sublime treasure house, Joseph Dan's book is warmly recommended."--Benjamin Balint, Commentary
"In a little more than a hundred pages, Dan races through more than a thousand years of Jewish religious texts, explaining a vast, amorphous body of beliefs and practices that have influenced Freemasons, Hasidim, Carl Jung, New Age gurus and, more recently, Hollywood celebrities. It's quite a performance, carried off with only a few stumbles."--William Grimes, The New York Times
"Professor Dan is one of the leading scholars of Jewish mysticism in the world today. He combines deep erudition with methodological sophistication and clarity of exposition. He is the ideal person to write a short introduction to the study of the Kabbalah."--Shaye J. D. Cohen, Harvard University
"This survey of Kabbalah offers deep history in succinct fashion, resulting in a fascinating and highly readable effort."--Publishers Weekly
"A lucid history and explanation of Kabbalah, covering its key periods, texts, figures, and theories. Dan knowledgeably and expertly untangles the complexity of the tradition, specifically addressing misconceptions by discussing what Kabbalah is and what it is not.... This primer is scholarly yet accessible to the lay reader; it's 'Kabbalah for Dummies' sans the cheeky humor."--Library Journal
"Even someone who knows nothing more than the celebrity connection will come away with a nuanced understanding."--Dallas Morning News
"Culling over fifty years of Kabbalah research, Joseph Dan presents a schematic introduction to Kabbalah, its major periods, personalities, and ideas. This slim volume is a window into the intriguing history of this esoteric wisdom - its Christian and Islamic influences, the proliferation of Christian Kabbalah, its influence on modern philosophy, and the important periods of Jewish heresy. From the ancient world to New Age spirituality, Dan lucidly covers the key ideas of Kabbalah as they developed over the centuries. Accessible, readable, and informative."--Shaul Magid, Indiana University
ISBN: 9780195327052
Dimensions: 138mm x 173mm x 10mm
Weight: 113g
144 pages