Kabbalah - by Byron L Sherwin (Paperback)

About the Book

Byron Sherwin's book is a primer for course-work and for those seeking to understand Jewish mysticism on its own terms, Kabbalah provides a comprehensive, accessible introduction to Jewish mysticism, organized around five models of Jewish mystical theology and experience: Norm...

Book Synopsis

Byron Sherwin's book is a primer for course-work and for those seeking to understand Jewish mysticism on its own terms, Kabbalah provides a comprehensive, accessible introduction to Jewish mysticism, organized around five models of Jewish mystical theology and experience: Normal Mysticism, Mystical Intimacy, Addressing God's Needs, Drawing Down Divine Grace, and Prophetic Kabbalah. Sherwin's Kabbalah: An Introduction to Jewish Mysticism is a scholarly, yet accessible work that includes primary texts in translation.

Review Quotes

A comprehensive illustration of the five 'models', and thus presents a thematic investigation into Kabbalah.

At a time when there is much distortion of Jewish mysticism, this book presents a clear introduction to the authentic Jewish mystical tradition. Rabbi Sherwin wonderfully illuminates the genuine mystical dimension of Judaism. This book should be required reading for courses on the Jewish tradition and will make fascinating reading for all spiritual seekers.

Exceptional work...examine[s] the aura surrounding Kabbalah, demystifying the ancient lore and making it a more accessible bank of information for the interested and curious reader.

In Kabbalah: An Introduction to Jewish Mysticism, Professor Byron Sherwin has accomplished the impossible-he has made the esoteric and unbelievably complex teachings of Kabbalah accessible, offering an accurate and graceful gateway into the world of Jewish mysticism. Sherwin demonstrates how Kabbalah is an authentic expression of Jewish teachings, and draws on every aspect of Jewish tradition-law, legend, philosophy, theology, liturgy, ethics, and the rituals of observance. Sherwin's remarkable book finally provides the step-by-step introduction to Kabbalah that has been so desperately needed.

Sherwin's book is one of those rare finds: an accessible introductory work written by a distinguished scholar. The author's command of the historical material is very capable, and he leavens the scholarship with personal perspectives and even meditation instructions.

Sherwin's introduction to Jewish mysticism is the most lucid, insightful and comprehensive treatment in its genre in any language. He offers a balanced vision of the variety of mystical phenomena in Judaism in an accessible and precise language.

About the Author

Byron L. Sherwin is Distinguished Service Professor of Jewish Philosophy and Mysticism at Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies in Chicago. He is an internationally recognized authority on Jewish theology, ethics and mysticism, and the author or editor of twenty-five books and over 150 articles and monographs, including Golems Among Us (Ivan R. Dee Publishers), Workers of Wonders (Rowman & Littlefield) and The Cubs and the Kabbalist: A Novel (West Oak Press).