A Kabbalah and Jewish Mysticism Reader (JPS Anthologies of Jewish Thought)

Since I am not a Big Fan of Kabbalah, I was hesitant about getting this book. However, I know Rabbi Horwitz for decades, and I felt certain this would be a good experience for me.And it was, for sure.Kabbalah is a tough topic, and to make it accessible and reader-friendly is no small feat.I had no problem clarifying subjects I had only a hazy idea about, and learned several new things that fleshed out my understanding of this important aspect of Jewish learning.

Accessible and one of the best introductions I've seen

Very good reader of primary Kabbalistic texts.

The book has an uppity snobby feel to it.

good read during yom kippur services

A fine book

Full disclosure: Rabbi Danny (as I know him) has been an advisor, Rabbi, teacher, and friend to multiple generations of my family for many decades.I come at the topic as somewhat of a skeptic. But, as Rabbi Horwitz (to be more formal) acknowledges, his purpose is to educate rather than to persuade. He does this admirably.This is difficult material. Theology and mysticism both involve attempts to express the inexpressible. Moreover, Jewish mysticism must also work within the confines of a system - Rabbinic Judaism, or Halachah - which strongly emphasizes behavior - actions in the here and now - over any type of contemplativeness. Rabbi Horwitz does an excellent job of presenting and unraveling this difficult material.In general, Rabbi Horwitz adopts a chronological approach. Within each small section, he provides generous samplings of relevant texts, and then provides just enough context and paraphrasing to make the topic understandable. When discussing Kabbalah - the medieval "systemization" (not the right word but it will do) of Jewish mysticism, Rabbi Horwitz proceeds more topically, presenting and explaining major themes of Kabbalah in separate chapters. Overall, there is just enough historical context to orient the reader, without distracting from the main focus of presenting the classic texts and allowing them to a large extent to speak for themselves.Readers may find - as I did - that the material beginning with the discussion of Chasidism was more accessible than some of the more esoteric aspects of the Zohar and Lurianic Kabbalah. I found it fascinating to note the strands of the mystical approach that have survived into, and perhaps revived in, the modern era. If you have engaged with Lubavitcher Chasidim, if you've seen or heard (or heard of ) Shlomo Carlebach, or frankly if you have participated in and been moved by a Kabbalat Shabbat (Friday evening) service, particularly one held out of doors in nature, then you have had a taste of what Rabbi Horwitz refers to as "normal mysticism".Regardless of your views on mysticism and Kabbalah, you will come away from this volume with a substantially greater understanding of this important strain in Jewish thought and life.

I read this book in preparation for interviewing the author for a New Books network podcast. I'm glad I did. The book is immensely readable, regardless of background. Chapters are short and focused. Content is like being in a class or around a table, discussing topics with the author: he makes a point, he provides a brief text to illustrate it, and then he explains it. So accessible! There's so much more I could say to recommend this book. I had little background in kabbalah before I read it; I found it very interesting and engaging, and I came away comfortable and delighted with what I learned. I recommend it.