Jewish Mysticism

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Gutenberg ID

—

Title

Jewish Mysticism

Language

en

Book source

Global Grey

Description max 80 words

J. Abelson offers a detailed, accessible exploration of Jewish mystical traditions, challenging the view that Judaism lacks spiritual depth. This text traces the evolution of spiritual thought within one of the world's oldest faiths, revealing a rich history of divine immanence, the Shechinah, and the soul's quest for union with the Infinite.

Summary up to 500 words

J. Abelson's *Jewish Mysticism* challenges the prevailing misconception that Judaism is solely a rigid legalism devoid of spiritual depth. Abelson argues that Jewish mysticism is as ancient as the Old Testament itself, rooted in the concept of the Shechinah—the Divine Presence dwelling among the people. The text traces this tradition from early elements like Essenism and the Merkabah (Chariot) mysticism through the philosophical contributions of Philo and the seminal works of the Zohar. Central to Abelson's argument is the experience of the Shechinah, which was not merely abstract but felt through physical sensations and spiritual discipline. Righteousness allows the Divine to enter human life, transforming faith from a static code into a living path of love. The theology of the Zohar balances legal discipline with deep spirituality and Divine love, emphasizing that the soul, upon completing its earthly work, becomes a great partaker in Divine love. The book further explores Isaac Luria's theories on soul transmigration and the collective welfare of the Jewish people. Luria taught that all souls were created at once, and through a chain of transmigrations, souls must shed impurities to unite with the Infinite Source. This doctrine encourages the pursuit of a lofty communal ideal, reminding the Jew that the well-being of his own soul hangs on the welfare of his people. Finally, Abelson covers the Hasidic movement, which arose in the eighteenth century to revive the emotional and devotional aspects of Judaism against the dead-weight of formalism. Hasidism sought to demonstrate that Judaism meant not merely law and dogma, but also the emotions of love and aspiration felt towards a Father who is eternally near. Through these chapters, Abelson demonstrates that Jewish mysticism is a profound, enduring tradition of seeking direct, personal communion with God, proving that the faith has always contained the germs of universalism and fellowship.

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4.2/5

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Categories

• Religion
• Philosophy