The Kabbalistic Tradition An Anthology of Jewish Mysticism

by Unterman, Alan; Unterman, Alan; Unterman, Alan

• ISBN13: 9780140437997
• ISBN10: 0140437991
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-01-27
• Publisher: Penguin Classics

Summary

"'Kabbalah' is the general term for Jewish mysticism, specifically that which has been learned from a 'living master'. Not merely the passing on of mystical teachings, Kabbalistic thought has long been open to evolutionary developments and breakthroughs from discussion between students and teachers. The writings of the Kabbalistic tradition collected here feature texts from a variety of literary forms, ranging from medieval through to twentieth-century sources, as well as procedure and practical knowledge for the modern reader. The selection in this edition concentrates on the three main areas of Kabbalistic creativity: the literature of the Zohar, the Lurianic corpus and the Chasidic mystical tradition." "Alan Unterman's introduction places the tradition in its historical and philosophical context, examines the unique characteristics of Kabbalah, and relates specific theological features to Jewish mysticism. This edition also contains further reading, explanatory notes, a glossary and an index."--BOOK JACKET.

Author Biography

Alan Unterman is the author of numerous books on Judaism and the minister of an Orthodox synagogue near Manchester, England.