Seek My Face: A Jewish Mystical Theology

by Arthur Green

The new Jewish spirituality lies somewhere between God's elusive presence in our world and our search for authentic language to describe it. Personal journeys seldom have a clear beginning, and they rarely have a definite end. If there is an end to our journey, surely it is one that leads to some measure of wisdom, and thence back to its own beginning. But somewhere along the way, we come to realize that we must know where we have been going, why we have been going. Most of all, we come to understand as best we can the One who sends us on our way. ―from the Introduction Rabbi Arthur Green leads us on a journey of discovery to seek God, the world, and ourselves. One of the most influential Jewish thinkers of our time, Green has created a roadmap of meaning for our lives in the light of Jewish mysticism, using the Hebrew letters that make up the divine Yod― Reality at the beginning. God as the oneness of being at the outset, before it unfolds into our universe. Heh― Creation and God’s presence in the world. A renewed faith in God as Creator has powerful implications for us today. Vav― Revelation, the central faith claim of Judaism and the claim it makes on our lives. Heh― Redemption and our return to God through the life of Torah and by participating in the ongoing repair of the world. A personal and honest framework of understanding for the seeker, this revised and updated edition of a classic sheds new light on our search for the divine presence in our everyday lives.

Genres: Judaism, Jewish, Judaica, Religion, Mysticism, Spirituality, Nonfiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

Reviews

[Sellyndavies · Rating 5 out of 5]

On my top 10 list of Jewish books...changed my conceptualization of God, captures some of the sense of awe, amazement, or power I am looking for in making that connection. YHVH as described by the author is vaguely similar to AGNI in Hindu thought - Creation as a movement from pure Being into manifestation, emanating at different levels of emergence.

[Ari · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall worth the read, with some caveats. Some parts of this were full of new insights, completely radical ways of thinking, even to me. Some parts I didn't agree with (some of the theological conclusions), and some aspects were actually annoying. The lack of references throughout (which Green says is to not distract the reader from the message) I found really bothersome, especially when it was unclear when ideas were his or he was referencing someone else. Yes, some references are included at the back, but not in even normal endnote form. The formatting was very distracting, exactly the opposite of what had been intended. Overall, a book that made me think.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can forsee myself coming back to this book a few times, for the same reason that I only gave it three stars - I found the ground-laying chapters of each sections infuriating and frequently wishy-washy, but agreed with a strong majority of Green's conclusions. I've been told this is one of his more difficult books, so I look forward to reading others (particularly Radical Judaism) and seeing if they illuminate his reasoning more. But that disparity in my reactions means there's something I need to figure out before making a final judgement on this book.

[Nia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting read, probably worth another look next year, particularly at locations 414-18 at 17% which seems to be marked 2426 on the very old Kindle I borrowed to read this, where he cites rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel saying that every person, every single living (why living and not also those who have already passed before us?) breathing human being is the image of G-d.
Hmmm...
Not sure I really want to agree with that...

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is some absolutely radical stuff in here, great read. There were times I found the rather simplistic writing style to be a little condescending which is mostly what bumps it down because the content itself was really interesting. I did find some of his points a little out there but as a person who will often just say shit, I can’t argue too much against that. Wouldn’t take it as gospel but would definitely entertain it. What am I saying? It’s religion, it’s all speculation anyway.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

There were many times that I found, almost unexpectedly, a beautiful formulation of faith and/or religious practice that fit with my own that I never quite know how to explain. Don't let the size deceive you- the book is short and the chapters small, but there's so much here that it takes a while to *really* read it!

[Kate Irwin-smiler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't really write a review of this yet. I have about 20 bookmarks stuck in that I need to go back & look at. I borrowed this copy from my rabbi & while I was grateful for his marginal notes I think I need my own copy. This is a re-reader.

[Andrew Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm interested in mysticism in general so this book about Jewish mysticism was right up my alley. Very short easy to get through chapters with an easy to follow and comprehend writing style. I enjoyed this book and it will stay on the shelf as a reference book.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book to work through slowly. Read a selection, meditate on it and see where it takes you. One to keep close to go back to.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book. Worth reading if you are interested in the Jewish faith or in renewing your own.

[CosmicUnity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Green is relevant, a genius, and a mystic. What more could you need?

[Librarylady90 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provides an accessible and welcome guide to contemporary thoughts on Jewish spirituality. Green describes himself as "neo-Hassidic" in the sense that he takes the level of personal involvement with the divine and finds joy and love in that place. This book movingly describes how we should see each of ourselves as part of the divine, working to find the sparks of light to bring wholeness and unity to the world, humanity, and God.

I read this book over a long period of time because each small chapter (usually 3 to 5 pages long) felt deep and thought-provoking. I highly recommend taking your time with it, to savor and enjoy each tidbit.

[Riobhcah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book outlines a revitalizing and non-dual path for Judaism. Hopefully, this will bring back a to life a wonderful faith that all too often, especially in the western world, seems to have become lost in ritual and to have lost its ties to spirituality. Bravo, Rabbi Green! I definitely am going to read your other books on this subject.

[Emmylovesyou · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully sophisticated mystic Jewish theology that condense Rabbi Green's knowledge of kabbalistic traditions into an accessible, clear work. Wonderful.

[Jeffrey Spitz Cohan · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are good reasons why this book is considered a classic in the genre of modern Jewish theology.

It is a short book but it should not be read in a single sitting. You have to let the ideas churn, then settle, then take form in your mind, heart and soul, one chapter at a time. Rabbi Green’s writing is honest, thoughtful and often beautiful.

Some dominant themes emerge:

Reality is a multi-garbed expression of The One.

Human beings are God’s agents in creating a perfected world.

We are on a quest to return to our best selves and, in so doing, to unite with our Source.

As Rabbi Green states, our Jewish tradition has been distorted and we have to heal it. This book might inspire you to be a healer.

[Cheryl Merrell]

Very interesting. Will reread at a later time.

[alec chaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

“We are on a journey, a journey of yihud ha-Shem (unifying the name), one that proceeds from proclaiming God is One to making God one ... This is also the territory between our stepping forth from childhood—or Eden—and the completion of our task. We rejoice to discover that the territory between these two is a rich and fertile field. We delight to be it’s workers.”