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The Kabbalist
In 1270, the Book of Zohar, a foundational book of Kabbalah, is published amidst a controversy. Is it an ancient text or an elaborate forgery? When Crusaders’ Acre falls to the Sultan in 1291, a remarkable chain of events brings two ancient scrolls into the possession of Yaakov Ben Shlomo, a Jewish refugee. In Revolutionary France, 1798, before a young cavalry officer sails with General Bonaparte to the Middle East, he is assigned a secret mission by his father. In 2006, when Superintendent Yossi Luria of Haifa Police is assigned to handle a homicide of a monk, he is not yet aware that this case is going to change his life and career. Four years later, a young Frenchwoman steps into the office of Luria, by now a disillusioned private detective. Jean de Charney has found a 200-year old letter in the basement of her family’s Normandy estate and has come to Israel to pursue an intriguing family mystery. The two quickly find out that the ancient mystery is still claiming lives in the 21st century. Their quest leads them through twists and turns, and acquaints them with the mystical doctrine of Kabbalah. What they discover affects their personal lives as well as puts commonly accepted truths in a completely new perspective. “The Kabbalist” is set against a rich historical tapestry, spanning 2,000 years in old and new Israel – a birthplace of religious and mystical doctrines, and the arena for numerous events which have shaped civilization. “The Kabbalist” puts the history and meaning of Kabbalah in a new, astonishing perspective, much like “The Da Vinci Code” did to Christianity.
348 pages, Unknown Binding
First published September 24, 2013
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157 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 21, 2013
Isreal. Safed, Jerusalem.
A murder mystery turns into a journey through history, starting at Shimon – Galilee, 149 AD, passing through the ages to March 6th, 2010, spanning the life of Yeshua Ben Yossef aka Jesus, The Roman Empire, the wars in Europe, including the Napoleonic wars, WWII, the Israeli wars.
The death of a monk, on January 16th, 2006 quietly phased out as a burglary gone wrong. However, behind the scenes, another story is enfolding when a private investigator,(an ex-cop) Yossi Luria, gets involved in a case to solve a mystery for Jeanne de Charney, a masters degree student of France who is looking for information on her family.
His investigation opens up a hornets nest around secret documents which are claimed by both Christian (possibly also known as 'The Holy Grail') and Jewish religious groups. The origin of the "Kabbalah" becomes the center of all events, including the murders. For some keepers of the secret, the secret scrolls are an essential negotiating tool, for others it is proof that Jesus was not a Christian at all...
Who was Jesus really? History has taught us to always consider who the recorders of history are.Each conqueror claims a different version. This story proves it.
Through these wars and deadening battles, these documents would be handed over from generation to generation for safekeeping and to protect the status quo. But there were different groups demanding possession and ownership and people would die in the process...
This book is a riveting, cannot-put-it-down, detective tale, embedded in a historical mystery that keeps the reader mesmerized while feeding astonishing information through the narrative as well. A brilliant book in which Dan Brown's "The Da Vinci Code" is contradicted with an equally profound hypothesis.
The author says: "One thing I learned in the process of writing this book is that it is not too difficult to come up with a conspiracy theory and substantiate it. It is probably as easy as defending an old and improbable established myth. The lesson I take from this, and which I hope to share with you, dear reader, is that we should always use common sense and good judgment when examining a new and thrilling conspiracy theory, as well as when examining an old and established dogma. Both can be incredibly enlightening, terribly misleading or even both simultaneously– it is up to us always to keep an open, inquisitive and critical mind." - Yoram Katz.
I do not believe in fate, but the more I think about it, the more I am convinced that it was fate having me read three books in a row about the French Revolution, the world wars and the clashes of Religious dogmas through the ages.
The more astounded I became, reading this book, the more I remembered the quote(anonymous): "Different people build different bridges to God, but instead of worshiping God they worship the bridges instead."
I did not like Dan Brown's commercially-driven books at all, mainly due to the hype that was built around it to sell it, and partly because it aimed to shock. I was disgusted when it ended. I gave all his books away, just wanted to get rid of it.
The Kabbalist, on the other hand, inspires the reader to rather think, to measure, to debate, with no shock-value intended at all, although the story is spellbinding. This book kept me reading and reading with the intention to read it again and digest more of the ideas and theories expressed in it. Although it is also partly historically correct, and partly an imaginary 'what if' - exercise, I can somehow relate more to it.
The different viewpoints from the different religious denominations were presented objectively and I am sure many readers would love to debate these issues, since so many hypotheses were offered.
I recommend this book to historical fiction enthusiasts who also enjoy a mystery that could cover hundred of years and end up as the background to a fascinating murder. However, it is essential to approached this book with an open mind.
The characters were exciting, the clues well-hidden. The story fast-moving. The information staggering. Love plays a role - an endearing one. The combination of these elements worked perfectly. An excellent experience.
This book needs a big audience.
Five stars.
(Reviewed for the Kindle Book Review Team)
A murder mystery turns into a journey through history, starting at Shimon – Galilee, 149 AD, passing through the ages to March 6th, 2010, spanning the life of Yeshua Ben Yossef aka Jesus, The Roman Empire, the wars in Europe, including the Napoleonic wars, WWII, the Israeli wars.
The death of a monk, on January 16th, 2006 quietly phased out as a burglary gone wrong. However, behind the scenes, another story is enfolding when a private investigator,(an ex-cop) Yossi Luria, gets involved in a case to solve a mystery for Jeanne de Charney, a masters degree student of France who is looking for information on her family.
His investigation opens up a hornets nest around secret documents which are claimed by both Christian (possibly also known as 'The Holy Grail') and Jewish religious groups. The origin of the "Kabbalah" becomes the center of all events, including the murders. For some keepers of the secret, the secret scrolls are an essential negotiating tool, for others it is proof that Jesus was not a Christian at all...
Who was Jesus really? History has taught us to always consider who the recorders of history are.Each conqueror claims a different version. This story proves it.
Through these wars and deadening battles, these documents would be handed over from generation to generation for safekeeping and to protect the status quo. But there were different groups demanding possession and ownership and people would die in the process...
This book is a riveting, cannot-put-it-down, detective tale, embedded in a historical mystery that keeps the reader mesmerized while feeding astonishing information through the narrative as well. A brilliant book in which Dan Brown's "The Da Vinci Code" is contradicted with an equally profound hypothesis.
The author says: "One thing I learned in the process of writing this book is that it is not too difficult to come up with a conspiracy theory and substantiate it. It is probably as easy as defending an old and improbable established myth. The lesson I take from this, and which I hope to share with you, dear reader, is that we should always use common sense and good judgment when examining a new and thrilling conspiracy theory, as well as when examining an old and established dogma. Both can be incredibly enlightening, terribly misleading or even both simultaneously– it is up to us always to keep an open, inquisitive and critical mind." - Yoram Katz.
I do not believe in fate, but the more I think about it, the more I am convinced that it was fate having me read three books in a row about the French Revolution, the world wars and the clashes of Religious dogmas through the ages.
The more astounded I became, reading this book, the more I remembered the quote(anonymous): "Different people build different bridges to God, but instead of worshiping God they worship the bridges instead."
I did not like Dan Brown's commercially-driven books at all, mainly due to the hype that was built around it to sell it, and partly because it aimed to shock. I was disgusted when it ended. I gave all his books away, just wanted to get rid of it.
The Kabbalist, on the other hand, inspires the reader to rather think, to measure, to debate, with no shock-value intended at all, although the story is spellbinding. This book kept me reading and reading with the intention to read it again and digest more of the ideas and theories expressed in it. Although it is also partly historically correct, and partly an imaginary 'what if' - exercise, I can somehow relate more to it.
The different viewpoints from the different religious denominations were presented objectively and I am sure many readers would love to debate these issues, since so many hypotheses were offered.
I recommend this book to historical fiction enthusiasts who also enjoy a mystery that could cover hundred of years and end up as the background to a fascinating murder. However, it is essential to approached this book with an open mind.
The characters were exciting, the clues well-hidden. The story fast-moving. The information staggering. Love plays a role - an endearing one. The combination of these elements worked perfectly. An excellent experience.
This book needs a big audience.
Five stars.
(Reviewed for the Kindle Book Review Team)
February 3, 2014
“The Kabbalist” is a thrilling and very exciting novel I’ll be happy to recommend to anyone.
The story is a combination of a 21st century thriller with a historical plot involving the beginning of Christianity, the emergence of Kabbalah, the rise and fall of the Templars and Napoleon’s invasion of the Holy Land. The events which spread over 2,000 years seem at first unrelated, yet the author maintains a consistent plot, which, while challenging some orthodox concepts, succeeds somehow in being highly believable. The author, seemingly, invested a lot in researching the historical background and events which serve as the backdrop to the story, and does an admirable and exciting job of merging history and theology into the plot.
The result is much more than merely entertaining. Besides enjoying a present-day thriller you get insights into the historical events and theological struggles, which have shaped Judaism and Christianity, and which are still, amazingly, alive in the present, both in the academic and in the day-to-day life.
All that said this is not a textbook but a high-paced thriller, with convincing and full-depth characters that the reader can feel and relate to.
Reading it was a great experience. Thumbs up!
The story is a combination of a 21st century thriller with a historical plot involving the beginning of Christianity, the emergence of Kabbalah, the rise and fall of the Templars and Napoleon’s invasion of the Holy Land. The events which spread over 2,000 years seem at first unrelated, yet the author maintains a consistent plot, which, while challenging some orthodox concepts, succeeds somehow in being highly believable. The author, seemingly, invested a lot in researching the historical background and events which serve as the backdrop to the story, and does an admirable and exciting job of merging history and theology into the plot.
The result is much more than merely entertaining. Besides enjoying a present-day thriller you get insights into the historical events and theological struggles, which have shaped Judaism and Christianity, and which are still, amazingly, alive in the present, both in the academic and in the day-to-day life.
All that said this is not a textbook but a high-paced thriller, with convincing and full-depth characters that the reader can feel and relate to.
Reading it was a great experience. Thumbs up!
February 22, 2014
The Kabbalist is one of the best historical mysteries I have ever read. It is fabulously built and organized. I really enjoyed being led in the company of each rich character from “false truths” to “real truths”. Looking forward to similar stories by the author.
read my review here:
http://wordsandpeace.com/2014/02/22/b...
read my review here:
http://wordsandpeace.com/2014/02/22/b...
September 1, 2014
The Kabbalist is an amazing combination of a present day crime story, a historical thriller and a well built fiction on the interconnectedness of Catholic and Jewish religion and the origins of the Kabbalah. The story itself has taken place in several period of time; it starts in the 2nd century continues in the 13th century Acre just defeated by the Saracens and in the time of Napoleonic war to arrive to the present day Israel. Even there two lines of the story intertwined: a murder in 2006 the investigator of which – Luria - was dismissed in order to keep the case unsolved; and a private investigation in 2010 conducted by Luria, who became a private cope after the 2006 case, with the aim to find some historical document which was mentioned in the archive of a French family whose ancestors were involved both in the history of Templars and in the Napoleonic wars against the Holy Land.
In the Kabbalist the historical accuracy assembled with the well written fiction which makes it very enjoyable and exciting. An excellent read that I can recommend to everyone who likes historical criminal stories and who not refuse to raise questions about the origins and interconnectedness of religions. I also can imagine a series of Luria stories in which he goes after present day crimes with roots in the history of the Holy Land. I think it would be as interesting and successful as Daniel Silva’s Gabriel Allon stories or Steve Berry’s Cottone Malone Series.
In the Kabbalist the historical accuracy assembled with the well written fiction which makes it very enjoyable and exciting. An excellent read that I can recommend to everyone who likes historical criminal stories and who not refuse to raise questions about the origins and interconnectedness of religions. I also can imagine a series of Luria stories in which he goes after present day crimes with roots in the history of the Holy Land. I think it would be as interesting and successful as Daniel Silva’s Gabriel Allon stories or Steve Berry’s Cottone Malone Series.
January 10, 2014
The Kabbalist is an interesting book concerning the ties between Judaism, Christianity and Kabbalah. After reading it, I found the book to be a little far-fetched but entertaining. Mr. Katz really pushed the envelope on traditional theological beliefs. Some will appreciate his perspective; however, some will not.
There is a lot of intrigue in this book which is what kept me reading. I really enjoyed the mystery and liked putting all of the puzzle pieces together. I, also, enjoyed how the book jumped to different time periods. It gave the storyline texture and depth.
I did have some difficulty following the explanation of Kabbalah and its connection to Christianity and Judaism. I think my confusion connected me to Jeanne a bit. She wasn’t buying into the connection and the new interpretation of Christian teachings. I felt myself gasping right along with her when certain theories were explained.
The ending had me baffled. It was not what I was expected at all. I guess, that’s a good thing. But I had a difficult time piecing it together. I’m not convinced it resolved the story for me. I was, also, left with an unresolved plot line which makes me think there will be sequel.
If you enjoy mystery, intrigue and a lot of religious this book is for you.
There is a lot of intrigue in this book which is what kept me reading. I really enjoyed the mystery and liked putting all of the puzzle pieces together. I, also, enjoyed how the book jumped to different time periods. It gave the storyline texture and depth.
I did have some difficulty following the explanation of Kabbalah and its connection to Christianity and Judaism. I think my confusion connected me to Jeanne a bit. She wasn’t buying into the connection and the new interpretation of Christian teachings. I felt myself gasping right along with her when certain theories were explained.
The ending had me baffled. It was not what I was expected at all. I guess, that’s a good thing. But I had a difficult time piecing it together. I’m not convinced it resolved the story for me. I was, also, left with an unresolved plot line which makes me think there will be sequel.
If you enjoy mystery, intrigue and a lot of religious this book is for you.
February 6, 2014
Israel is steeped in history where three of the world's major religions intersect.
In Judaism the Kabbalah is mystical literally and figuratively to non Jews and even many Jews.This despite the fact that mysticism and mystical experiences have been a part of Judaism since the earliest days.That said,the area of mysticism is wide open to personal interpretation.
So what a fascinating read The Kabbalist was for me. Let me preface this review by saying one of my favorite genres is historical fiction, and this book is certainly in that category.
Katz goes way back in history with a suspenseful story with deep intricate characters. The plot will leave you spellbound. The historical research he has done enhances the novel,which even minus the backdrop of the Holy Land would be a good thriller. But with this backdrop, the vivid scenery makes this thriller above average.
In Judaism the Kabbalah is mystical literally and figuratively to non Jews and even many Jews.This despite the fact that mysticism and mystical experiences have been a part of Judaism since the earliest days.That said,the area of mysticism is wide open to personal interpretation.
So what a fascinating read The Kabbalist was for me. Let me preface this review by saying one of my favorite genres is historical fiction, and this book is certainly in that category.
Katz goes way back in history with a suspenseful story with deep intricate characters. The plot will leave you spellbound. The historical research he has done enhances the novel,which even minus the backdrop of the Holy Land would be a good thriller. But with this backdrop, the vivid scenery makes this thriller above average.
June 8, 2014
A must read for anyone who's a fan of fiction, history or fictional history!
Katz's wide knowledge of Middle Eastern history enlightens the reader, and his story telling skills keeps you flipping pages despite having other things to do :)
For me the chapters describing historic events and discussing Kabbalah were intriguing in their own right, but the combination with a modern day thriller made this one of the best books I have read in a long time.
At least 5 stars
Katz's wide knowledge of Middle Eastern history enlightens the reader, and his story telling skills keeps you flipping pages despite having other things to do :)
For me the chapters describing historic events and discussing Kabbalah were intriguing in their own right, but the combination with a modern day thriller made this one of the best books I have read in a long time.
At least 5 stars
November 18, 2014
So far this has been boring. It uses a format I dislike jumping back and forth between eras. I do not understand the great reviews. Hopefully it will get better, because I do like the idea behind the book. Finally, after getting about halfway in to this book the pace has picked up and it getting interesting!
The second half of this book was excellent and I am glad I did not give up.
The second half of this book was excellent and I am glad I did not give up.
Read
February 3, 2014Didn't actually read this, downloaded it as a sample and didn't like it so I deleted it from my Kindle.
November 9, 2014
well articulated book that i found hard to let go once started reading it...
all characters and historical events/facts blend into a magnificent story
all characters and historical events/facts blend into a magnificent story
January 24, 2017
Excellent
What a wonderful book. I could not put it down. Plot twists, history, mystery, with a touch of mysticism thrown in. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
What a wonderful book. I could not put it down. Plot twists, history, mystery, with a touch of mysticism thrown in. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews