Gate to the Heart: A Manual of Contemplative Jewish Practice

by Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, Netanel Miles-Yepez (Editor), Robert Micha'el Esformes (Editor)

IN THE LATE 1950's, Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, better known as 'Reb Zalman,' penned what was perhaps the first book on Jewish meditation and contemplative Judaism in English. It was called, The First A Primer of a Jew's Spiritual Life, and was printed in a simple stapled booklet edition which he mailed out to friends and students. But it was not long before this humble booklet had reached readers as diverse as President Zalman Shazar of Israel and the famous author of The Seven Storey Mountain, Father Thomas Merton. In 1965, it was included as a chapter in the widely influential Jewish Catalog, and read by thousands of young Jews in the late 60s and early 70s looking for an authentically Jewish approach to meditation. Then, for many years, the booklet fell out of use until it was completely revised and updated in 1993, in a new booklet called, Gate to the An Evolving Process, which was again privately printed and distributed within the Jewish Renewal movement. In this expanded version, the booklet inspired a whole new generation of Jewish contemplatives looking for a manual of Jewish practice. Now, after being revised and supplemented once again, Reb Zalman's first and most personal book, the culmination of over 60 years of spiritual guidance work, is finally being published and made available to the general public. "For me, Gate to the Heart is the one essential book by Reb Zalman. Although there are others that go into more depth, and are more expansive on certain topics, none convey his authentic voice and brilliant creativity more that this one. It is the book that I want to carry with me at all times, a true vade mecum that one can consult again and again to renew one's spiritual practice." --- Netanel Miles-Yépez, co-author of A Heart Stories and Teachings of the Early Hasidic Masters

Genres: Jewish, Judaism, Spirituality, Religion, Nonfiction

140 pages, Paperback

First published December 27, 2013

Reviews

[Bogi Takács]

I was referred to this as a key work in Jewish Renewal spirituality. It was surprisingly Orthodox (and specifically Chasidic, and specifically Chabad) - a lot of it works through the prayer cycle, with kavanot for each blessing of the Amida, etc. but it doesn't assume knowledge of Hebrew. (I'm not sure how that'd work when people would be getting into these topics in more depth?)

I felt that this was a bit late for me to read - I read most of the material that he cites. So I'd recommend it to people newer to the topic. I did read something new and fun in it: the beginning words of the Friday night kiddush start with the letters of G-d's four-letter name, I can't believe no one told me about that!!! How did I miss that!! This is one of my favorite prayers!! Well, now I know. :) (And you know too!)

This book apparently exists in several textual versions, this edition is the latest and longest one; I would love to see a comparison of how it expanded, it'd be of historical importance too. But that's sadly not included in this volume.

A small note - the cover has the paths of the Tree of Life in an arrangement that's somewhat nonstandard (and is more associated with Christian occultism), but inside the book the standard figure is shown. As much as these things can be standardized, of course; but there is actually a lot of discourse in Jewish Kabbalah on how malchut can only be reached through yesod, etc (some of the discourse is horribly gender-essentialist, mind you!). The book doesn't get into these specific details.
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Source of the book: Spouseperson's workplace

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fabulous short overview of contemplative meditation in the Jewish tradition. For me the closing chapter titled "Reflection: On Philosophy and Theology" was worth the price of the book. This piece is a beautiful meditation on avoiding any kind of circumscribed statement of belief as not only limiting but misleading and ultimately damning. "...any formulation that can be given in words will not do, since words can only contain up to 180 degrees of the truth, which itself is 360 degrees. The God-Truth is at least 360 degrees." Ultimately, he counsels to allow oneself to live in the question and use alternate and perhaps even contradictory maps of belief to guide in varied circumstances.

[Mark Matzeder · Rating 4 out of 5]

An algorithm picked this book for me.
Many of my recent reads have focused on contemplative practice of many traditions. I've read Sts John of the Cross and Teresa of Avila. I've read Ram Dass. I've dabbled in the Talmud and Kabbalah. And these readings led some book service to suggest it among "books you may be interested in."
The reflections of Reb Zalman in "Gater of the Heart" moved me profoundly. His discussion of Shabbat in a chapter called "Texture in Time" contains some of the most beautiful poetic language I've ever read. It made me yearn for a community where traditional ways are so ingrained they become the very rhythm of life. Yet, even lacking that, the author provides direction for approaching that center in ourselves which connects us with the universe.

[Ari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really quite excellent. Reb Zalman, as always, offers something simple for newcomers and something profound for the more experienced at the same time. I found this neo-Hasidic commentary on prayer (both Shabbat and daily) refreshing and timely, even though the original was written over 60 years ago. Includes halachh, kavvanot, meditations. Beautifully edited and eay to follow. Highly recommended.

[liza]

written by the rabbi who dropped acid with ram dass and coined fabulous terms like eco-kashrut lol. this practical guide covers ancient and renewed ideas about jewish meditation and breath work, the science of ecstatic prayer and kabbalistic thought, the technology of ritual objects, and the power of reflection.
required reading imo for all the freaky jews out there — hoping to get a hard copy of this one because the meditations in it rock and i wanna keep returning to them

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting early pamphlets on Jewish mystical theory and practice.