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The Thirteen Petalled Rose: A Discourse on the Essence of Jewish Existence and Belief
From Madonna's music videos to the glossy pages of celebrity magazines and back to the Lower East Side of Manhattan, Jewish mysticism has stepped into the modern consciousness like never before. In this classic work, world-renowned scholar Adin Steinsaltz answers the major questions asked by modern Jews about the nature of existence in God's universe. The title The Thirteen Petalled Rose is taken from the opening of the classic Jewish text on mysticism, the Zohar, and refers to the "collective souls of the Jewish people," which scholars have likened to the fullness of a rose and its thirteen petals. Along with a new preface by the author, this edition contains a new chapter on prayer that provides the most up-to-date account of the Kabbalistic view of devotion. Another new chapter recounts and interprets the prophet Elijah's Introduction to the Zohar. "Steinsaltz possesses a mind of the quality that occurs perhaps once or twice in a generation, or several generations... In [The Thirteen Petalled Rose] one can encounter the classical Jewish mystical view of reality, delineated lucidly, concisely, profoundly and, what is so rare, believingly. It is an utterly authentic expression of Judaism yet so unknown even among the well-informed and therefore so necessary, so welcome." (Herbert Weiner, Oxford University)
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1980
128 people are currently reading
657 people want to read
About the author
Adin Even-Israel Steinsaltz
337 books61 followersRabbi Adin Steinsaltz (Hebrew: עדין שטיינזלץ) or Adin Even Yisrael (Hebrew: עדין אבן ישראל) is internationally regarded as one of the leading rabbis of this century. The author of many books, he is best known for his monumental translation of and commentary on the Talmud. Rabbi Steinsaltz founded the Israel Institute for Talmudic Publications. Under its aegis, he has published to date 58 books on the Talmud, Jewish mysticism, religious thought, sociology, historical biography, and philosophy. He teaches at Mayanot in Jerusalem. In 1988, he was awarded the Israel Prize, Israel's highest honor. He has received honorary Ph.D. degrees from Yeshiva University, Bar Ilan University, and Ben Gurion University.
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September 12, 2024
Rabbi Steinsaltz' Rose
The great scholar Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz died in Jerusalem on August 7, 2020, age 83. A person of formidable intellect and learning, Steinsaltz is best-known for his translation and commentary on the long, difficult Jewish text, the Talmud, a project which occupied him for 45 years. When I learned of Steinsaltz' death, I was moved to revisit his short book, "The Thirteen Petalled Rose: A Discourse on the Essence of Jewish Existence and Belief" which I read long ago during a time when I was interested in Jewish mysticism and which had retained a prominent place on my bookshelf. The book was first published in 1980 and reissued in a slightly expanded edition in 2006. I read the original version.
"The Thirteen Petalled Rose" offers a beautiful, committed discussion of the breadth of Jewish belief from the standpoint of Jewish mysticism or Kaballah. The most important work of Jewish mysticism is known as the Zohar. The phrase "The Thirteen Petalled Rose" derives from the opening words of the Zohar.
Steinsaltz plunges immediately into the heady spiritual and metaphysical world of Jewish mysticism in his opening chapter "Worlds" which begins: "The physical world in which we live, the objectively observed universe around us, is only a part of an inconceivably vast system of worlds. Most of these worlds are spiritual in their essence; they are of a different order from our known world."
Steinsaltz proceeds to describe these worlds and their interactions with our physical world, known roughly as the "world of action". He follows this difficult discussion with a related metaphysical, mystical discussion of Divine Manifestation or emanations and with a discussion of the human soul, its place in the world, and the purpose of human life. The reader finds himself immediately and deeply in the world of the Jewish mystic. Many readers may be surprised to learn of the teachings of rebirth in some Jewish mysticism with parallels to the doctrine of karma. Steinsaltz writes that when souls fail to achieve their proper end in life they must return. "The sins of man are not eliminated so long as this soul does not complete that which it has to complete. From which it may be seen that most souls are not in the world for the first time. Almost every person bears the legacy of previous existences."
The following chapters of the book become somewhat narrower in focus in applying the teachings of Jewish mysticism. Steinsaltz discusses the nature of holiness, the Torah, the nature of human good, and the nature of repentance. These chapters include much that is specific to traditional Judaism but much as well that will have a broader spiritual appeal, including an appeal to spiritually inclined non-Jewish readers. The final chapter of the book "Mitzvot" is the one most closely concerned with Jewish law as it examines subjects including Jewish prayers and holidays, dietary rules, and principles governing sexual conduct.
During much of the book, particularly the more mystically-oriented sections, Steinsaltz speaks in his own voice with a minimum of citation to sources. His discourse is effective in its obviously deep sincerity and in its wisdom.
The book is overtly traditionalist in character. Many Jews are not traditionalist or Orthodox, and many of the Orthodox are not mystics. And of course there are many non-Orthodox forms of Judaism including some in which mysticism makes a broad appeal. I am far from being a practicing Jew and was still deeply moved by this book on my rereading after many years.
In the years following my first reading of the book, I went on to study Neoplatonism idealistic philosophy, Buddhism, the works of the German mystic Meister Eckhart, and some other forms of both mysticism and Judaism. Readers inclined to a spiritually oriented philosophy would gain a great deal from reading Steinsaltz. His book is a form of spiritual idealism which concludes that "every human being is a part of the single soul that is the spirit of the entire universe." Then too, Steinsaltz sees every individual person as unique with his or her own role to play in furthering the Divine plan. The book emphasizes that every person carries within a divine spark (which Meister Eckhart called a "funkelin") and had to work to find his or her own way to God. In addition to the opening chapters on mysticism, the chapters of the book which best bring this out include "The Way of Choice: An Answer to Ethics" and "The Search for Oneself". In the latter chapter, Steinsaltz emphasizes that the search for oneself requires looking without rather than within. He writes:
"The seeker is caught in a paradox. He is dismayed to learn that the resolution of the search for the self is not to be found by going into the self, that the center of the soul is to be found not in the soul but outside of it, that the center of gravity of existence is outside of existence."
"A person my therefore stray as far as possible, infinitely far, from God, and there he can find the source of his deepest self, the point of the meaning of his soul. He orients himself on the map of his world and is startled and pained to learn that he is not necessarily its center. But recognizing that he is part of a larger existence that does go to the heart of the world, he can begin to take the path to this existence."
I was glad to remember Rabbi Steinsaltz' life by rereading "The Thirteen Petalled Rose." Although not an observant Jew, I found much in his book and in his thinking valuable.
Robin Friedman
The great scholar Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz died in Jerusalem on August 7, 2020, age 83. A person of formidable intellect and learning, Steinsaltz is best-known for his translation and commentary on the long, difficult Jewish text, the Talmud, a project which occupied him for 45 years. When I learned of Steinsaltz' death, I was moved to revisit his short book, "The Thirteen Petalled Rose: A Discourse on the Essence of Jewish Existence and Belief" which I read long ago during a time when I was interested in Jewish mysticism and which had retained a prominent place on my bookshelf. The book was first published in 1980 and reissued in a slightly expanded edition in 2006. I read the original version.
"The Thirteen Petalled Rose" offers a beautiful, committed discussion of the breadth of Jewish belief from the standpoint of Jewish mysticism or Kaballah. The most important work of Jewish mysticism is known as the Zohar. The phrase "The Thirteen Petalled Rose" derives from the opening words of the Zohar.
Steinsaltz plunges immediately into the heady spiritual and metaphysical world of Jewish mysticism in his opening chapter "Worlds" which begins: "The physical world in which we live, the objectively observed universe around us, is only a part of an inconceivably vast system of worlds. Most of these worlds are spiritual in their essence; they are of a different order from our known world."
Steinsaltz proceeds to describe these worlds and their interactions with our physical world, known roughly as the "world of action". He follows this difficult discussion with a related metaphysical, mystical discussion of Divine Manifestation or emanations and with a discussion of the human soul, its place in the world, and the purpose of human life. The reader finds himself immediately and deeply in the world of the Jewish mystic. Many readers may be surprised to learn of the teachings of rebirth in some Jewish mysticism with parallels to the doctrine of karma. Steinsaltz writes that when souls fail to achieve their proper end in life they must return. "The sins of man are not eliminated so long as this soul does not complete that which it has to complete. From which it may be seen that most souls are not in the world for the first time. Almost every person bears the legacy of previous existences."
The following chapters of the book become somewhat narrower in focus in applying the teachings of Jewish mysticism. Steinsaltz discusses the nature of holiness, the Torah, the nature of human good, and the nature of repentance. These chapters include much that is specific to traditional Judaism but much as well that will have a broader spiritual appeal, including an appeal to spiritually inclined non-Jewish readers. The final chapter of the book "Mitzvot" is the one most closely concerned with Jewish law as it examines subjects including Jewish prayers and holidays, dietary rules, and principles governing sexual conduct.
During much of the book, particularly the more mystically-oriented sections, Steinsaltz speaks in his own voice with a minimum of citation to sources. His discourse is effective in its obviously deep sincerity and in its wisdom.
The book is overtly traditionalist in character. Many Jews are not traditionalist or Orthodox, and many of the Orthodox are not mystics. And of course there are many non-Orthodox forms of Judaism including some in which mysticism makes a broad appeal. I am far from being a practicing Jew and was still deeply moved by this book on my rereading after many years.
In the years following my first reading of the book, I went on to study Neoplatonism idealistic philosophy, Buddhism, the works of the German mystic Meister Eckhart, and some other forms of both mysticism and Judaism. Readers inclined to a spiritually oriented philosophy would gain a great deal from reading Steinsaltz. His book is a form of spiritual idealism which concludes that "every human being is a part of the single soul that is the spirit of the entire universe." Then too, Steinsaltz sees every individual person as unique with his or her own role to play in furthering the Divine plan. The book emphasizes that every person carries within a divine spark (which Meister Eckhart called a "funkelin") and had to work to find his or her own way to God. In addition to the opening chapters on mysticism, the chapters of the book which best bring this out include "The Way of Choice: An Answer to Ethics" and "The Search for Oneself". In the latter chapter, Steinsaltz emphasizes that the search for oneself requires looking without rather than within. He writes:
"The seeker is caught in a paradox. He is dismayed to learn that the resolution of the search for the self is not to be found by going into the self, that the center of the soul is to be found not in the soul but outside of it, that the center of gravity of existence is outside of existence."
"A person my therefore stray as far as possible, infinitely far, from God, and there he can find the source of his deepest self, the point of the meaning of his soul. He orients himself on the map of his world and is startled and pained to learn that he is not necessarily its center. But recognizing that he is part of a larger existence that does go to the heart of the world, he can begin to take the path to this existence."
I was glad to remember Rabbi Steinsaltz' life by rereading "The Thirteen Petalled Rose." Although not an observant Jew, I found much in his book and in his thinking valuable.
Robin Friedman
June 19, 2012
This is a compelling book for the contemplative and spiritual reader. Rabbi Steinsaltz is trully a brilliant, erudite, and sublime personage. I hold him in high regard for many reasons into which I will not delve in this space. He explicates the levels of existence, the importance of both good and evil angels, the complexity of the soul and so forth. His writing coasts like an eagle on an air current. It is not heavy and burdensome like some religious writing but seems to float on a cloud despite the profundity of his topics. In some ways I find his writing to be a relief, a vacation of the mind, if you will. I especially like his presentation of outer worlds and inner worlds.
This is a reread for me. When I first read it I was a practicing Chassid and a complete believer, I would have rated it a 5 star at that time. However, things have changed, I have become a secular humanist with the passage of time and thus do not always agree with the foundational knowledge on which his writing is based. Though this is not entirely fair of me: this book is written for the already-believer, not for skeptics. Put another way, I am not the book's target audience. Yet his description of life beyond the observed and the experienced is so engrossing that I am reluctant in my skepticism. Rarely does one happen upon a teacher who delivers knowledge in such an effortless & gentle manner: Rabbi Steinsaltz is such a person.
This is a reread for me. When I first read it I was a practicing Chassid and a complete believer, I would have rated it a 5 star at that time. However, things have changed, I have become a secular humanist with the passage of time and thus do not always agree with the foundational knowledge on which his writing is based. Though this is not entirely fair of me: this book is written for the already-believer, not for skeptics. Put another way, I am not the book's target audience. Yet his description of life beyond the observed and the experienced is so engrossing that I am reluctant in my skepticism. Rarely does one happen upon a teacher who delivers knowledge in such an effortless & gentle manner: Rabbi Steinsaltz is such a person.
August 3, 2016
"The physical world in which we live, the objectively observed universe around us, is only a part of an inconceivably vast system of worlds." These majestic words could have been the opening of the greatest science fiction series ever written, and perhaps one day they will be. But right now they are the opening words of a book on Kabbala, the Jewish esoteric tradition.
I am not Jewish and had no knowledge of Kabbala except a computer game in which it was used to create golems. I am an esoterist, though. And contrary to my expectations, most of the text was easily readable, shining with an inner light and life. It is obvious that it is his own heart and life Rabbi Steinsaltz is here writing about, and this familiarity gives a quiet confidence to his words. I must admit, as a gentile I had not expected any work of the Jewish religion to resonate with me so strongly.
That is not to say I have become some sort of cabalist, but some of the grand perspective stays with me even now, and probably always will.
I am not Jewish and had no knowledge of Kabbala except a computer game in which it was used to create golems. I am an esoterist, though. And contrary to my expectations, most of the text was easily readable, shining with an inner light and life. It is obvious that it is his own heart and life Rabbi Steinsaltz is here writing about, and this familiarity gives a quiet confidence to his words. I must admit, as a gentile I had not expected any work of the Jewish religion to resonate with me so strongly.
That is not to say I have become some sort of cabalist, but some of the grand perspective stays with me even now, and probably always will.
February 27, 2021
A beautiful and easy to read book on Judaism, Kabbalah, and mysticism. Regardless on your background in any of these subjects it is a truly enjoyable read. My friend told me that his teacher taught the book in reverse order (chapter 10 to chapter 1) and so I chose to read it that way, which was counter-intuitive but amazing. Great insight into day to day living, our connection with spirit/divine, and a tool to help penetrate some of the depths of our existence. Highly recommended for all seekers of any faith. I am not Jewish myself but found much to ponder here.
* If anyone happens to know of any equivalent books on Islam, Christianity, Hinduism or other faiths please let me know I would love to read them!
I re-read this one in preparation for a more dense tome that I thought this would be helpful for. This time, I read it in its written order (from beginning to end). Very helpful and one of the things I love about returning to such moving texts is how each time you re-read them, more layers open up.
* If anyone happens to know of any equivalent books on Islam, Christianity, Hinduism or other faiths please let me know I would love to read them!
I re-read this one in preparation for a more dense tome that I thought this would be helpful for. This time, I read it in its written order (from beginning to end). Very helpful and one of the things I love about returning to such moving texts is how each time you re-read them, more layers open up.
March 19, 2008
This is a brief introduction and collection of meditiations on Kabbalah (of the hasidic/Lurianic variety). You will need more background on Kabbalah before tackling this contents of this book because it presupposes familiarity with the myths and doctrines of Kabbalah.
January 31, 2022
I love Jewish mysticism!
December 22, 2016
This one is a classic, not an intro. Steinsaltz outlines answers to a number of big questions: What is Torah? Who are we? What does it mean to pray? what does it mean to be made in the image of G-D? largely through a mystical lens. The section on prayer is particularly wonderful, and could easily be a stand-alone essay. I'm not a beginner, but do admit that the first few chapters lost me a bit theologically (should say 'haven't been my experience' rather than 'lost'). Right away after that he seems to be coming at it differently, and it went back to a place I could agree with. I'll re-read this in a few years and may well have a different take at that time. It does appear that the essays are not placed in an order of time written (as in there is a logical progression from some later to some earlier placed), but if you read them separately it has a sense of flow overall. Read this one after you've studied other classic works and Hassidic thought for a few years, once you've gotten to the place that you can continue reading and trust the author when something doesn't make immediate sense. Very worth it.
September 16, 2010
What I learned from this book is that Jewish mysticism contains some of the core information of occultism. Like how things get reversed, flipflopped like a mirror image, between planes, over and over again. That's something you really have to dig deep into occult literature to find. Art & Practice of Creative Visualization is one of the few accessible books that even mention it. Also useful information on angels, which is something infrequently found in a market full of fluffy, useless angel books. It's all quite fascinating. I do like mysticism, and this is far better explained than pretty much any other accounts I've read on the subject. Highly recommended for anyone with enough stamina to read a very dense and esoteric, yet short, book, or anyone like myself who likes mysticism beyond just Zen koans and Rumi (like Meister Eckhart and The Secret of the Golden Flower, for instance).
June 27, 2017
Kabalistyczna jazda bez trzymanki, bez lektury wcześniejszej choćby Sholema raczej nie polecam.
December 27, 2023
An extremely well-written and insightful introduction to Jewish mysticism. This is a book I'll be returning to again and again.
September 19, 2021
An erudite and concise guide on a host of topics surrounding life, death, prayer and observance and Judaism's approach to it.
This book summarised clearly and in language that was easy to understand. I found the explanations interesting and it helped me meditate on my own approach to Judaism.
This was geared towards people who are already observant and towards those who follow in the denominational sense an orthodox approach to Judaism. As someone who is neither orthodox or Liberal I appreciated his perspective, but felt it led at times to a lack of intellectual curiosity. One of the great things for me about Judaism is the arguments and intellectual back and forth on topics and meanings and I thought the book didn't show this.
All that said the meditations in the book on God and the introduction in to the Kabbalah was really well done and explained well. Throughout the book complex topics were broken down well in to an understandable format, so this meant the book was an easy read.
The book was just an introduction in to some key Jewish principles. Perhaps this explains why there was a lack of intellectual debate in it and the book given the topics was relatively short at 200 pages.
The book would have benefited from a conclusion chapter tieing the different chapters together.
This was an intellectually stimulating read and gave me an insight in to various topics of Judaism which I'd like to explore more and see different perspectives within Judaism. It was written in a way that was accessible and interesting. I do think there were things that could be improved, so 4 out of 5 stars seems fair.
This book summarised clearly and in language that was easy to understand. I found the explanations interesting and it helped me meditate on my own approach to Judaism.
This was geared towards people who are already observant and towards those who follow in the denominational sense an orthodox approach to Judaism. As someone who is neither orthodox or Liberal I appreciated his perspective, but felt it led at times to a lack of intellectual curiosity. One of the great things for me about Judaism is the arguments and intellectual back and forth on topics and meanings and I thought the book didn't show this.
All that said the meditations in the book on God and the introduction in to the Kabbalah was really well done and explained well. Throughout the book complex topics were broken down well in to an understandable format, so this meant the book was an easy read.
The book was just an introduction in to some key Jewish principles. Perhaps this explains why there was a lack of intellectual debate in it and the book given the topics was relatively short at 200 pages.
The book would have benefited from a conclusion chapter tieing the different chapters together.
This was an intellectually stimulating read and gave me an insight in to various topics of Judaism which I'd like to explore more and see different perspectives within Judaism. It was written in a way that was accessible and interesting. I do think there were things that could be improved, so 4 out of 5 stars seems fair.
November 25, 2012
The Thirteen Petalled Rose: A Discourse on the Essence of Jewish Existence and Belief, by Adin Steinsaltz is a book that delves into Kabbalah in a way that explains it on a level that everyone can understand.
Rabbi Steinsaltz takes the reader through the mysteries of the the energy of the universe, and how that energy is illuminated or diminished by our very actions. Goodness and mitzvahs evoke sparks that lift the universal energy to a higher level. While on the other hand, our transgressions cause the energy of the universe to diminish, or be brought down to a lower level. He also explains the concept of angels and how angels are created. Rabbi Steinsaltz’s concepts are fascinating. Blessings are born from mitzvah deeds, that is one thing he makes clear.
I recommend The Thirteen Petalled Rose to anyone interested in the Jewish foundation and concepts of kabbalah. It will give readers a strong structural perspective and understanding of the basics of kabbalah. Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz is brilliant in his explanations and insights, and conveys his astuteness and interpretations to the reader
Rabbi Steinsaltz takes the reader through the mysteries of the the energy of the universe, and how that energy is illuminated or diminished by our very actions. Goodness and mitzvahs evoke sparks that lift the universal energy to a higher level. While on the other hand, our transgressions cause the energy of the universe to diminish, or be brought down to a lower level. He also explains the concept of angels and how angels are created. Rabbi Steinsaltz’s concepts are fascinating. Blessings are born from mitzvah deeds, that is one thing he makes clear.
I recommend The Thirteen Petalled Rose to anyone interested in the Jewish foundation and concepts of kabbalah. It will give readers a strong structural perspective and understanding of the basics of kabbalah. Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz is brilliant in his explanations and insights, and conveys his astuteness and interpretations to the reader
August 9, 2011
I probably need to read this again. This was not a simple book, nor was it immediately a practical book, until the latter half. The first half was an extrapolation of highly abstract mysticism, describing various spiritual levels.
but the concept that good deeds send good vibes up the spiritual chain (my phraseology), and that humans inhabit a physical realm that affects nearly all other spiritual levels resonates with me, reminds me of Milton's "Paradise Lost" (fallen angel's jealousy at the special role assigned to humanity).
An excellent back story to the Old Testament many Christians have never read, and provided an amazingly recognizable world only hinted at for this Protestant raised on reading both new and Old Testament.
but the concept that good deeds send good vibes up the spiritual chain (my phraseology), and that humans inhabit a physical realm that affects nearly all other spiritual levels resonates with me, reminds me of Milton's "Paradise Lost" (fallen angel's jealousy at the special role assigned to humanity).
An excellent back story to the Old Testament many Christians have never read, and provided an amazingly recognizable world only hinted at for this Protestant raised on reading both new and Old Testament.
November 30, 2017
Amazing. Brief and to the point.
A great deal is explanation of Kabbalah understanding of the world, and makes it very intelligible. A very deep and serious man, this is not kitsch or popularizing at all, just an attempt to make the information available. He has an academic background in science and mathematics, and he uses it when he explains some Kabbalah concepts.
He doesn't discuss connections with other spiritual systems, but if you're familiar with other ones (or even psychology), you'll see many parallels. His discussion of the meaning and purpose of the mitzvot would be very helpful to anyone trying to understand why some Jews devote themselves to living in accordance with the Torah on the level of daily life practice and ritual.
A great deal is explanation of Kabbalah understanding of the world, and makes it very intelligible. A very deep and serious man, this is not kitsch or popularizing at all, just an attempt to make the information available. He has an academic background in science and mathematics, and he uses it when he explains some Kabbalah concepts.
He doesn't discuss connections with other spiritual systems, but if you're familiar with other ones (or even psychology), you'll see many parallels. His discussion of the meaning and purpose of the mitzvot would be very helpful to anyone trying to understand why some Jews devote themselves to living in accordance with the Torah on the level of daily life practice and ritual.
October 23, 2007
I read this because I realized I had no idea what Judaism had to say about reincarnation, which is embarrassing if you're Jewish (I happen to be).
I used to be more religious than I am now, so some aspects of the book resonated with me and many of them did not. I suppose I got what I came for, or, at the very least, I got an answer to my question from the point of view of Kabbalistic Judaism. I think I've gone too far down the hardened neuroscientist path (hard for me not to think that all our behavior is determined by random interactions between organic molecules) so I probably wasn't the most appreciative audience for this particular work.
I used to be more religious than I am now, so some aspects of the book resonated with me and many of them did not. I suppose I got what I came for, or, at the very least, I got an answer to my question from the point of view of Kabbalistic Judaism. I think I've gone too far down the hardened neuroscientist path (hard for me not to think that all our behavior is determined by random interactions between organic molecules) so I probably wasn't the most appreciative audience for this particular work.
February 16, 2019
Remarkable book. Not Kabbalah. Starts with a description of a complex take on the spiritual world, moves into more universal idea. I will update this review when I am done.
April 5, 2015
Since I already read this one, I'm moving it to my read shelf although I'm not done with the re-read. I love this book! Gives you lots to think about although I would never approach it without someone to bounce the ideas off of. Requires some back knowledge of Jewish philosophy. Still, loved it enough to re-read!
January 15, 2014
My favorite quotes:
"The path a man has taken is revealed to him only in retrospect, Ina contemplation of the past that grants confidence in what lies ahead. This awareness is in fact the reward, and it is conditional on the continuation of the return."
"Eating is not a casual hedonistic act; it is a ceremony"
"The path a man has taken is revealed to him only in retrospect, Ina contemplation of the past that grants confidence in what lies ahead. This awareness is in fact the reward, and it is conditional on the continuation of the return."
"Eating is not a casual hedonistic act; it is a ceremony"
January 21, 2013
Outstanding introduction to Jewish mysticism by one of the great Jewish thinkers of this generation. The first time I read this book, I did so in one sitting. Subsequently I re-read it, recognizing that each page contained ideas worth hours of thought.
November 23, 2013
Very well written. Steinsaltz makes a guide to Judaism's belief more focused on application than overview. It is more of a handbook than a guidebook. Interesting view of the application of mysticism in one's daily ritual and life.
July 25, 2015
I like the description of the 10 sephirots as well as the 4 worlds. What I particularly apreciate is the definition of sacred as the space where heart and head are reconciled in a constant quest to deal with contradiction.
January 29, 2019
Hands down the best book I've ever read on understanding other worlds, creation, essence, the nature of G-d/God. Kind of like a scientific manual of esotericism. Love this. Extremely intense and a lot to digest and process.
March 2, 2007
If only Madonna (or whatever she calls herself these days) had read this.
January 6, 2008
A modern exposition of kabbalah by one of the foremost Talmudic scholars of today. Provides some interesting insights into the inner rationale for Jewish spiritual practices.
June 8, 2008
Wow. I definitely didn't understand everything. But the little I gleaned was good. Probably a decent intro to kabbalah, which is no simple matter.
September 14, 2008
One of the most beautiful, poetic books on Jewish mysticism. Really a contemporary book of mysticism from one of the only living geniuses in the field.
December 20, 2010
Brilliant, and extremely difficult.
August 12, 2011
favourite book
Read
August 28, 2012Incredibly deep.
March 31, 2013
The book was very good. I enjoy it very much. It explained a lot about Judaism. It is well worth reading. It explained a lot about the customs and our beliefs.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews