A New Oracle of Kabbalah: Mystical Teachings of the Hebrew Letters

by Richard Seidman

The Hebrew word for “letter,” — ot — also means “sign” or “wonder” or “miracle.” For thousands of years, Jewish sages have taught that the letters of the Hebrew alphabet embody miraculous powers.

According to the earliest known book on Jewish mysticism, The Sefer Yetzirah (The Book of Creation) , written more than 15 centuries ago, God formed the entire universe by speaking aloud the 22 letters. These letters are the building blocks of creation. They are also archetypes. Each one expresses a specific primordial power or creative energy.

A New Oracle of Kabbalah makes ancient teachings about the Hebrew letters accessible and practical for contemporary readers. Author Richard Seidman describes the traditional meanings associated with each letter, and, using a deck of cards that they can easily create or purchase separately, readers learn how these teachings apply to their own lives and respond to the questions they bring to the oracle.

A New Oracle of Kabbalah is grounded in traditional and mystical Judaism. At the same time, Seidman incorporates writings and teachings from a variety of religious and cultural paths to provide perspective on the materials. The result is a book that is deeply Jewish but not narrowly so.

208 pages, Paperback

First published September 8, 2015

About the author

Richard Seidman loves to make jokes and, as he puts it, “funny business.” He says that’s one of the main reasons he enjoys writing – to amuse himself and children (and also the big children that are called “grown-ups”).

For Richard, funny business is a way to love life, and it’s also a way to transform sorrows. His ancestors, their hearts full of stories and hopes, fled to the U.S. from Poland and Ukraine in the early part of the twentieth century. Forty years later, Richard was born in Brooklyn, New York.

When he was growing up, playing games and sports and reading were the main things he enjoyed, and they’re still the main things he enjoys today! 


Richard wound up in Portland, Oregon where in 1989 he founded the nonprofit tree-planting group, Friends of Trees. In 1996, he was honored as a “Community Hero” for his role as the group’s founder and carried the Olympic torch in its national relay.

In 2001, St. Martin’s Press published his nonfiction book for adults, The Oracle of Kabbalah: Mystical Teachings of the Hebrew Letters. Richard will be releasing a revised edition, The New Oracle of Kabbalah, in fall of 2014.

He’s a member of SCBWI, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and a founding member of a local children’s book writing critique group. He’s also the editor and compiler of a nonfiction children’s book published by Benchmark Education, I Am Deaf and I Dance: A Memoir.

In the fall of 2013, after training in the martial arts for eighteen years, Richard earned a black belt in Shotokan Karate.

He now lives in Ashland, Oregon with his wife, Rachael. For more information about Richard and his books for children, visit www.richardseidman.com.

Reviews

[Jimetria Davila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great beginner book!

Loved how simple and basic the information is. I made flash cards and will continue my study of the Hebrew letters and their spiritual power.

[Steve Gambino]

Herein you will find gold on every page.