A New Kabbalah for Women

by Perle Besserman

The red it graces the wrists of numerous celebrities--from Madonna to Britney Spears--who have converted to Kabbalah. But what is Kabbalah and how can women apply it to their own lives? In A New Kabbalah for Women , bestselling author Perle Besserman shares a feminine approach to Kabbalah. Since the time of Moses, Jewish mysticism has been barred to women, and the feminine side of God has been forced underground. Now, many women are adapting traditional practices in radical new ways. Besserman is at the forefront of this revolution. Combining Kabbalistic practices with meditation and memoir, Besserman walks readers through step-by-step rituals to find their own personal connections to the divine.

Genres: Nonfiction, Judaism, Feminism

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Also writes as Perle Epstein

Reviews

[Mollie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reminiscent of Eat, Pray, Love except a more academic exploration and not so self-indulgent. Lots of great Hasidic stories and tidbits and pre-judeo-christian stuff showing their overlap with Judaism.

[Elizabeth Good · Rating 4 out of 5]

DNF---& I don't generally rate nor review books that I don't finish, but sometimes I do. My sense was this was a really great book about the feminist aspects of Jewish mysticism and the rampant misogyny which hides it from us. I had wanted a simpler, more "how to" book and she does have some meditations, but her explanations, for me, were missing something indefinable which I needed. I kept going back to it over months, picking it up and always found something good though. But after a couple of years, I am finally admitting I am done. So I still give it 4 stars, as she is great self-revealing writer with truly excellent insight, humor, fabulous research/history, and fascinating stories. I will be donating this to my Temple's great library for others to enjoy! :-)

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A concise history of the misogynist founders and teachers of Kabbalah told from a Jewish feminist's experienced perspective. Some meditation exercises are concluded. Notes and bibliography complete this book which I found highly informative and easy to read. Recommended for Jewish feminists and seekers of the history of the Jewish mystical practice of Kabbalah as well as those who are curious about how the Jewish goddesses became relegated to a female aspect of Yahweh.

[Holly Trowbridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really interesting as it takes a feminist perspective on ancient Kabbalah practice which began in the 12th and 13th centuries in Spain and France. I loved how the author brought together the sexist history and how women can practice and be included today.

[4sowas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perle Besserman is a wonder. I did not learn a lot more about Kabbalah in this book, but about where women fit in Jewish Law and Jewish Mysticism. A good read with hilarious anecdotes from her own life this is definitely worth it. I highly recommend any books I have read by this author.