Amazon.com Review
The Mystic Quest by David S. Ariel may be the most accessible and sophisticated introduction to Jewish mysticism available. Ariel starts by comparing Jewish mysticism to Christian mystical traditions, drawing on writers such as William James and Sigmund Freud to define his terms. He then provides a history of Jewish mysticism, starting with Ezekiel’s vision of the chariot and working up to the present day, with special attention to the ways that kabbalah has influenced mainstream Judaism. (One notable detail is that Lekha Dodi, or “Come, My Beloved,” the Friday-evening prayer, is a hymn to the kabbalist-derived feminine dimension of God.) In the book’s concluding chapters, Ariel gives practical advice about how contemporary Jews can cultivate mystical spirituality. By demonstrating the pervasive mystical dimension of Jewish culture, Ariel gives his Jewish readers the great gift of enlarging their understanding of what they already know, enabling them to find new revelation in the religion that has always guided them. –Michael Joseph Gross
From Library Journal
Ariel discusses the nature, history, character, and principles of Jewish mysticism. He also details number symbolism, reference to the feminine aspect of God, the idea of Torah as God’s emanation, destiny of the soul, religious life of the mystic, and modern Jewish mysticism. The book is useful for general readers and specialists, but it does not oversimplify. It is an excellent, comprehensive study. Highly recommended for seminary and academic libraries; large public libraries should consider.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
“The Mystic Quest is a marvelous book that presents Jewish mysticism in a way that is both accessible and exciting. Readers seeking an insight into the life of the Jewish spirit will find that Ariel is a reliable guide, and a very engaging companion.”
— Rabbi David Wolpe, author of Healer of Shattered Hearts
“Ariel’s brilliant study is the first comprehensive history of Jewish mysticism to make its ideas accessible to the nonspecialist. Readers, Jewish or non-Jewish, with an interest in mysticism will find much knowledge here.”
— Publishers Weekly
“Tightly focused and studded with insights….A welcome contribution to the study of Jewish mystical thought and praxis.”
— Religious Studies Review
“David Ariel reveals the secrets of the Kabbalah with masterful clarity….This book will surprise and enlighten many readers, as it guides them through the puzzling and profound world of Jewish mysticism.”
— Daniel Matt, Graduate Theological Union
From the Inside Flap
uest is a lucid, accessible introduction to the esoteric mystical tradition in Judaism known as Kabbalah.
Jewish mysticism is a rich and varied tradition of secret teachings and practices that has been a part of Judaism since antiquity. Ariel locates the Jewish mystical tradition within the context of Jewish history and traces its evolution throughout the ages, concluding with the role of mysticism in contemporary Judaism.
David S. Ariel is president of the Cleveland College of Jewish Studies.
From the Back Cover
“David Ariel reveals the secrets of the Kabbalah with masterful clarity. . . . This book will surprise and enlighten many readers, as it guides them through the puzzling and profound world of Jewish mysticism.”
–Daniel Matt, author of The Essential Kabbalah
About the Author
David S. Ariel is president of the Cleveland College of Jewish Studies. He is the author of What Do Jews Believe? and Spiritual Judaism.
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