Jewish Mysticism and the Spiritual Life

Leading scholars and teachers share their favorite texts of the Jewish mystical tradition-many available in English for the first time-and explore why these materials are meaningful and relevant to us today.

In this unique volume, some of Judaism's most insightful contemporary thinkers bring the words of sages past to bear on the present. They explore how we can become closer to God through our relationships with others, our observance at home and our actions in the world, asking:

• What do mitzvot have to do with mysticism?
• Is spirituality selfish?
• Can mysticism enhance community?

Organized thematically, each section focuses on how mysticism engages and complements the dimensions of religious life, including studying Torah, performing mitzvot and observing halakhah.

Contributors:

Yehonatan Chipman ? Mimi Feigelson ? Lawrence Fine ? Eitan Fishbane ? Michael Fishbane ? Nancy Flam ? Everett Gendler ? Joel Hecker ? Shai Held ? Melila Hellner-Eshed ? Barry W. Holtz ? Jeremy Kalmanofsky ? Judith A. Kates ? Lawrence Kushner ? Ebn Leader ? Shaul Magid ? Ron Margolin ? Daniel Matt ? Haviva Pedaya ? Nehemia Polen ? Neal and Carol Rose ? Or N. Rose ? Zalman Schachter-Shalomi ? Jonathan P. Slater ? Gordon Tucker ? Sheila Peltz Weinberg ? Chava Weissler

"A dazzling collection that displays the concerns and insights that animate the [mystical and Hasidic] texts and traditions?. A spiritual feast of religious meaning for those who enter its pages."
-Rabbi David Ellenson, PhD, president, Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion

"An illuminating and often moving collection that reflects the breadth and depth of contemporary interest in these texts as guides to Jewish spirituality and practice in our time."
-Avivah Gottlieb Zornberg, author, The Murmuring Deep: Reflections on the Biblical
Unconscious

"A landmark collection that deserves to be read and reread. The diverse insights draw the seeker into the wisdom of Judaism in a way that may draw them into the community of practice as well."
-Rabbi Rami Shapiro, author, Hasidic Tales: Annotated & Explained and Ecclesiastes: Annotated & Explained

"Illuminates and probes deeply in multiple fields while speaking to engaged spiritual seekers and scholars. Studded with gems, often overflowing with learning and insights. All who want to grow spiritually, live more deeply, to both connect to tradition and renew it will find something to nurture their souls in this book."
-Rabbi Irving Greenberg, founding president, Jewish Life Network; founding president, Clal: The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership

"An orchard of spiritual pomegranates, tended by some of today's most gifted Jewish scholars. A delight to read."
-Jay Michaelson, author, Everything Is God: The Radical Path of Nondual Judaism and God in Your Body: Kabbalah, Mindfulness and Embodied Spiritual Practice