The Shambhala Guide to Kabbalah and Jewish Mysticism

by Perle Besserman

Jewish mystics from biblical times to the present have explored the hidden secrets of the Torah in quest of a single to lose the self in the Infinite "No-thingness" (Ein Sof) and be at one with God. In language accessible to the layperson, this Shambhala Guide provides a detailed introduction to the complex world of Kabbalah and Jewish mysticism. With an extensive background in meditation practice, Perle Besserman emphasizes Kabbalah's spiritual disciplines, grounded in righteous living, devotional practices, and meditation. She discusses the Kabbalistic universe, including the four worlds and ten sefirot; Jewish meditation techniques and instructions for beginning meditation; mystics and teachers from Rabbi Akiva and the Baal Shem Tov to Aryeh Kaplan; the often uneasy relationship between Kabbalah and mainstream Judaism; and applying the ancient wisdom of Jewish mysticism to life in the world of today.

Genres: Religion, Jewish, Spirituality, Philosophy, History, Nonfiction

176 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1978

About the author

Also writes as Perle Epstein

Reviews

[Ivan Granger · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent, pocket-sized collection of poems, prayers, sayings, and stories from Jewish traditions throughout Europe and the Middle East. Selections from the Zohar, the Baal Shem Tov, Martin Buber, Abraham Abulafia, Levi Yitzchak of Berditchov, and many more. Strongly recommended.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the cutest books in existence. My bible before I read the Bible.

[Celea · Rating 4 out of 5]

An robust and easily understood introduction to Kabballah. Despite its modest size of 146 pages, this piece is filled to the brim with information, and information expertly conveyed at that. I've given up and circled around the topic of Kabballah repeatedly because less skilled authors made it all seem so complicated. Ms. Besserman however, made the rich mystic history of the Jewish people easier to follow, and admire. My copy is a bit bent from reading it at work, although that seems appropriate seeing as how my copy will continue to be well-loved and reached for as my studies continue. Thank you.

[Jordon Gyarmathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was alright. I feel like it went very deep into very specific methods of achieving spiritual heights, then backed up into the history, with lack of a linear layout. I also think the ideas being spoken about are much too abstract to write about in plain prose and I wish more graphics and direct quotes were used. I think perspectives from practicing Kabbalists would help as well. Maybe Kabbalah just isn't my thing and I am a poor reader, but I did not love this read.

[Ari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Besserman offers a fair breadth of Jewish mystical writings (Kabbalists to Hasidim and more) in a small, easy to pack for travel edition. My only drawback is that she doesn't give the original source references (other than author's name), so unless you know where to look, finding the quote in the original can be tough.

[Melissa Farley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a thorough, but sterile, historical account of the evolution of Jewish Mysticism. It read mostly like a text book from a college course and seems perhaps better suited for people with scholarly interests in Kabbalah rather than personal interest in practice. The epilogue was the only part where I felt I connected with the author in any meaningful way.

[Michael Norwitz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Epstein's slim volume offers a history of mystical Judaism, touching on its most noted personages, and offers an account of their various beliefs. This is NOT a guidebook to Jewish mystical thinking or meditation in itself. The prose is a bit dry, but it offers a good overview and possibly an introduction for those who'd want to learn more.

[Jeffrey N. Hora · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointed by this book. Series of excerpts roughly organized by "topic", but no real educational narrative to help understand Jewish mysticism. I don't finish reading it as I didn't find it helpful

[Serepta Hawthorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wanted to know more about Kabbalah for knowledge's sake and found this book an enlightening read.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some wonderful quotes from rabbis and Jewish thinkers, such as Martin Buber.

[Anna Rae · Rating 3 out of 5]

this is a collection of orally passed down stories. i guess i like it not because i am looking for some familiarity with my religion as a child, but because we too tell stories like this. they are great stories and have "good morals" and some are also twisted. also, i always was teased with this notion that there was this mystical/magical part of my religion (and i still don't believe in g0d) but i was not let into the secret library. currently, i am trying to find the library.

WHERE IS IT?!

[Less_cunning · Rating 5 out of 5]

decent introduction to the Kabbalah & it is a fairly short-read. a good "further-reading" bibliographie section. helped me learn a lot. i could see someone describing this book as topical or a general overview of the Kabbalah & Jewish Mysticism but i think that would be inaccurate & reductive. for those new to the Kabbalah--as i am--this book is a good demystifying 1st step towards seeking greater knowledge. & it is up to you to do so...

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good little anthology that perhaps would have been made richer by employing a wider range of sources/translations. Still, much food for thought and contemplation.