Jewish Mysticism has flourished, sometimes brilliantly, sometimes darkly, for over five thousand years. Yet today its teachings are still little understood, even among Jews. In Kabbalah, Perle Epstein offers a lively and accessible introduction to this intriguing world, its methods, schools, and practitioners. She traces the history of Kabbalah through the lives of its illustrious scholars and saints, and unravels the web of ancient traditions hidden in texts such as the Sefer Yetzirah and the Zohar. The words of outstanding Kabbalists ring through these pages including Simeon bar Yohai, Isaac Luria, Abraham Abulafia, and the Baal Shem Tov, giving instructions on practices ranging from contemplation of the Bible's secret teachings to ritual. This book conveys an authentic Jewish spirit as she reveals the way of enlightenment according to Kabbalah. A descendant of the Baal Shem Tov, Perle Epstein, Ph.D., has published several books and numerous articles on mysticism and other topics.
by Perle Epstein