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Jewish philosophy is often presented as an addendum to Jewish religion rather than as a rich and varied tradition in its own right, but the History of Jewish Philosophy explores the entire scope and variety of Jewish philosophy from philosophical interpretations of the Bible right up to contemporary Jewish feminist and postmodernist thought. The links between Jewish philosophy and its wider cultural context are stressed, building up a comprehensive and historically sensitive view of Jewish philosophy and its place in the development of philosophy as a whole. Includes: · Detailed discussions of the most important Jewish philosophers and philosophical movements · Descriptions of the social and cultural contexts in which Jewish philosophical thought developed throughout the centuries · Contributions by 35 leading scholars in the field, from Britain, Canada, Israel and the US · Detailed and extensive bibliographies

Jewish mysticism is quite popular by way of books, lectures, and classes to teach this esoteric subject. The student suddenly confronts a world with a unique language and great masters who use obscure language so that the concepts are confusing amidst the different schools of Kabalistic thought and traditions. Prior to 1700, all such teaching was done from master to student, with intentional obscurities so that the student today faces many challenges in comprehending this discipline. This review, quoting from original sources, is designed to provide a basic and foundational structure from which the student can appreciate both the 'why' of Kabbalism and the 'how' they got there. The premise is that God created our physical universe for a reason, and the revelations on Mount Sinai was deliberate. The Kabbalist understood the hidden from the apparent so that open texts was suddenly imbued with meaning never apparent from the text itself. The book review the major contributors to Kabbalah while reviewing the mystic concepts they contributed. Different schools of thought emerged over time so that different modalities of Kabbalah are present today. These reviews are based on Theoretical Kabbalah, so that intention (Kavanah) during prayer and even during mundane acts throughout the day are imbued with Kabbalistic intention. The book does not review Practical Kabbalah, where incantations, amulets, and similar acts are done to enhance positive energy. I do include the vignette of Rabbi Abraham Abulafia, a major proponent of this form of Kabbalah. In 1760, following the leadership and death of the Baal Shem Tov, the teaching of Kabbalah was opened to the lay public, setting aside the hidden curtain existing previously. Why the sudden change after thousands of years when this discipline was clandestine and not revealed openly? The answer lies with a mystic experience the Baal Shem Tov had with the Messiah who charged him with such open teaching before he would arrive. That charge is the central pivot upon which these teachings turn. The book's sections are divided into separate reviews to enable the student to review them more easily. The first section is on concepts; the second on personalities and the challenges they faced in their lives. It is common for great leaders not to dwell on their challenges in life, so it is especially important for posterity to be aware that their lives were often beset by great difficulties. Two vignettes review persons who were killed because of their beliefs. One was Rabbi Shlomo Molcho, a man who challenged both the reigning pope and secular emperor to accept their proper roles in life. In doing so, he was arrested and burned to death for his beliefs. When offered clemency if he reverted to the Christian faith, he refused, dying a martyr’s death. The other person who died in this horrific manner was a child of twelve years. Ines Esteban, whose family became conversos in Spain’s remote Extremadura. Hailed as a prophetess by the region’s conversos, she was arrested by the Inquisition, tortured and was burned at the stake in August 1500. The story of her leadership in the face of relentless religious persecution and her resolute refusal to become a Christian penitent is remarkable given her youth, her leadership and her individual role – she had no other to support her in this terrible time. She stood alone, without mentor or fellow mystic, though her father and stepmother fully supported her. I find it fitting and proper to dedicate this book to this remarkable young woman. Other Kabbalists through the ages also experienced great personal trials in life. Their collective leadership provides much detail to ponder their roles and teachings. It is hoped the student will have much opportunity to reflect on when studying this subject.

REL This new volume in Rabbi Ronald H. Isaacs's 'Every Person's Guide to...' series is precisely what the title claims it to be. It describes not philosophy in its narrow meaning but the general principles of Jewish religion as well as some philosophical issues expressed in the religious writings or derived from the theological doctrines. Notable for its inclusiveness, this work starts from biblical philosophical or para-philosophical ideas and continues in chronological order to explicate the main views of Jewish theologian-philosophers through the ages, right up to Emil Fackenheim. At the end, the basic premises of different branches of Judaism are described, with the notable absence of secular Judaism, political philosophy, and the different factions of Zionism. Several philosophers have been excluded, e.g., Emanuel Levinas and Yehuda Alkalai, though some of the omitted philosophers are included in the 'Glossary of Philosophic Terms.' The book lacks scholarly apparatus, but it can serve as a guide for beginners studying Jewish philosophy and for undergraduates both as an introductory and reference work. Hayim Y. Sheynin, Gratz Coll. Lib., Melrose Park, PA-

Containing the proceedings of the convention...

The Holy Books of Yahweh stands as a monumental anthology that traverses the vast landscapes of Judaic scholarship, philosophy, and poetry. The collection delineates an extraordinary range of literary styles - from the mystical to the historical, encapsulating the profundity of Jewish thought and experience. It not only celebrates the diversity within Jewish literary tradition but also underscores the thematic threads of faith, tradition, and intellectual inquiry. Standout pieces within the anthology exemplify the harmonious blend of ancient wisdom with medieval scholarship, offering readers a comprehensive glimpse into the Jewish intellectual heritage. The contributing authors Louis Ginzberg, Heinrich Graetz, Judah Halevi, Moses Maimonides, Samuel Rapaport, Simeon Singer, Nurho de Manhar, and Abraham Cohen are luminaries whose works have significantly shaped Jewish thought and culture. Their collective contributions reflect the multifaceted nature of Jewish literature, spanning mystical interpretations, historical narratives, ethical discourses, and poetic musings. Each author's unique background, whether rooted in theology, historiography, or philosophy, converges to create a rich tapestry that aligns with and enhances our understanding of key Jewish principles and narratives. The Holy Books of Yahweh presents an unparalleled opportunity for readers to dive into the depths of Jewish theological and philosophical thought. By encompassing a breadth of perspectives and themes, the anthology invites a scholarly exploration that promises not only educational value but also a profound engagement with the enduring questions of human existence as seen through the Judaic lens. For anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of Jewish culture, history, and religion, this collection serves as an essential and enlightening companion, fostering a dialogue between the seminal works of Jewish scholarship and the modern reader.