The 72 Names of God: Technology for the Soul [Hardcover]

Yehuda Berg (Author)

Book Description

Series: Technology for the Soul | Publication Date: February 9, 2004

The power of The 72 Names of God operates strictly on a soul level, not a physical one. It's about spirituality, not religiosity. Instead of being limited by the differences that divide people, the wisdom of the Names transcends humanity's age-old quarrels and belief systems to deal with one common bond that unifies all people and nations as one — the human soul.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

The 72 names of God were originally decoded from letters found in a biblical passage describing Moses' miraculous parting of the Red Sea. Rabbi Yehuda Berg translates these 72 names into familiar spiritual concepts, and shows readers how to these names can be useful creeds on the journey toward enlightenment. He explains that "the mystical power of the Hebrew letters that parted those waters can likewise part whatever Red Sea now confronts you in your own life." The letters may be ancient, but Berg's names read like modern catchphrases: "Angelic Influences," "Soul Mate," "Dumping Depression," and "Sexual Energy." Each one gets its own elegantly designed chapter and high impact graphic. Like most Kabbalah teachers, Berg emphasizes the importance of taming ego. Yet Berg also discusses how to keep the ego in check while still attaining sexual satisfaction and prosperity—tricky, but possible. With its stylized presentation and contemporary language, this makes a unique and inviting book on the Kabbalah. --Gail Hudson

From Publishers Weekly

This self-help book from Rabbi Berg (The Power of Kabbalah) draws upon the "72 names" of God mentioned in the Kabbalah to empower individuals to embrace life more fully. Berg says that when Moses experienced his do-or-die moment on the shores of the Red Sea, God spoke to the Israelites in three verses as recorded in the Book of Exodus-each verse consisting of 72 Hebrew letters. Encoded in those letters was the "technology" the Israelites needed to escape the situation on their own, without further divine assistance. Berg writes that contemporary seekers can also tap into this power and energy by learning about, and calling upon, the 72 names of God. The book can be shallow, particularly in its proof-texting of both Kabbalah and the findings of modern scientists to demonstrate "uncanny congruencies between astrophysics and Kabbalah concerning Creation," or its rapid-fire determination to whiz through each name in a single page. Although the device of using the 72 names is a refreshing addition to self-help literature, the end result is the same: the book offers individuals a relatively quick and painless way to achieve joy, financial prosperity, sexual fulfillment and spiritual enlightenment. The real star here is not the writing but the layout; rarely has a Kabbalah book been so easy on the eyes. Trendy designs, chic photographs and illustrations, and even a little comic-book-style graphic art enhance the book and maintain reader interest.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 215 pages
• Publisher: Kabbalah Publishing; 1St Edition edition (February 9, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1571891358
• ISBN-13: 979-1578913588
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 8.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (55 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #196,392 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #14 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Judaism > Mysticism
  • #76 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Bible & Other Sacred Texts > Jewish Texts > Kabbalah

More About the Author

A bestselling author and luminary authority on Kabbalah, Yehuda Berg is part of a long line of kabbalistic masters, and the son of Rav and Karen Berg. In 2007, recognized by Newsweek as "the world's leading authority on the Kabbalah movement," the magazine named him as one of the top five rabbis in the United States.

In 2009, GQ magazine's The Gentlemen's Fund honored him for being an Agent of Change in the field of Education. A progressive voice on spirituality, Yehuda is a prolific author of more than 30 books on topics ranging from self-empowerment, depression, sex, and the Bible.

His bestsellers are The Power or Kabbalah and The 72 Names of God, which have been translated into 20 and 14 languages respectively. His daily and weekly Tune-Ups are sent to more than 200,000 fans, and he contributes regularly to Huffington Post.

Yehuda speaks internationally visiting small cites like Indianapolis as well as European, Asian, and Latin American metropolis such as Barcelona, Manila, and Sau Paulo. He teaches thousands of people including dignitaries, celebrities, and prisoners, and believes strongly in the power of human consciousness as a means to create personal and global change. Utilizing Kabbalah as a wisdom of transformation, he simply delivers deep and complex concepts in a way that is applicable to daily life.

Yehuda is co-director of Kabbalah Centre International, Inc. Founded in 1922, KCI is a non-for-profit organization leading the way to bringing Kabbalah to everyone who wants to learn. As co-director, Yehuda develops programs for more than 20 Centres and 50 study groups, oversees teacher training, and directs Kabbalah Publishing. Yehuda lives in Los Angeles with his wife and five children.

For more on Yehuda:

FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/yehuda.berg?ref=ts

TWITTER: @YehudaBerg

WEBSITE: www.yehudaberg.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The 72 Names-- A Critical Review, August 24, 2006

By 

Andre Lawrence (Miami, Florida) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The 72 Names of God: Technology for the Soul (Hardcover)

The 72 Names of God--A Critical Review

This is a paradox for me. This is an important book (which is why I'm reviewing it) but I'm also disturbed by the economic intentions of its producers.

This is a glossy and contemporary coffee-table book. The subject matter, however, shouldn't be presented in a way that would lead anyone to think this is some kind of fad.

I think its main producer (not author) makes several interesting and true statements about how one should approach these Names. One point he unashamedly makes is that it is for everyone (regardless of one's philosophical and behavioral disposition.) I absolutely disagree as have so many credible Kabbalists throughout the past (estimated) 1800 years.

The reason for this is that these "Names" are attached to gates, "forces" that are attracted when one employs the necessary visualization and contemplative techniques. To be sure, this book presupposes that one has some familiarity with the three different types of meditation: visualization, contemplative and verbal.

There's also the interpretation of a few of the Names that is quite controversial. There are varying beliefs about the afterlife within Judaism and especially with the topic of communing with the dead. When this book first came out several years ago, I was one of the first ones to purchase it. I sent Rabbi Berg and The Kabbalah Center an email questioning the interpretation of a Name that allows for necromancy. Their curt response left a lot to be desired.

Apart from these concerns, these are, in fact, the Names that Kabbalists have maintained are the Names for Creation. Many of the Names use the same letters, and are only distinguished by permutation and the expectation that one brings.

This is not a book for everyone. One must attempt to live an upstanding life or the appeals may result in the influences from the Other Side.

51 of 61 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting, March 24, 2004

By 

H. R. Trigg "howietUK" (Swindon, Wilts United Kingdom) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The 72 Names of God: Technology for the Soul (Hardcover)

Its very difficult to review a book like this. Personal opinion comes into play more than if I was reviewing a cd or a dvd!

Followers of Kabbalah believe that each of the 72 names of G-d relates specifically to an area of your life. (The names were hidden in code in the Torah). It is said that Hebrew / Aramaic was the orginal language spoken by all of mankind (until the Tower of Babel) and whilst we cannot understand the 'names', our souls recognize the letters. (Kabbalah believes strongly in re-incarnation.) Therefore, by meditating on the names, you soul connects with the 'light' and dependant on the name you 'scanned', depends on the improvement you will make in your life.
This book is essentially a 'tool' to enable you to make the connection.
The book is presented beautifully, more like a fashionable coffee table book than a 'spiritual' tool. Some people will have problems with this, but the reality is, this is the 21st Century, and its no doubt a necesesity~in this day and age. How do you want it presented?
A introduction to Kabbalah is included, an explanation of what you are doing, a description of each letter (one name per page) and what to 'think' about whilst meditating on each letter. (Which is important to me as I have difificulty relaxing my mind and trying not to plan my shopping list whilst trying!)

But.... does it actually work?
Well, I am a student of Kabbalah, and I do scan the letters on a regualr basis. Since doing so, I have certainly become more succesful in work, more positive, and happier. Is it as a direct result of this book? I dont know. Is it a result of Kabbalah - yes, definately. Thats either because it's real, or simply because the tools I have learnt have made me a more positive person, like self-help. (What I believe isn't important here)
Whatever reason YOU think, either way its a good thing. So what have you got to lose!!!

38 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pleasantly Surprised...!, July 21, 2003

By 

Sabrina (Studio City, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The 72 Names of God: Technology for the Soul (Hardcover)

I consider myself a rational, thinking, well-read individual. I've read a lot of self-helpish, new agey books, but I'm also quite experienced in the ancient, old world wisdoms as well. After reading the introductory pages ..., I was so impressed, astonished and moved that I had to buy this book. What I discovered in this book was an amazing revelation, and while it took three or four read-throughs before it really sunk in, no other book as so powerfully changed my life. Slowly but surely I am reversing the negative effects of time, stress, regret and ego on my life, and its all thanks to Yehuda Berg and his ability to share this wisdom.