The Encyclopedia of Jewish Myth, Magic and Mysticism (Paperback)

~ Rabbi Geoffrey W. Dennis (Author)
Key Phrases: princely angel, vocalic value, sectarian priests, Dead Sea Scrolls, Throne of Glory, Middle Ages (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

"An erudite and lively compendium of Jewish magical beliefs, practices, texts, and individuals. This superb comprehensive encyclopedia belongs in every serious library."

-Richard M. Golden, Professor of History and Director of the Jewish Studies Program, University of North Texas, and editor of the Encyclopedia of Witchcraft



"Rabbi Dennis has performed a tremendously important service for both the scholar and the novice in composing a work of concise information about aspects of Judaism unbeknownst to most, and intriguing to all." -Rabbi Gershon Winkler, author of Magic of the Ordinary: Recovering the Shamanic in Judaism



2007 National Jewish Book Award Winner

Runner-Up in the Reference Category



Honorable Mention - Jewish Library Association 2007 Book Awards





Thirty-five Hundred Years of Accumulated Secret Wisdom



"This is a book of husks and sparks, of things lost and then recovered...." So begins Rabbi Geoffrey Dennis in his introduction to this one-of-a-kind encyclopedia devoted to the esoteric in Judaism-the fabulous, the miraculous, and the mysterious. The Encyclopedia of Jewish Myth, Magic, and Mysticism presents "lore that can spiritually enrich the life of anyone, Jewish or not, who wishes to understand the mysteries that underlie our universe."



Jewish esotericism is the oldest and most influential continuous occult tradition in the West. This comprehensive treasury of Jewish teachings and lore drawn from sources spanning Jewish scripture, Talmud, the Midrash, the Kabbalah, and other esoteric branches of Judaism, is exhaustively researched yet easy to use. It includes over one thousand alphabetical entries, from Aaron to Zohar Chadesh, with extensive cross-references to related topics.



The Encyclopedia of Jewish Myth, Magic, and Mysticism includes a complete bibliography and helpful sections such as a quick reference glossary of frequently used terms, notes on Hebrew usage and transliteration, an appendix of illustrations, and a list of abbreviations of traditional sources. For the first time ever, thirty-five hundred years of accumulated secret wisdom, drawn from the wells of a great spiritual tradition, is at your fingertips.

From the Publisher

"An erudite and lively compendium of Jewish magical beliefs, practices, texts, and individuals. Geoffrey Dennis serves up a delicious schmorgesbord of the irrational, demonstrating that Judaism has been and is not only a rational and legalistic monotheism, but also a rich storehouse of magical traditions that Jews often fail to recognize. This superb comprehensive encyclopedia belongs in every serious library." --Richard M. Golden, Professor of History and Director of the Jewish Studies Program, University of North Texas, and editor of the Encyclopedia of Witchcraft: The Western Tradition

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Llewellyn Publications; First American Edition edition (January 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0738709050
• ISBN-13: 978-0738709055
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #45,634 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #19 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > New Age > Reference
  #23 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Bible & Other Sacred Texts > Sacred Writings > Kabbalah
  #24 in	Books > Reference > Encyclopedias > Mythology & Folklore

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful addition to any library, January 5, 2007

By	M. Weiss (Il., USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The Encyclopedia of Jewish Myth, Magic and Mysticism provides a much needed accessible reference resource for the crowded field of Jewish mysticism. Although it is an encyclopedia Rabbi Dennis' book is also an entertaining read. It is scholarly in its approach to the material but clearly written for a wide audience. Anyone who enjoys learning about Judaism, mysticism or magic should own a copy. It is a wonderful resource on its own and an invaluable companion for those who are engaged in deeper study.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A unique encyclopedia devoted entirely to Jewish mysticism and folklore, May 9, 2007

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

Rabbi Geoffrey W. Dennis' THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF JEWISH MYTH, MAGIC AND MYSTICISM provides a unique encyclopedia devoted entirely to Jewish mysticism and folklore. Jewish esotericism is the oldest continuous occult tradition in the West, but this encyclopedia represents the first comprehensive treasury of such teachings drawing from Jewish scripture, Talmud, Kabbalah and other esoteric Judaic branches. Over a thousand alphabetical entries include extensive cross-referenced notes, plus a complete bibliography and glossary of terms.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A very resourceful tool for the Jew and gentile alike, May 14, 2009

By	Preston Mays (Denton, TX USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

If you want to discuss conventional Jewish liturgy, then this might not be the best book to start out with; however, if you want to delve into Jewish mysticism and have no idea where to begin - this book is a great starting point. The book is formatted in a similar fashion to a textbook glossary, but deals with each concept with intricate care and great detail. Whether you want to know the mythological associations between Judaism and Vampirism, the importance of sex in Jewish mysticism, or a detailed analysis into one of the fundamental biblical encounters regarding Ezekiel and the chariot, this book will be great for you.

Geoffery Dennis is a Rabbi at Congregation Kol Ami in Flowermound TX, and teaches classes in the Jewish Studies program at the University of North Texas. Part of the Rabbi's mission, as he addressed during a class, that as a reformed Rabbi, he would like to see Judaism become more accessible to the common person. In addition to his credentials, this attitude is employed to explain the more difficult aspects of Jewish thought and clarifies religious jargon, making it easy for the casual reader. For anyone remotely interested in Jewish literature, this is a MUST HAVE companion!