Customer Reviews

The Encyclopedia of Jewish Myth, Magic and Mysticism

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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.

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!

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.

This is a wonderful referencing book. It explains things straight to the point but in terms that anyone would understand. Though it is an encyclopedia it is a very readable book. It is certainly a book that you can sit down pick a topic anywhere in the book and read for quite some time. When you reference a topic; it will also redirect and cross reference you to other related topics within the same book so that your explanation, description and understanding of the topic is expanded even further. I highly recommend this title.

I find this book to be not only a fabulous resource for research but a truly inspirational one as well. It is thoughtfully researched and beautifully written. It opens many spiritual doors with clear, accessible descriptions and allows the reader to look more deeply through intratextual links and excellent, accurate primary source references. A must have for anyone interested in Judaism, Jewish mysticism and symbology.

I bought THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF JEWISH MYTH, MAGIC,AND MYSTICISM as a reference tool.

It's in alphabetical order so it's very easy to locate any word I want to look up.

I find some of the definitions to be intriguing and relevant for a wide audience of potential readers.

Some of the most influential Rabbis are included in the listings.

Here are some of the definitions that Rabbi Dennis covers in this encyclopedia-
Magen David-Gad-Ephod-Targum-Names of God-Magic-Nazarites.

There is a Bibliography and a Quick Reference Glossary of Frequently Used Terms. The glossary defines words like "Midrash", "Gloss",and "Aggadah".

This book can be a useful resource even for those of us that don't practice kabbala.

It blew me and my wife away to realize how much of modern Myth comes from the Jewish culture. When we read the Bible, we see the that the Old Testament Jewish people constantly had problems following false gods and idols. Well this book is like an encyclopedia of these characters. For example, Lilth who appears in modern story lines as teh Queen of the vampires, Mother Earth, ect...first appeared in the Jewish Mythology. Plus this book contains many demons, angels, and other stuff, O.T. demi-gods, and even Cain and every major player in the Torah.