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The Essential Kabbalah: The Heart of Jewish Mysticism

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This is the first book that I ever read on the Kabbalah and I would recommend it as the best starting place to anyone who is interested in the subject. The reason I recommend it over Major Trends in Jewish Mysticism (by Gershom Scholem, arguably the most important and influential scholar in this area) is because this book gets the reader directly in touch with the texts (and, thanks to the commentary, the meanings derived from them) that make up what has come to be known as "Kabbalah."

Matt divides his book into sections by topic and each entry contains an excerpt from a text that fits the particular topic. The introduction contains a brief essay on the development of the Kabbalah; in the back of the book is a commentary on each passage, helping the reader to understand aspects, meanings, and references in the texts that otherwise may have not been understood.

Highly enriching.

Many people recommend this text as an introduction to the Kabbalah. I tend to agree, simply because this book was written with beginners in mind. For example, all of the footnotes to the texts are NOT marked on the actual text. Rather, they appear in the back of the book. Daniel Matt does this in order to comfort the beginner, but I find it hinders more than it helps.

Probably the best thing about this text is the beautiful poetry Matt utilizes. Translations are never quite the same as the original, but Matt sacrifices more of the literal meaning than most. However, the poetry is very nice. Particularly noteworthy is "The Creation of God," which I fell in love with on the first read.

For the casual student, this is a good beginner text. But for those who really want to know more about the Kabbalah, try other authors such as Gershom Scholem, Howard Schwartz, and Aryah Wineman.

Daniel C. Matt's compilation is an excellent sampling of traditional kabbalistic writings, covering a wide variety of topics in the "tradition." As a survey, it is remarkable; its translations are poetic and beautiful. However, the span of writing it covers is widely scattered, historically speaking; writings are grouped by topic, unrelated to chronology; if you're looking for a historical perspective on Kabbalah, this isn't likely to be your cup of tea. As an introductory text, though, it will provide those interested in Kabbalah's philosophy and symbolism a good survey of paths to strike out on for further investigation

The book Essential Kabbalah, compiled by Daniel Matt, is a wonderful basic introduction to a very mysterious and often overlooked mystical practice. So often in popular (and even educated) opinion, Judaism of old was considered legalistic and pedantic; however, the Kabbalistic practices introduced here helped to keep alive a true tradition of spirituality through Judaism (more heavily influencing Sephardic Judaism than others).

According to Prof. Lawrence Fine (one of my professors when he and I were at Indiana University): 'Kabbalah is a mystical tradition filled with radiance, vitality, and spiritual depth. [In Matt's book] we catch a glimpse of the sparks of diving life about which the kabbalists speak.'

'Those who persevere in this wisdom find that when they ponder these teachings many times, knowledge grows within them--an increase of essence. The search always leads to something new.'

Kabbalah has often been a secret, or restricted, knowledge. Some have likened it to a gnostic framework. Some kabbalists would not teach, or indeed even discuss, kabbalistic knowledge and practice with anyone under forty years of age.

'Other requirements included high moral standards, prior rabbinic learning, being married, and mental and emotional stability. The point is not to keep people away from Kabbalah, but to protect them.'

The tendency for people to get lost in spirituality, essentially to get lost in the vastness of God to be found deep within themselves, has been noted in almost every spirituality of maturity throughout history. And many has been the false prophet who entices the unwary and uninitiated into mystical territory only to abandon them there.

The similarity of some practice of Kabbalah and other mystical traditions can be seen in this passage on mental attachment:

'In meditation, everything depends on thought. If your thought becomes attached to any created thing--even something unseen or spiritual, higher than any earthly creature, it is as if you were bowing down to an idol on your hands and knees.'

Kabbalistic practices have not been restricted to Jewish practitioners, either (and I'm not talking about Madonna's recent excursion into the territory). Italian humanist Mirandola found great love for the Latin translation of Kabbalah during the Renaissance, and laid a foundation for a 'Christian' kabbalistic literature, expanded by Johannes Reuchlin and Knorr von Rosenroth (who in turn influenced the likes of Leibniz, Lessing, Swedenborg, and Blake).

Kabbalah, translated from Hebrew, means 'receiving' or 'that which is received'. Kabbalah combines philosophical principles and divine instructions, heavily influenced by Talmud and Torah, infused with a heavy dose of feminine-God imagery, to explore the mysteries of human relationship with God as both father and mother, Lord and lover. There is the tradition that 'Kabbalah conveys our original nature: the unbounded awareness of Adam and Eve.'

Around 1280, Moses de Leon of Spain began circulating literature, based on earlier uncompiled teachings, that merged with other materials into the Zohar, the book of radiance, now considered the canonical text of kabbalistic literature. The Zohar concentrates on the aspects of God in personal naming and attribute (a God-with-us) and the Ein Sof, the endless or infinite (a transcendent God). The Ein Sof incorporates the negative theology of Maimonides:

'The description of God by means of negations is the correct description--a description that is not affected by an indulgence in facile language....With every increase in the negations regarding God, you come nearer to the apprehensions of God.'

Kabbalah heavily influenced Hasidism, an eighteenth century Jewish revivalist movement. Imagery of sparks and fire are prominent in Hasidic teaching and lore; this comes often from kabbalistic texts.

Most of the passages in Matt's book are from the Zohar, translated anew by Matt.

I first heard about the art of Kabbalah through celebrities such as Madonna and Demi Moore. I figured if it touched some of the shallowest people in the world, I might as well learn about its background. This essential guide to the ancient Jewish mysticism of Kabbalah is complete and concise for beginning learners of the faith. Daniel C. Matt separates the book into various sections dealing with one particular topic accompanied by an excerpt from the text with signifance to that topic. The book also expresses deep thought into beliefs discussed in the Torah/Old Testament which I found to be helpful and engaging. Overall, I recommend this book to anyone interested in the faith of Kabbalah. It's simply a great read!

In the book of Jeremiah the prophet said that his experience of God was just like Fire Shut up in his bones. Author Daniel Matt, nails some interesting Jewish content that reveals how the Kabbalists were touched by Fire and moved by exuberance. Their love for deep spiritual experience is unlike anything I've ever seen or read about before.

"The Essential Kabbalah" is wonderfully written with great foundational principles and some strong historical references pointing to the Torah. The section of the book I really enjoyed was at the beginning under Ein Sof where it talks in depth about the qualities of God. The symbolisim is quite amazing as it talks in depth about the Shekinah Glory of God. The kabbalist were very radical, motivated by a passion that touches the soul deep with in. If you're interested in learning about some of the hidden secrets of ancient Rabbis then let Daniel Matt show you how to unfold that history and the complex symbols that are present. I really enjoyed the book and it was very well written too.

Your Servant, Deremiah, *CPE

I'm interested in the nondual expression contained in this book. Nonduality is the teaching that there is no separation from God, Self, or Truth. Nonduality is most openly revealed within the traditions of Buddhism and Hinduism (Advaita Vedanta). However, nondual teachings are found in all major religious traditions.

In Judaism, nonduality is expressed explicitly in the Kabbalah. Daniel C. Matt's treatment of nonduality is uncompromising: "Do not say, 'This is a stone and not God.' God forbid! Rather, all existence is God, and the stone is a thing pervaded by divinity."

The book hands the reader instruction in nondual practice: "Think of yourself as Ayin (nothingness) and forget yourself totally."

This book is an important contribution to a popular nondual Judaism. For a present day view of nondual Judaism for the people, the works of Jay Michaelson and Rabbi Rami Shapiro could be consulted. Michael Laitman expresses the nondual truth of Kabbalah very clearly; he has videos on YouTube.

Jerry Katz

The Kabbalah requires a great deal of contemplation upon messages hidden in its pages. In Mr. Matt's abridged version, we are given many things to ponder. However, not having read the Kabbalah in its entirety, one has to wonder if essential elements to understanding are missing. This title makes for short reading, and for those uninitiated, probably end up more confused than when you started. I would suggest for those who are beginning their investigation into Jewish mysticism, an annotated work would be more helpful

This jewish Kabbalah extract is powerful in it's imagery, requiring repeated studies for the novice. A practical means to use the information related in this book is likely a matter for personal spiritual discernment. I purchased this book as the first of many to be read concerning the cross-cultural significance and application of all books entitled "Kabbalah". Seeking some answers and a more complete understanding of the history of spiritual man, the steward of man and the creator of man, this book was a good first choice, but it's so concise, I feel that meditation is the only way to fully appreciate what this book may offer the reader. It may be that implementing a plan of meditation upon the contents of this book will open up what has been called the akoshic records (the entirety of knowledge) to the adept.

Essential Kabbalah is a concise survey of Kabbalistic philosophy, meditation, and practice. Matt expertly explores the depths of Kabbalah and provides immediate accessibility to its gems. I have read this book several times, own three copies, and use it as a textbook for my apprentices. I highly recommend it. As always, purchasing through Amazon.com was easy and fast. I have yet to come across an Amazon merchant who does not utilize optimal shipping providers.