Customer Reviews

Renewing the Covenant: A Kabbalistic Guide to Jewish Spirituality

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In this, the first of three powerful books on Kabbalah, Leet takes the reader on a deep journey into the mysticism of Judaism. As one who is not Jewish, but deeply interested in the mystic foundations of all paths, I found this book to be a very solid foundation for both Kabbalah and even for Christianity. However, if you are firmly planted in the notion that things should not change, this isn't the book for you. Leet shares her iconoclastic vision of how Judaism can stay relevant into the next century and beyond. Excellent reading.

I have found Ms. Leet's ability to gather the teaching only formerly reserved for men in the strictest sense of the traditions of Judaism past most profound. Her never ending ability to lead one along some of the most amazing threads of thought is unprecedented and more concise than any previous (save for her mentor: R. Aryeh Kaplan). I am not a Jew and I am not a convert to Judaism or for that matter one who considers myself to be connected to any modern day religious order or sect, however I have a love for the study of the Torah and insights of the ancient (and modern) sages of Hebrew literature and teachings. Ms. Leet is among the modern Sages. I hope to have all of the volumes of her set soon in my library, right next to R. Aryeh Kaplan and all the others I have been able to gather (which includes Daniel Matt's wonderful first three volumes of the Zohar...) Who knows, she may yet have more in her heart to pour forth. You better be up on Calculus and Physics for sure!!!

This is a book for Jews. I found a great deal of it incomprehensible, as the author assumes a knowledge in the reader that I doubt many non-Jews would have. Having said that, even though I did not understand much of the book, and gave up two thirds of the way through, I could see that this is a work of deep scholarship. Leonora Leet wrote this book, and the other three in the series, as a labour of love. The culmination of a lifetime's work. The quality of the writing is incredible and serious students of Judaism and Kabbalah are bound to gain from its perusal. I myself learned a great deal about Judaism from it, but the majority of it remained a mystery to me. For someone who is from a Jewish background I am sure that there will be many insights to be gained from this book. I think it is destined to become a classic.