Way of God: Derech Hashem (Torah Classics Library) (English and Hebrew Edition) [Hardcover]

Moshe Chaim Luzzatto (Author), Aryeh Kaplan (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: 1981

Explores Divine regulation of the world. With Rabbi Yosef Begun's marginal notes. Vowelized, facing Hebrew and English texts.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English, Hebrew (translation)
Original Language: Hebrew --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 443 pages
• Publisher: Feldheim; 5th edition (1981)
• Language: English, Hebrew
• ISBN-10: 087306769X
• ISBN-13: 978-0873067690
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #677,880 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

45 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Veritable Classic, May 19, 2005

By 

Bu-Chan (Aotearoa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Way of God: Derech Hashem (Torah Classics Library) (English and Hebrew Edition) (Hardcover)

"The Way of God" is not a modern book, but one that has become something of a classic in systematic expositions of Jewish thought from a Kabbalist's viewpoint. Written by Rabbi Luzzatto, a Master of Kabbalah himself, "The Way of God" has become available in English thanks to Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan.

Let me say from the beginning that the book is one of the best introductions to a living faith within a Kabbalist framework that I have read. The book is written in a turn of phrase that is relatively easily understood, which is a welcome change in terms of books connected with Kabbalah sometimes. "The Way of God" presents things in such a way that people can grasp the concepts with some degree of ease. At times, words specific to Kabbalah are used, though these are usually explained in some detail. Luzzatto rarely just assumes something. The book also contains both the Hebrew and English texts side by side.

The book is also very logically and clearly set out in parts that are divided into a few chapters. The parts are:

1. Fundamentals, covering The Creator, Man, Human Responsibility, and more.
2. Providence, covering Providence in General, Individual Providence, How Providence Works, Israel and the Nations, and more.
3. The Soul, Inspiration and Prophecy, with The Soul and Its Influence, Theurgy, The Prophetic Experience, Moses as a Prophet and more.
4. Serving God, with Study of Torah, Love and Fear of God, Prayer, Seasonal Commandments, and more.

Reading this book has also cleared up some issues that I have had from reading other books and been confused about. In this sense, I would agree with another reviewer that the book is "vital". It is indeed a worthy addition to someone seeking insight into Kabbalah.

Some points I felt raised some questions and more issues that are difficult to resolve without further reading on my own part. One in particular is Luzzatto's teaching that nothing happens without God's knowledge or will on this earth, which made me ponder on how this impacts on the tragic history of the Holocaust. While I have not read any Jewish responses to this issue, the book certainly raises some interesting questions that are worth studying.

Just lastly, if you are looking for a starting point in Kabbalah and Jewish thought, "The Way of God" is hard to go past. Despite the expense of getting it, it is worth the extra cost in being far superior to many other books that could leave you more confused. "The Way of God" really does get rid of a lot of the unnecessary complications.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book for both its informative discourse and also the inspiration that it presents to the reader. If you are thinking about it, take my advice: go on! I am sure there will be no regrets.

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Introduction to Classic Kabbalistic Thought, February 15, 2000

By 

R R - See all my reviews

This review is from: Way of God: Derech Hashem (Torah Classics Library) (English and Hebrew Edition) (Hardcover)

When I first began teaching Kabbalah I was looking for an accurate text that we could study from. This wonderful work does exactly that. Originally written by Rabbi Luzzato, a master Kabbalist (d.1746), it was translated into English by Rabbi Kaplan. As is common with Rabbi Kaplan's work, his translation is accurate and flows beautifully reflecting his mastery of the subject.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely essential reading, September 26, 2004

By 

Adamchik (California, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Way of God: Derech Hashem (Torah Classics Library) (English and Hebrew Edition) (Hardcover)

It is hard to think of a more clear-headed introduction to the mechanics of the (Jewish) world than Derech Hashem. I found the author's sweeping, systematic approach electrifying. One of the main assets of the book is its extensive footnotes, through which it is worth to flip back and forth throughout reading.

The discussions of the "Generation of the Separation" and how the Jewish nation has a different relationship with G-d than other nations are priceless. I came upon this book fairly late in my study (i.e. after Torah and Gemara), but am thrilled to have found it. Vitally important.