Customer Reviews

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

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"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.

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.

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.

Although Compact, this little book, when studied, is for someone who wishes to obtain an overall summary of Judaism, and what its fundamental beliefs are. It is concise, to the point, and will leave you with an in-depth insight into the way Judaism works, and every major detail from belief in G-d, how prophecy works, what is judaism's perspective on man, life-purpose, resurrection, re-incarnation, as well as holidays and prayer.

Although simple in its form. Its an analysis is straight to the depth of Judaism, and although probably one of Luzzato's less complicated works, still can be a powerful tool in realising your potential. The work is written for a Jewish audience, and some-one new to Judaism, will find the beginning sections mediocre, but methodical. converts to Judaism might find the book intense but helpful, but it is best to study this book with a Competant Orthodox Rabbi.

the Torah Classics Library is a Feldheim best. They bring classical works to the non-Hebrew speaking public. This is worth every cent, and remains one of my best books. For those entering into Kiruv (outreach), this is *the* book to get, it answers all the fundamental questions that baal-teshuvas ask, clearly and concisely. The beauty is that it is a classical work, written by one of the greatest Jewish kabbalists (Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzato - the Ramchal - 16th Century) and Talmudists of his age, and perhaps even all time !!

Aryeh Kaplan in his introduction to this volume says that Ramchal's 'The Way of God' is one of the few works, along with that of Saadia Gaon's and Yosef Albo's that present a systematic exposition of the principles of Judaism. He says that the Ramchal was a thinker who connected everything with everything else.
He also tells his life story, and its tragic ending of a plague in Acre in the Holy Land at the age of thirty- nine. This after he has gone from his native Italy where as a young man he wrote his great works, and then to Amsterdam and to the Holy Land.
This work is less known than his Musar Sefer 'Mesilat Yesharim' which is a fundamental treatise in most Yeshivot in learning Jewish ethics.
But this work has a very clear and orderly presentation of principles. The Hebrew text is on one side, and Kaplan's English translation on another. And it makes for an attractive volume.

An example of the Ramchal's teaching follows.
" Our sages also ordained blessings before the observation of various commandments, in order to make them all the more significant. We thus thank God for choosing us and giving us such great means of self- rectification. Through these blessings, the observance is elevated still more.
As a result of the blessing , God also helpsthe individual fulfill the particular commandment completely. For this is the way things operate: Theamount of help that one receives from God depends on the degree to which he motivates himself toward God, whether, itis to a greater or lesser degree. Thisis true with respect to every possible act, whatever it may be.
When one trusts in God, happy is he!

Like my review title says this book will tell you everything Judaism believes from beginning to end and everything in between. It is a must! It's just as important to have as a good Torah to read and study with.

This is an amazing life-changing book. It systemically outlines and details the relationships between heaven and earth and man's mission during (t)his lifetime. It is both inspiring and revealing and answers many questions about the meaning (and goals) of life, of the universe, reward and punishment, and the afterlife.

This book is for anyone who wants to get to the full understanding us humans yearn for day and night, every day, week ,month all our life.

A must buy for anyone who is perplexed andsick of all the 'ultimate theories' put forward by the enterprising fools of the day.

Really!

I'll be brief, as I doubt I could add much to the commentary already wriitn about this book. Suffice it to say that this work is truly excellent. If you're interested the deeper aspects of G_d's interaction with mankind, this is a pretty good place to start.

I was disappointed, It is a useful outline of Jewish practices and traditions - primarily written for Jews (as the Chosen People). I was looking for Jewish Mysticism and Kabbalah. I could not find it here.
Description of a Heaven run like a giant corporation. God is the CEO & delegates to various classes of angels. However he always checks in with them and makes the final decisions. There are lots of rules, harsh justice, and very little love - in this universe.
This is NOT the universe I signed up for! Oh well - back to Nirvana.