The Way: Using the Wisdom of Kabbalah for Spiritual Transformation and Fulfillment (Paperback)

by Michael Berg (Author) "Can a person's nature be changed by words on a page?..." (more)
Key Phrases: kabbalistic perspective, kabbalistic teaching, great kabbalists, Light of the Creator, Baal Shem Tov, Rabbi Luria (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Berg, the editor-in-chief of Kabbalah magazine, offers a readable introduction into what he claims is the universal mystical tradition. The Kabbalah is replete with modern analogies (even Vince Lombardi!) and is written in an intelligent style expressly designed to appeal to the broadest possible audience. However, Berg overreaches with the claim that "Kabbalah is the birthright of all humanity. It does not belong to any religion or ethnic group." Unless God desires everyone to be Jewish (which Judaism has always rejected), it is disingenuous to say that "The Way" is "for literally everyone in the world" and then proceed to refer exclusively to Jewish texts, prayers, heroes and holidays and the mysterious power of Hebrew and Hebrew alone. Berg's "way" has much in common with other mystical traditions, particularly reincarnation and meditation. "Love thy neighbor" may be "the secret of living in accordance with Kabbalah," but it is hardly a monopoly. Ironically, the path outlined here is reminiscent of St. Paul's ancient Christian missions to the pagans. St. Paul eliminated Jewish ritual observance and made the religion palatable to the uninitiated winning countless converts to a new tradition, but alienating observant Jews. Characterizing the Sabbath as "one day just to sit back and cruise, if that's what we really want to do" may win the hearts of Santana and Madonna, but it will likely leave serious Jewish mystics cringing.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review
"This book will inspire your soul. Michael Berg has accomplished the momumental task of translating the eternal truths of life into spiritual common sense. Without a doubt, The Way will become one of the sacred texts of your own life."--Caroline Myss, Ph.D., New York Times bestselling author of Anatomy of the Spirit

"The Way reveals the beauty and the practicality of Kabbalah -- buy this book and read it, now."--Sandra Bernhard

"The simple and practical wisdom I have gained by reading this book and studying Kabbalah is immeasurable."--Madonna

"Michael Berg brilliantly shares Kabbalah's profound spiritual laws and ancient wisdom in a simple way that can help us improve the quality of our lives -- in many ways."--Roseanne --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Wiley (August 19, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471228796
• ISBN-13: 978-0471228790
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (49 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #28,125 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #8 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Bible & Other Sacred Texts > Sacred Writings > Kabbalah
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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

80 of 87 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Book That Reveals The Light and Makes You Want To Share It, August 26, 2001

By	Writers Group Reviews (New York, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Way: Using the Wisdom of Kabbalah for Spiritual Transformation and Fulfillment (Hardcover)

This book is an incredible book. If you were ever curious about Kabbalah this book is the answer. Michael Berg provides the reader with a clear interpretation of the meaning of Kabbalah, the meaning and purpose of life, and practical steps toward transformation. However, by no means should a reader look to Kabbalah as some kind of magic nor should a reader expect instant transformation. True transformation takes understanding, patience, time and a lot of work. Nevertheless, after reading this book one will realize that Kabbalah is a philosophy of truth and when studied will provide its students with a purpose in this world. There are a lot of Kabbalah books on the market today yet only a handful are worth the read. Michael Berg's contribution fills a void. He avoids an academic approach and goes directly to the heart, beauty and meaning of Kabbalah without getting bogged down in ecsoteric meanings, terms and definitions. Buy this book, put it in your personal library and return to it on a periodic basis. Let this book be the springboard on your way to personal and in turn to global transformation. Please note that this reviewer is in no way affiliated with the Kabbalah Center. In fact, this reviewer has some misgivings about the center which thrives by selling fairly expensive courses and products. For those serious students, stick to their free information on their website Kabbalah.com and another website called Kabbalah-web.org.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Way: Using the Wisdom of Kabbalah, August 25, 2001

By	"indianad" (Boca Raton) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Way: Using the Wisdom of Kabbalah for Spiritual Transformation and Fulfillment (Hardcover)

I've studied Kabbalah for 6 years. I could not put this book down. It puts everything I studied together. The amazing thing is that it is an introductory book and is a good entry into the path of Kabbalah for anyone.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars practical spirituality...finally!!!!, August 20, 2001

By	"jenniferzilberstein" (Miami Beach, FL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Way: Using the Wisdom of Kabbalah for Spiritual Transformation and Fulfillment (Hardcover)

I can truly say that my life was changed by this unbelievable book! Michael Berg took the intangible and made it tangible. After reading this book I feel that I have practical tools to use to change and grow- not just mystical concepts that seem irrelevant in my daily life. I hope I dont have to wait too long for the next book that I am sure will continue to blow my mind!