From Publishers Weekly
In this charming book filed with wonderful insights, Rabbi Labowitz guides readers nimbly through a considerable thicket of Jewish mystical wisdom. Labowitz focuses his attention on the Tree of Life tradition of Jewish mysticism, and he explores each of the 10 branches of the Tree of Life: Intention, Wisdom, Understanding, Compassion, Strength, Harmony, Success, Glory, Creativity and Nobility. To illuminate this tour, he calls upon references to Buddhist spirituality, feminist lore and Taoist philosophy. Labowitz sets himself a full plate, and his book is often frustrating and confusing, for he mixes metaphors by describing the tree of life as possessing city gates rather than branches. In addition, the purpose of the book is not clear, caught somewhere between a workbook for a spiritual journey and a commentary on the wisdom tradition of the Tree of Life. Even so, Labowitz has written an interesting introduction to some of the most absorbing insights in this Tree of Life tradition.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
An inspirational leader in the Jewish renewal movement, Labowitz applies teachings from the ancient wisdom of the Kabbalah to everyday life by meditating on the lessons borrowed from the mystical "tree of life": intention, wisdom, understanding, compassion, strength, harmony, success, glory, creativity, and nobility. The lessons of each chapter are introduced with a guided meditation intended to deepen the reader's openness to receiving the wisdom of the lesson. Labowitz draws liberally upon the insights of Taoism and Buddhism while remaining true to the traditional teachings of mystical Judaism. All readers, regardless of religious faith, will benefit from this meditative approach to practical living. Recommended for all libraries.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.