On the Mystical Shape of the Godhead: Basic Concepts in the Kabbalah (Mysticism & Kabbalah) (Paperback)

But in addition, I was pleasantly surprised to find that "Godhead" was not only clear and readable about reincarnation, it also explained basic concepts like the astral body, the Tzaddik, Shekhinah, soul groups, reincarnation, etc. more openly than in any of his better-known works.

While Scholem had mentioned the existence of Jewish reincarnation teachings in such works as "Kabbalah" and "Sabbetai Zevi," it was only in passing, and he did not go into any depth there about how reincarnation works, or how central it is to the kabbalistic understanding of the universe. In "Godhead," he does.

In the chapter on "The Righteous One" (Tzaddik), he also explains the Jewish equivalent of "soul groups," i.e., how souls are connected to a particular Tzaddik (holy teacher), who, in turn, is connected to a higher soul group that is, in turn, connected to the mystical "body" of Adam Kadmon, the archetypal soul of all humanity. This is, of course, a central concept within Hasidism, which draws many of its teachings from kabbalah..

The accessibility of this book is also due to the excellent translation by Joachim Neugroschel, who uses more "new age" English terms, such as correctly translating "tselem" as "astral body" instead of "image," which makes the book and its concepts accessible to modern readers. But the difference between this and earlier Scholem works goes beyond that. As Joseph Dan explains in the introduction to "Godhead," many of Scholem's first lectures focused on the problems mystics encountered within mainstream Judaism. So, for example, in "On The Kabbalah and its Symbolism," a great deal of space is devoted to discussing theological conflicts between kabbalists and mainstream Judaism as to how they understood the Torah, etc.. (I found myself wondering if this focus in his early works was partly due to Scholem's own struggle to see his field accepted in the world of academe.)

In "Godhead," however, we read a series of lectures where Scholem has moved beyond the apologetics, to present us with basic concepts of kabbalah in a confident, straightforward manner. The same level of careful academic scholarship is there, to be sure, but the focus is not on convincing us that kabbalah is something worth studying. Rather, it is on helping us to understand how our souls were created, how they reincarnate, and how they complete their "tikkun" (soul repair), within a Jewish context.

This book immediately became my favorite among the Scholem books, and I highly recommend it to any serious student of reincarnation studies or kabbalah. I find myself returning to it again and again.

The chapter on Shi'ur Komah (measure of height) shows how the Transcendent God becomes personal and knowable. It also explains how the Kabbalists perceived man to be made in G-d's image. The language of Shi'ur Komah is very anthropomorphic, while G-d's absolute transcendental being is not compromised. The second chapter, about Sitra Ahra (Other Side), explains the various views of how evil arose and what it is. The role of human beings is discussed as is the role of the Sefiroth. In particular the role of the Sefirah Din and the influence of human beings on it are discussed at some length.
The third chapter explains the role of the hasid and the tsaddik. How the role that each played changed and how the tsaddik becomes related to the Sefirah Yesod, and it's function as the source of all souls. Also discussed is the harmony the tsaddik brings and his role in creation.
he fourth chapter deals with shekinah. Scholem shows that originally there was no specific feminine nature atributed to it. He goes on to show how the idea of femininity developed in Kabbalah, and how the Shekinah relates to G-d and human beings. Also discussed is the relationship of Shekinah and the Sefiroth. Very interesting was the explanation of how human actions influence Shekinah to become active instead of merely passive in certain Kabbalists.
The fifth chapter speaks of gilgul. It is a very fascinating chapter. Not just the origins of reincarnation in Judaism is discussed, but also the varied concepts of the soul that go along with it. Scholem shows how certain elements of Kabbalist gilgul are highly original and creative. Much attention is given to the 'soul-sparks' and their redemption. Also interresting was the idea that gilgul reflects the inner workings of the sefirothic world.
The final chapter explains the concept of tselem. Scholem traces it's historic origins to Neo-Platonist influence and early Iranian influence. He shows how these two were given a creative synthesis in Kabbalah and what role it plays in Kabbalist mysticism. Tselem is that which makes a person this person, and seeing ones tselem can activate propheticism. Tselem also has the role of a guardian angel of sorts.

Not being Jewish myself, but an Eastern Orthodox Christian, I must say that this book of Gershom scholem is very helpful in understanding Kabbalah as a Jewish, and not a pagan-occult, phenomenon. The book will assist a non-Jew in gaining a more sympathetic and above all a more correct understanding of Jewish Mysticism. As an Eastern Orthodox I must say that several times Kabbalah and our own Mysticial tradition come very near each other, even though they also widely diverge.

It is a must read for those misinformed by Dione Fortune's fables, and a must read for anyone interrested in Kabbalah.