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The Essential Kabbalah: The Heart of Jewish Mysticism [ABRIDGED] (Audio Cassette)

~ Daniel Chanan Matt (Author), Edward Asner (Narrator)
4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)

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Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Here is the Kabbalah in all its beauty, presented with poetic nuances, exotic imagery and bold innovation. The translator provides insightful accounts of the primary aspects of Jewish mysticism, including the radical transcendence of God, the ten divine attributes and the feminine aspect of God. 2 cassettes.


Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Hebrew --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Product Details

  • Audio Cassette
  • Publisher: Audio Literature; Abridged edition (April 1998)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1574530348
  • ISBN-13: 978-1574530346
  • Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 4.8 x 0.8 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
  • Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,462,681 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

14 Reviews
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Average Customer Review
4.4 out of 5 stars (14 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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38 of 39 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars a great place to start, November 8, 2000
This review is from: The Essential Kabbalah: The Heart of Jewish Mysticism (Paperback)
This is the first book that I ever read on the Kabbalah and I would recommend it as the best starting place to anyone who is interested in the subject. The reason I recommend it over Major Trends in Jewish Mysticism (by Gershom Scholem, arguably the most important and influential scholar in this area) is because this book gets the reader directly in touch with the texts (and, thanks to the commentary, the meanings derived from them) that make up what has come to be known as "Kabbalah."

Matt divides his book into sections by topic and each entry contains an excerpt from a text that fits the particular topic. The introduction contains a brief essay on the development of the Kabbalah; in the back of the book is a commentary on each passage, helping the reader to understand aspects, meanings, and references in the texts that otherwise may have not been understood.

Highly enriching.

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31 of 32 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars Basic, but a bit too shallow, July 5, 2000
This review is from: The Essential Kabbalah: The Heart of Jewish Mysticism (Paperback)
Many people recommend this text as an introduction to the Kabbalah. I tend to agree, simply because this book was written with beginners in mind. For example, all of the footnotes to the texts are NOT marked on the actual text. Rather, they appear in the back of the book. Daniel Matt does this in order to comfort the beginner, but I find it hinders more than it helps.

Probably the best thing about this text is the beautiful poetry Matt utilizes. Translations are never quite the same as the original, but Matt sacrifices more of the literal meaning than most. However, the poetry is very nice. Particularly noteworthy is "The Creation of God," which I fell in love with on the first read.

For the casual student, this is a good beginner text. But for those who really want to know more about the Kabbalah, try other authors such as Gershom Scholem, Howard Schwartz, and Aryah Wineman.

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22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful survey of traditional Kabbalah, July 27, 1997
By A Customer
This review is from: The Essential Kabbalah: The Heart of Jewish Mysticism (Paperback)
Daniel C. Matt's compilation is an excellent sampling of traditional kabbalistic writings, covering a wide variety of topics in the "tradition." As a survey, it is remarkable; its translations are poetic and beautiful. However, the span of writing it covers is widely scattered, historically speaking; writings are grouped by topic, unrelated to chronology; if you're looking for a historical perspective on Kabbalah, this isn't likely to be your cup of tea. As an introductory text, though, it will provide those interested in Kabbalah's philosophy and symbolism a good survey of paths to strike out on for further investigation
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars excellent text, worn more than expected though
I knew the price was cheap and the seller noted a few "marks" on the pages, but it was quite yellowed and was hilighted through the first few chapters. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Lisbeth West

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent for opening one's mind from a spiritual perspective
This book is excellent in opening the mind to positive human potentialities. Sure, it is a great introduction to Kabbalah and getting "close to God" from a Jewish perspective and... Read more
Published 14 months ago by Joseph Oppenheim

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful cross section, that scintillates the Whole
This small book is a wonderful cross-section of some of Kabbalah's most important writings. Containing sections of the cornerstones of mystical Judaism, including those giants:... Read more
Published 17 months ago by Theophilus

5.0 out of 5 stars Important contribution to nondual Judaism
I'm interested in the nondual expression contained in this book. Nonduality is the teaching that there is no separation from God, Self, or Truth. Read more
Published on September 5, 2007 by Jerry Katz

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book
Daniel Matt did an excellent job in writing The Essential Kabbalah. The book opened many doors of my imagination and also many other doors of my rational mind. Read more
Published on March 10, 2007 by Lee Patton

5.0 out of 5 stars Touched by Fire!!

In the book of Jeremiah the prophet said that his experience of God was just like Fire Shut up in his bones. Read more
Published on February 18, 2006 by Deremiah, *CPE/Customer Passio...

5.0 out of 5 stars Call to the personal infinite
The book Essential Kabbalah, compiled by Daniel Matt, is a wonderful basic introduction to a very mysterious and often overlooked mystical practice. Read more
Published on November 13, 2005 by FrKurt Messick

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent overview of this form of mysticism.
Daniel Matt has presented the essential principles of the Kabbalah in a very straightforward way. His introduction and notes help give substance to the text. Read more
Published on March 22, 2004 by M. Chlanda

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Read For Learners
I first heard about the art of Kabbalah through celebrities such as Madonna and Demi Moore. I figured if it touched some of the shallowest people in the world, I might as well... Read more
Published on February 28, 2004 by Alvin Bhuggoo

3.0 out of 5 stars A good starter book about Kabbalah
One of the better books I've read on Kabbalah. The author shares some insight into the study of the deaper meanings of the Bible. Read more
Published on August 16, 2000 by A. J. Valasek

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