Book recommendations: Jewish Mysticism

[Reenk Roink]

Mods: This isn't meant to be a religious topic.

Anyone know of a really solid introductory book on Jewish Mysticism? It was one of the classes I really wanted to take but I could never fit it into my schedule. Normally I'd just go to the textbook list of the class for a good idea but unfortunately the course uses 7 books and a coursepack in a very specialized and structured curriculum... :juggle2:

Also it seems that what I am most interested in, which is an in depth history of Jewish Mysticism and a very detailed guide to the beliefs and philosophies, was the stuff that was gathered into the coursepack and the rituals and emphasis on the Zohar and Ehyeh was left to the books listed. :shrug:

So essentially what I'm looking for is a strong introductory book that focuses on the history and beliefs. I've seen some shorter introductions, but I prefer something detailed and scholarly, full of references and with a good bibliography.

Edit: Just to let you know, I have a pretty basic understanding of Judaism as a whole, nothing great, so I'm not looking for a really specialized work here. I am used to these types of dense books though, so I'd be willing to put in the effort.

[Hooahguy]

Hoo-boy.
Jewish Mysticism.
In general, only really advanced Talmudic scholars learn this subject, and they are usually very cautious about teaching others about the stuff, so most of the books, to my knowledge, are written by those who dont really know the stuff. But who knows? I could be wrong.
But regardless, I know a very prominent rabbi and I will ask him for his recommendations.

Also, check this out: http://www.amazon.com/Encyclopedia-Jewish-Myth-Magic-Mysticism/dp/0738709050/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1279244525&sr=8-3

I dont know if this is what you are looking for but it seems like a good starting point.

[Hax]

Isn't Kaballah a form of Jewish numerology/mysticism? I've got a couple of books on that, I could look 'em up somewhere.

[Reenk Roink]

Hoo-boy.
Jewish Mysticism.
In general, only really advanced Talmudic scholars learn this subject, and they are usually very cautious about teaching others about the stuff, so most of the books, to my knowledge, are written by those who dont really know the stuff. But who knows? I could be wrong.
But regardless, I know a very prominent rabbi and I will ask him for his recommendations.

Also, check this out: http://www.amazon.com/Encyclopedia-Jewish-Myth-Magic-Mysticism/dp/0738709050/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1279244525&sr=8-3

I dont know if this is what you are looking for but it seems like a good starting point.

Yeah, I'm definitely trying to avoid one of the fad treatments out there; I want a serious study rooted in the "orthodox" teachings if I can use such a term. That amazon book looks nice as a supplement with information of rituals and practices to what I'm looking for, and it's pretty cheap, so thanks. :beam:

I also looked through Amazon and got some ideas. Major Trends in Jewish Mysticism by Gershom Gerhard Scholem looks promising, if a somewhat sober treatment, hopefully it is not looking at it from a secular or outside perspective though, not that those books don't sometimes have their value, but I don't think they should be the first book to be read at all on this topic.

You're right that the best works are locked away in Hebrew and accessible in language and understanding by the most learned scholars, I just hope to get a better understanding of the Mystic tradition of Judaism. :yes:

[Hooahguy]

Isn't Kaballah a form of Jewish numerology/mysticism? I've got a couple of books on that, I could look 'em up somewhere.

It is, and as said before, its not advisable to study Kaballah without a very strong understanding of the Talmud and other Jewish texts, due to how easy it is to misunderstand the Kaballah.