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Title: On the Mystical Shape of the Godhead : Basic Concepts in the Kabbalah by Gershom Scholem ISBN: 0-8052-1081-4 Publisher: Schocken Books Pub. Date: 25 February, 1997 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $15.00 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.75 (4 reviews)
Rating: 5
Summary: A must read!
Comment: Gershom Scholem presents a clear and well-researched study on Kabbalah. The book is a fascinating read, and I could hardly put it aside until I finished it. After having been confronted with all kinds of occult and paganized ideas on Kabbalah, this book is very refreshing.
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.
Rating: 4
Summary: Historically Revealing and Informative
Comment: This is an important text for those studying Kabbalah. It covers the most basic tenents from a historical point of view, while delving fairly deep into their concepts. What I really like about this book is that it covers the many different secular beliefs that abound today as well as where these different systems found their origins. After reading this book, I understand that much like Christianity, different Kabbalists have various beliefs and interpretations of the Bible. After reading the chapter on what the Kabbalist is looking for in a Tsaddik, or righteous one, I'm surprised that more of them are not Christians. As I was reading this text, I couldn't help but think of numerous N.T. scriptures that were nearly identical to their beliefs. Take a look at this book, I think you'll agree.
Rating: 5
Summary: basic spirituality
Comment: I enjoy the material in this book by Herr Doktor Gershom Scholem (1897-1982). Despite the title, I did not find the concepts introduced in "On the Mystical Shape of the Godhead" at all basic. The concepts presented include (i) imageless worship of GOD, (ii) good and evil, (iii) the role of the mystic in a religious community, (iv) the personification and hypostasis of GOD's presence in the world, and (v) the uniqueness of our individual spirit (principium individuantis). These are concepts which Herr Doktor Scholem introduced in his landmark book, "Origins of the Kabbalah". Here they are recapitualated in greater detail. The basic conceptual and methodological problem presented in this book is summarised in the forward by Mr Joseph Dan, "an essentially Jungian approach and Kabbalistic approach to the subjects presented by Scholem in this book may converge and present a united front against the historical analysis written by the scholar" Each chapter contributed to my spiritual relationship. My favourite is the second chapter, "Good and Evil in the Kabbalah". One of the ideas I found interesting in this chapter was the idea that good and evil both originate in GOD's creation. "Evil, however one conceives of it, is thus regarded as an entity deliberately created by GOD." (p57). The second idea with which I found resonance was that, as someone interested in maintaining a spiritual commitment, my most important task is to cultivate, maintain and strengthen my contact with spiritual reality. (p69) For me, this is a remarkable book which helps me to grow spiritually. If you are interested in the historical development of "basic" concepts in the Kabbalah, or in contributing to your spiritual development, this book will be interesting to you.
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Title: On the Kabbalah and its Symbolism by Gershom Scholem ISBN: 0805210512 Publisher: Schocken Books Pub. Date: 30 January, 1996 List Price(USD): $13.00 |
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Title: Zohar: The Book of Splendor : Basic Readings from the Kabbalah by Gershom Scholem ISBN: 0805210342 Publisher: Schocken Books Pub. Date: 07 February, 1995 List Price(USD): $12.00 |
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Title: Kabbalah by Gershom Scholem, Gershon Scholem ISBN: 0452010071 Publisher: New American Library Pub. Date: September, 1987 List Price(USD): $18.00 |
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Title: Major Trends in Jewish Mysticism by Gershom Scholem ISBN: 0805210423 Publisher: Schocken Books Pub. Date: 02 May, 1995 List Price(USD): $16.95 |
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Title: Origins of the Kabbalah by Gershom Gerhard Scholem, Allan Arkush ISBN: 0691020477 Publisher: Princeton Univ Pr Pub. Date: 01 January, 1991 List Price(USD): $24.95 |
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