9 1/2 Mystics: The Kabbala Today

Rabbi Herbert Weiner writes in an engaging manner about a personal journey, almost like a travelogue, into the historical, social and spiritual concepts underlying Kabbalistic thought. What I love most about the book is how he intersperses a great deal of historical knowledge in each chapter which makes the ideas come alive. The beauty of the writing is how the sparks of knowledge burn even into these modern times. They can light a fire in today's world. A sound spiritual base is a prerequiste to the building of a meaningful life in a most confusing and chaotic world. The historical basis of the ideas are presented along with the most current expressions of this practice, 1969 at the time it, although the book was updated in 1992. Rabbi Weiner visits synogogues in New York and Israel. The Rabbi visited one of the last living legends of Kabbalistic thinking, an old scholar, S. Setzer, whose specialty was the Zohar. Setzer published articles in a newsletter of old world beliefs and practices from an apartment in New York. The reader is introduced to the unique historical roots and perspectives of the Zohar and its practice in the old world. Proper terminology is used within the spiritual practice to introduce those unfamiliar with the meaning. Rabbi Weiner takes a physical and spiritual journey to Israel where he speaks to eminent authors or their relatives in this field of study. He discusses the perspectives of Martin Buber, Gershom Scholem, and the Bratzlaver and Lubavitcher movements. He shares with us the modern use of the Kabbala in spiritural nonsecular circles that are seeking "self-knowledge". Overall this book brings the subject of the Kabbala to a wider audience. It shows how the concepts and spiritual practices of the past can bring meaning to life and perhaps, personal peace and understanding, to individuals living in a chaotic and confusing world. Most highly recommended. Erika Borsos (erikab93)

This book includes the adventures into Kabbalah by the author. It's a fun read and somewhat enlightening too. He includes some very simple, yet important Kabbalistic principles. It's light, but a fine introduction (or a nice parallel read with other heavier texts) to Kabbalah. It is not an advanced text or practical, definitive instruction. Enjoy.

This is another one of those 20th century classics that I am delighted to see back in print. First published in 1969, it remains an excellent and very readable introduction to Jewish mysticism as practiced by Jews in modern times. I discovered it in the early 1970's and literally wore out my first copy. It was one of the pivotal books in my own personal quest, and remains a favorite today. The "half mystic" in the title is Rabbi Herbert Weiner (Reform), who describes his personal interactions with various Jewish mystics and schools of thought, ranging from the highly academic university professor, Gershom Scholem, to the Breslover Hasidim in Israel, to an eccentric old scholar living in obscurity on East Broadway. There's a fascinating interview with the late Lubovitcher Rebbe (Menachem M. Schneerson) back in the days when he still met with seekers one-to-one, a personal invitation to a Belzer Hasidic wedding celebration, and a dip in the holy mikveh used by 16th-century Rabbi Isaac Luria. Especially interesting are Weiner's experiences among various Hasidic groups in Jerusalem, in a more spiritual time before the "ultra-Orthodox" became so highly politicized. In short, the book is a sort of travelogue through two critical decades, bridging the kabbalah from the last generation to remember the pre-Holocaust world, and into the modern era. For this reason alone, it's a very valuable testimony. But don't get me wrong --- this book is not just history. Weiner's quest is as valid today as it was over 30 years ago. Interwoven with his personal experiences are clear explanations of the teachings, given in the context where he first received them. His quest to unravel the secrets is your quest also. Little by little, the book teaches you about kabbalah in a very practical, down-to-earth way. Highly recommended!

Review of several related streams in the Hassidic tradition of mystic practice. Not a "How to" but does whet one's appetite for the experience.

Purchased this book 8 years ago and had a somewhat stumbling but intrigued read. Re-read 9 & 1/2 this spring and "got it". This book is at the center of my religious/mystical collection now. I rank it more usefull but every bit as engaging as the Carlos Castaneda books. Where author Weiner also descibes the mystical, anthropological, and psychological views of a culture but leaves the reader with a variety of clear thinking tools for every person's everyday use