Path of the Kabbalah

Path of the Kabbalah by David Sheinkin is an EXCELLENT starter book for anyone just starting on their kabbalistic path. The author covers the basics of Sacred Metaphysics to Meditative Exercises. I simply cannot say enough good things about this little book :).

I have an older edition of this book and I must say it is one of the most easy-to-understand books on the subject. I love the explanation of the sections of Genesis (in the Bible) as it compares to the original Torah and why changes were made. It answers those questions that us Non-Jewish had, that our priests and ministers couldn't answer,as to why there seems to be contradictions (which really don't exist) between the different verses. It may not be the most complete book on the subject but it will enlighten you more than a lot of the newer books on the subject.

There are a lot of books out there purporting to be able to explain the ancient Jewish mystical teachings called the "Kabbalah" (which means "what has been receievd" in Hebrew). This is a MUST READ for both beginners and advanaced students alike. He describes the concepts of the Kabbalah using basic Jewish "building blocks" of understanding of Hebrew language, theology, Biblical teachings, and Gemmatria. I have not seen any other book which has described Kabbalah in such fine, short, and direct detail as this one does. There is a practical level to this teaching, as well, which David Sheinken provides in developing basic meditations based on these teachings. The source for Sheinken's material is well founded on accepted ancient Jewish teachings from the Midrash, Torah, Oral Tradition (Talmud) and various Jewish commentators. His own teacher was the late Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan, who is well regarded in the Orthodox Jewish community, and has himself written extensively on this subject before his untimely death. I highly recommend this book...read it before reading any other..or listening to any other lecture on the subject. It will clarify the entire subject regarding Kabbalah to the reader in a short, concise, and direct "to the point" format.

If you're tired of "you just have to believe it" or "you can't ask those question" while you ponder the questions of God and the Universe you'll find comfort in this book. While it deals with God and science, it feels neither religious or scientific, yet also is both. For someone who comes to it knowling nothing, the presentation communicated with beauty and ease of understanding. While you are given an amazing number of previously elusive answers, you are left inspired to know more. WHile I have delved into the books he suggested as well as others, this remains the most affecting core read. I immediately gave 4 copies away and look forward to discussing the subject with those friends when they are done with the book. Having spent the last 6 years in the Bible Belt it is especially refreshing.

Kaballah is infamous for being cryptic and hard to understand but David Sheinkin actually makes it all make sense. He is able to logically unify science and the torah so as they are actually consistent with each other. Wonderful!!! This is a wonderful introduction to Jewish Mysticism. Gotta read it, and you dont have to be religious to like it.