The Anointed

There do not seem to be very many kabbalistic novels in the market place. I appreciated The Anointed for being one of them. We are again treated to another facet of the Inquisition and the mindset which supported it. In and of itself, this is not a pretty picture and somewhat upsetting because I see that mindset still all too prevalent. To the extent that The Anointed accurately portrays the Inquisition mindset there is some useful history here. The author understands his characters, showing the author's depth of insight. Once again we are shown the underlying unity of life and the price sometimes paid by those who had the courage to not only teach it, but demonstrate it. I found this to be a rich little book which gets closer to the essence, spirit and non-exclusive truth of Judaism. Not only is it possible to "rise" above the distinctions and differences which divide humanity, this book demonstrates that it is possible to have the compassion and understanding necessary to support all of humanity's unfoldment regardless of circumstance. I wish there were more kabbalistic novels because these rich teachings are, in my opinion, more easily conveyed and demonstrated.

I first read this book way back in '87 or somewhere around that, when I was living in London (it was published by Arkana) and seriously beginning to study Esoteric ways.Since I was born a Protestant,went to Catholic school, was a regular at my Jewish friends' observed days and am now a Witch, (a real religious "Heinz57"!) ,I feel entitled to understand and really empathize with Don Immanuel and his friends. Their travails in a very diffiult time, when regardless of your faith you were persecuted, especially in Spain where the Inquisition had reached the apex of it's dreaded actions, read like the best of suspense novels. Religion IS in this book, but really it's a story of humanity, and how respecting each other's choices is in fact a way of life, and overcoming adversities together - even forbidden love.So even if religion or esoterism isn't you, I recommend it to you anyway :-)oh and BTW,I'm ordering my 4th copy : the others were borrowed and never made it back to me.

This book stimulates me every time I read it, set in the Spain of the Inquisition the central character is a Jew with enough humanity and vision to work for understanding and tolerance between religious communities of his day. In the troubled world around him, Moors, Jews and Christians scheme and fight one another. In the peaceful and self-aware space around Don Immanuel people are able to listen to their consciences and live in a fulfilled way. The forces that according to Halevi shape mankind's destiny mobilise and move inexorably towards cyclic completion as Intolerance meets Reason in a grand drama where one alone can hold true to the highest standards of conduct. Mankind's honour is upheld and the Axis of the Age completes his task, though he loses his own life. The book stimulates a courageous facing up to a world where good and evil struggle, and is a must for any esoteric/fourth way/mystical enthusiasts

A fascinating novel about a group of Jewish, Sufi, and Christian mystics practicing amidst the terror and prejudice of the Spanish Inquisition of the late fifteenth century