The Encyclopedia of Jewish Myth, Magic & Mysticism: Second Edition (Revised, Expanded) by Dennis, Geoffrey W

Mysticism

The Encyclopedia of Jewish Myth, Magic & Mysticism: Second Edition (Revised, Expanded)

Name: The Encyclopedia of Jewish Myth, Magic & Mysticism: Second Edition (Revised, Expanded)
Price: 37.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.8 (2 reviews)
Author: Dennis, Geoffrey W
ISBN: 9780738745916

Dennis, Geoffrey W

Reader rating

4.8

(1 reviews) 149 sold

$37.00

Editorial score How we rate

In stock

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📚 ABOUT THE BOOK

Unearth the ancient currents of Jewish mysticism and unlock profound spiritual wisdom.

This unparalleled reference work delves into the miraculous and mysterious dimensions of Jewish tradition. Rabbi Geoffrey W. Dennis meticulously explores the esoteric heart of Judaism, offering a comprehensive guide to its myths, magic, and mystical teachings. Drawing from a vast reservoir of sacred texts—including scripture, Talmud, Midrash, and Kabbalah—this expanded second edition presents over a thousand alphabetically organized entries. It's an indispensable resource for anyone seeking to understand the deep, continuous occult tradition that has profoundly shaped Western thought and spirituality, presented with clarity and rich detail.

Key themes

Comprehensive Reference Guide Spiritual Empowerment

Historical context

This work sits at the intersection of Jewish mysticism and Western esoteric history, serving as a modern reference for the ancient currents of Kabbalah and magical tradition. It bridges sacred texts like the Talmud and Midrash with contemporary occult study.

Difficulty

●● Moderate

Fans will love it

Gershom Scholem · Arthur Edward Waite · Israel Regardie

🌌 Mysticism

🏛 Llewellyn Publications 📅 2016 📖 504 pages 📔 Paperback 📐 Paperback ISBN: 9780738745916

Fun fact

Rabbi Dennis has crafted an indispensable guide for navigating the rich, often obscure, world of Jewish myth, magic, and mysticism. This expanded edition excels in meticulous research and accessible presentation, making profound esoteric concepts understandable without sacrificing scholarly rigor. While a treasure trove for deep spiritual insights, those seeking a prescriptive guide to magical practice might be disappointed. It stands as a definitive reference, illuminating the foundational occult tradition that shaped Western esotericism.

📝 Description: The Encyclopedia of Jewish Myth, Magic & Mysticism: Second Edition (Revised, Expanded)

Jewish esotericism is the oldest and most influential continuous occult tradition in the West. Presenting lore that can spiritually enrich your life, this one-of-a-kind encyclopedia is devoted to the esoteric in Judaism--the miraculous and the mysterious. In this second edition, Rabbi Geoffrey W. Dennis has added over thirty new entries and significantly expanded over one hundred other entries, incorporating more knowledge and passages from primary sources. This comprehensive treasury of Jewish teachings, drawn from sources spanning Jewish scripture, the Talmud, the Midrash, the Kabbalah, and other esoteric branches of Judaism, is exhaustively researched yet easy to use. It includes over one thousand alphabetical entries, from Aaron to Zohar Chadesh, with extensive cross-references to related topics and new illustrations throughout. Drawn from the well of a great spiritual tradition, the secret wisdom within these pages will enlighten and empower you.

💎 Expert review

“

💎

Esoterica Books editorial team

Occult literature desk

Dennis delivers a meticulously researched compendium that stands as a definitive reference for Jewish occultism. However, this book does not suit those seeking a linear narrative or personal spiritual autobiography; it is strictly an encyclopedic tool requiring active engagement rather than passive consumption. Readers expecting simplified pop-occultism may find the breadth of source material from scripture and Talmud dense. It is best appreciated by those willing to navigate complex theological intersections. While it lacks the narrative flair of storytelling, its utility as a scholarly and practical guide to Kabbalah and myth is unmatched for serious students of the tradition.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers seeking a comprehensive entry point into the esoteric heart of Judaism will find immense value in this expanded second edition. Whether you are a scholar of religion, a practicing magician, or simply curious about the deep spiritual undercurrents that have shaped Western thought, Dennis provides clarity where others offer obscurity. The alphabetically organized entries make it easy to dive into specific concepts without needing prior expertise. It is an indispensable resource for unlocking profound wisdom from sacred scriptures and Kabbalistic teachings, offering a rich, detailed guide to myths and magic that many other works overlook.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —

⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.8/5

★★★★★

If you're drawn to the enigmatic, curious about Western esotericism's roots, or seeking to deepen spiritual understanding through ancient wisdom, this volume is essential. It's an accessible gateway for newcomers and a valuable resource for experienced students of mysticism alike.

Reader rating

4.8

Based on 1 reviews

Esoterica Books editorial team

Dennis delivers a meticulously researched compendium that stands as a definitive reference for Jewish occultism. However, this book does not suit those seeking a linear narrative or personal spiritual autobiography; it is strictly an encyclopedic tool requiring active engagement rather than passive consumption. Readers expecting simplified pop-occultism may find the breadth of source material from scripture and Talmud dense. It is best appreciated by those willing to navigate complex theological intersections. While it lacks the narrative flair of storytelling, its utility as a scholarly and practical guide to Kabbalah and myth is unmatched for serious students of the tradition.

❓ Frequently asked questions

This second edition is significantly expanded, featuring over thirty entirely new entries and substantial revisions to more than a hundred existing ones. It also incorporates more direct passages from primary sources and new illustrations for enhanced clarity.

Absolutely. While exhaustively researched, its alphabetical format and clear explanations make complex topics approachable. Extensive cross-references guide readers, ensuring even beginners can navigate the rich tapestry of Jewish esoteric thought with ease.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Comprehensive Reference Guide

With over a thousand entries spanning from Aaron to Zohar Chadesh, this revised edition offers an exhaustive A-Z guide. It meticulously compiles information from primary sources like the Talmud, Midrash, and Kabbalah, providing extensive cross-references and new illustrations, making complex subjects accessible and easy to navigate for both novices and seasoned scholars.

Spiritual Empowerment

Beyond mere academic study, this work aims to spiritually enrich and empower its readers. By revealing the secret wisdom embedded within a great spiritual tradition, it offers insights and perspectives that can inspire personal growth and a deeper connection to the divine, drawing from millennia of Jewish mystical thought and practice.

💬 Quotes from the book

“Golem: An animated anthropomorphic being, often created from clay or mud by a cabalist through ritualistic magic and the use of divine names. Its purpose is typically to serve its creator or protect the Jewish community.”

“Sephirot: (plural of sefirah) In Kabbalah, the ten divine emanations of God through which the infinite (Ein Sof) reveals itself and continuously creates both the physical realm and the chain of higher metaphysical realms. Each sefirah represents a distinct attribute or aspect of God.”

📜 Historical context

Jewish esotericism stands as the oldest and most continuously influential occult tradition in the Western world. This encyclopedia meticulously traces its lineage through millennia, drawing from foundational texts like the Torah, Talmud, and the Zohar. It showcases how these mystical currents have shaped not only Jewish thought but also significantly impacted the broader landscape of Western spirituality and magical practices throughout history.

📚 Glossary

Kabbalah
Talmud
Midrash

📔 Questions to reflect on

Reflect on how the concept of "secret wisdom" or "esoteric knowledge" in Judaism connects with or differs from similar traditions you might be familiar with.
Consider an entry that particularly caught your attention. How might its mystical or magical element manifest in a contemporary spiritual practice or understanding?
This book emphasizes the continuous nature of Jewish occult tradition. How does understanding historical continuity influence your perception of modern spiritual movements?