And They Shall Be One Flesh : on the Language of Mystical Union in Judaism
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And They Shall Be One Flesh : on the Language of Mystical Union in Judaism
Adam Afterman's "And They Shall Be One Flesh" tackles the ambitious task of articulating the ineffable through the lens of Jewish mystical language. The book's strength lies in its meticulous textual exegesis, particularly its nuanced exploration of Hebrew terms used to describe mystical union. Afterman avoids facile generalizations, instead grounding his analysis in specific scriptural and kabbalistic passages. A point of contention might be the density of the academic prose, which at times risks obscuring the experiential core it seeks to illuminate. For instance, the detailed breakdown of the linguistic shifts surrounding the concept of 'devekut' is both illuminating and demanding. Ultimately, Afterman presents a scholarly yet deeply spiritual exploration of how language shapes and reflects the experience of divine closeness.
📝 Description
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Adam Afterman's 2016 book analyzes the Hebrew language used to describe mystical union in Judaism.
Adam Afterman's "And They Shall Be One Flesh" examines the language used to articulate mystical union within Jewish traditions. Published in 2016, the book moves past simple interpretations to show how ecstatic states and divine encounters are expressed through specific Hebrew terms and symbolic systems. Afterman traces the development of these ideas across various Jewish mystical texts and practices. This work offers a scholarly yet accessible introduction to a complex area of Jewish spirituality. It considers how language shapes the experience of closeness to the divine. The study is grounded in detailed textual analysis and historical context.
The book is intended for scholars of religion, especially those focused on Jewish mysticism and comparative spirituality. It will also interest advanced students and practitioners of Kabbalah who want to understand the textual and conceptual foundations of divine union. Readers interested in the philosophy of language, phenomenology, and the history of religious experience will find its interdisciplinary approach useful. Those who value thorough textual analysis and historical grounding will benefit from this study.
This work situates itself within the long history of Kabbalistic studies, building on the academic groundwork laid by scholars like Gershom Scholem. The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw a significant rise in scholarly attention to Jewish mysticism. Following Scholem's influential work, subsequent scholarship diversified, incorporating phenomenological and linguistic perspectives on mystical experience. Afterman's 2016 book engages with this ongoing academic conversation, extending earlier discussions about the nature of mystical language and its role in shaping religious experience.
💡 Why Read This Book?
• Gain an understanding of how specific Hebrew terms like 'devekut' are used in Jewish mystical texts to describe ecstatic union, moving beyond simplistic translations. This offers a precise linguistic tool for interpreting ancient spiritual experiences. • Explore the metaphorical use of marital and sexual imagery in Kabbalah, as detailed in Afterman's analysis, to grasp the intensity and ineffability of divine communion as depicted in texts from the medieval period. • Appreciate the scholarly context of Kabbalistic studies, understanding how Adam Afterman's 2016 work engages with foundational scholarship like that of Gershom Scholem.
⭐ Reader Reviews
Honest opinions from readers who have explored this book.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of "And They Shall Be One Flesh"?
The book focuses on the language and phenomenology of mystical union within Jewish tradition, exploring how concepts of divine encounter are articulated through Hebrew terminology and symbolic frameworks.
Who is Adam Afterman?
Adam Afterman is the author of "And They Shall Be One Flesh," a scholar specializing in Jewish mysticism and comparative spirituality.
When was "And They Shall Be One Flesh" first published?
The book was first published in 2016, positioning it within contemporary academic discourse on Kabbalah.
What is the concept of 'devekut' as discussed in the book?
'Devekut' is a central concept explored in the book, referring to the state of cleaving or attachment to God, and its linguistic and experiential dimensions within Jewish mysticism.
Does the book discuss the historical development of Jewish mysticism?
Yes, the book places its discussion within the historical context of Jewish mysticism, referencing key scholars like Gershom Scholem and the intellectual currents that shaped the field.
What kind of reader would benefit most from this book?
Scholars of religion, advanced students and practitioners of Kabbalah, and those interested in the philosophy of language and phenomenology of religious experience would find this book particularly valuable.
🔮 Key Themes & Symbolism
Linguistic Articulation of Ecstasy
The work meticulously dissects how Hebrew language serves as the primary vehicle for expressing the profound and often ineffable experience of mystical union in Judaism. It moves beyond simple translation to explore the semantic nuances of specific terms, revealing how linguistic choices shape the very understanding and apprehension of divine closeness. Afterman demonstrates that the precise articulation of ecstatic states is not merely descriptive but constitutive of the mystical experience itself within the tradition.
The Phenomenology of Devekut
Central to the book is an in-depth exploration of 'devekut,' the concept of cleaving to God. Afterman examines the subjective experience associated with this state, analyzing how classical Jewish mystical texts describe the phenomenology of divine encounter. This involves understanding the emotional, cognitive, and somatic dimensions reported by mystics, and how these are conveyed through narrative, metaphor, and theological discourse.
Symbolic Language of Union
The book explores the rich symbolic language employed within Jewish mysticism to represent the union between the human and the divine. Afterman pays particular attention to the use of metaphors drawn from marital and sexual relationships. He clarifies that these are not literal accounts but powerful symbolic tools designed to communicate the intensity, intimacy, and transformative nature of the mystical bond.
Historical Trajectory of Mystical Concepts
"And They Shall Be One Flesh" situates its analysis within the historical development of Jewish mystical thought. By tracing the evolution of concepts and language across different periods and texts, Afterman provides a diachronic perspective. This historical grounding allows for an appreciation of how interpretations and expressions of mystical union have transformed, while also highlighting enduring thematic threads.
💬 Memorable Quotes
Direct passages from the work, attributed to the author.
“The Hebrew lexicon of divine encounter.”
— This phrase expresses the book's core project: to analyze the specific vocabulary used in Jewish mystical literature to describe the experience of being close to God.
“Metaphors of the marriage bed as conduits for spiritual truth.”
— This highlights the book's examination of how intimate human relationships are symbolically employed in Kabbalah to articulate the profound connection between the soul and the divine.
“The phenomenological weight of 'devekut'.”
— This points to the book's focus on the lived, subjective experience of 'cleaving to God,' and how this state is understood and expressed within the Jewish mystical tradition.
“Tracing linguistic shifts in ecstatic discourse.”
— This signifies the author's detailed analysis of how the language used to describe mystical experiences has evolved over time within Jewish texts.
“Beyond literal interpretation: the symbolic power of union.”
— This emphasizes the book's argument that symbolic language, particularly concerning human union, is essential for conveying the ineffable nature of divine connection in mysticism.
🌙 Esoteric Significance
Tradition
This work deeply engages with the Kabbalistic tradition within Jewish esotericism. It specifically analyzes the textual expressions of union within this lineage, particularly from the medieval period onwards. Afterman's approach is to situate these esoteric concepts within a rigorous academic framework, bridging the gap between scholarly analysis and the lived experience of mystical practice, thereby clarifying the tradition's internal logic and symbolic language.
Symbolism
Key symbols explored include the metaphor of divine marriage and sexual union, used to convey the intensity and intimacy of the soul's connection with the divine presence (Ein Sof). The concept of 'devekut' itself functions symbolically, representing a state of profound attachment and immanence. The book also implicitly engages with the symbolism of Hebrew letters and divine names as conduits for mystical experience, though its primary focus remains on the language describing the state of union.
Modern Relevance
Contemporary thinkers and practitioners in fields ranging from comparative mysticism to depth psychology find value in Afterman's work. His meticulous analysis of how language constructs and mediates spiritual experience informs modern approaches to meditation, contemplative prayer, and psychedelic-assisted therapy seeking to understand altered states. Scholars of religion continue to cite his work for its nuanced understanding of Kabbalistic phenomenology and its linguistic underpinnings.
👥 Who Should Read This Book
• Advanced students and scholars of Jewish mysticism: Gain a deeper, textually grounded understanding of the language and phenomenology of divine union, moving beyond introductory concepts. • Practitioners of Kabbalah seeking conceptual depth: Enhance your practice by exploring the intricate linguistic and symbolic frameworks that articulate 'devekut' and ecstatic states. • Researchers in the phenomenology of religion: Benefit from a detailed case study on how a specific religious tradition uses language to describe and shape profound subjective experiences.
📜 Historical Context
Adam Afterman's "And They Shall Be One Flesh" emerges in a scholarly landscape significantly shaped by the foundational work of Gershom Scholem, whose seminal studies in the mid-20th century revitalized academic interest in Kabbalah. Scholem, publishing major works like "Major Trends in Jewish Mysticism" in 1941, established Kabbalah as a legitimate field of academic inquiry, moving it beyond earlier, often esoteric, interpretations. Following Scholem, scholars began to employ more diverse methodologies, including linguistic analysis and phenomenology, to understand mystical experiences. Afterman's 2016 publication engages with this post-Scholemite milieu, contributing to ongoing debates about the nature of mystical language and experience. It exists alongside the work of contemporaries who also explore the intersections of text, practice, and subjective experience within various religious traditions, offering a specific focus on the unique linguistic heritage of Jewish mysticism.
📔 Journal Prompts
The linguistic articulation of divine closeness in your own spiritual practice.
Reflections on the symbolic meaning of 'devekut' beyond its common translations.
How does the language used to describe mystical union shape the experience itself?
Analyzing the metaphors of human relationship within your tradition's spiritual texts.
The role of Hebrew lexicon in understanding Jewish mystical states.
🗂️ Glossary
Devekut
A Hebrew term in Jewish mysticism meaning 'cleaving' or 'attachment' to God. It refers to a state of intense spiritual communion and closeness with the divine.
Ein Sof
Literally 'Without End' or 'Infinite.' In Kabbalah, it refers to God in God's absolute, unknowable essence, beyond all conception and manifestation.
Kabbalah
The esoteric system of Jewish mysticism, concerned with the nature of God, creation, and the path to spiritual union, often expressed through complex symbolic interpretations of the Torah.
Phenomenology
A philosophical approach that focuses on the study of subjective experience and consciousness, examining how things appear to us in our lived experience.
Mystical Union
A state of spiritual or religious experience characterized by a sense of oneness or direct connection with the divine or ultimate reality.
Eschatology
A branch of theology concerned with the final destiny of the soul and of the world; often includes beliefs about the end times and divine judgment.
Gershom Scholem
A foundational scholar of Kabbalah whose work in the 20th century brought Jewish mysticism into mainstream academic study.
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