Jewish & Christian Mysticism
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Jewish & Christian Mysticism
The Cohn-Sherboks present a lucid survey of Jewish and Christian mysticism, a subject often obscured by dense philosophical language or sectarian exclusivity. Their strength lies in drawing clear parallels between seemingly disparate traditions, particularly evident in their discussion of contemplative prayer as a shared practice. For instance, the exploration of *Gevurah* (divine severity) in Kabbalistic thought and its thematic resonance with certain aspects of Christian atonement theology offers a valuable comparative lens. However, the book occasionally feels more like a catalog of beliefs than a deep dive into the lived experience of mystics. While it meticulously details theological frameworks, the raw, often ecstatic, nature of mystical encounters could have been more vividly conveyed. Nevertheless, for its comprehensive overview and scholarly approach to tracing shared spiritual impulses, Jewish & Christian Mysticism remains a solid academic resource.
📝 Description
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Jewish & Christian Mysticism, published in 1994, examines esoteric traditions in both faiths.
Dan and Lavinia Cohn-Sherbok's 1994 book, Jewish & Christian Mysticism, provides a scholarly comparison of contemplative and esoteric practices within Judaism and Christianity. The authors trace how spiritual seekers in these traditions pursued direct experience of the divine, highlighting both unique elements and shared spiritual inquiries across centuries. The book aims to introduce readers to the rich inner lives of Jewish and Christian mystics, offering a comparative view that unifies disparate threads of spiritual thought. It is written for students of comparative religion, theology, and mysticism, and for those interested in the historical development of spiritual practices. Readers curious about the philosophical basis and practical aspects of mystical thought, especially the connections between Jewish Kabbalah and Christian contemplative orders, will find extensive material here. It also serves those seeking to understand their own spiritual paths through historical and textual scholarship.
This work emerged during a time of increased academic focus on religious mysticism. Following earlier revitalizations of Jewish mysticism studies by figures like Gershom Scholem and the established academic tradition of Christian mystical theology, the Cohn-Sherboks sought to integrate these fields. Their book appeared amidst ongoing scholarly discussions concerning Kabbalah's origins and its possible impact on Christian thought, a debate involving scholars such as Moshe Idel and Charles Mopsik. The book was written for a contemporary audience interested in the synthesis of these streams of esoteric thought.
💡 Why Read This Book?
• Understand the concept of *Devekut* and its parallels in Christian contemplative practices, gaining insight into shared human aspirations for divine closeness beyond specific religious dogma. • Analyze the influence of Neoplatonic philosophy on early Christian thinkers and its potential impact on later Jewish mystical traditions, providing a concrete historical link between philosophical schools and spiritual movements. • Grasp the symbolic language used by mystics, such as the Kabbalistic concept of *Ein Sof* (the Infinite), and learn how it functions as a means to articulate ineffable divine experiences across different faith communities.
⭐ Reader Reviews
Honest opinions from readers who have explored this book.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When was Jewish & Christian Mysticism first published?
Jewish & Christian Mysticism was first published in 1994, making it a significant contribution to the comparative study of religious mysticism during that era.
Who are the primary authors of Jewish & Christian Mysticism?
The book is authored by Dan Cohn-Sherbok and Lavinia Cohn-Sherbok, who collaborated to explore the esoteric connections between these two major religious traditions.
What is the central theme explored in Jewish & Christian Mysticism?
The central theme is the comparative analysis of mystical and esoteric traditions within Judaism and Christianity, focusing on their shared concepts, practices, and historical interactions.
Does the book discuss specific Kabbalistic concepts?
Yes, the book explores key Kabbalistic concepts such as *Devekut* (cleaving to God) and *Ein Sof* (the Infinite), examining their meaning and function within Jewish mysticism.
What Christian mystical concepts are discussed alongside Jewish ones?
The book discusses Christian mystical concepts like the *Cloud of Unknowing* and explores the influence of Neoplatonism on early Christian thought, drawing parallels with Jewish traditions.
Is this book suitable for beginners in mysticism studies?
Yes, while scholarly, the book provides a clear introduction to complex ideas, making it suitable for students of comparative religion and those new to the study of esoteric traditions.
🔮 Key Themes & Symbolism
Divine Union Approaches
The work meticulously details diverse methods employed by Jewish and Christian mystics to achieve direct experience of the divine. It contrasts concepts like *Devekut*, the intense yearning for communion with God in Judaism, with Christian practices described in texts like *The Cloud of Unknowing*, which emphasizes transcending thought to reach God. The authors highlight the common goal of spiritual intimacy while illustrating the varied theological and practical pathways taken by adherents of each faith, underscoring the universal human quest for transcendence.
Scriptural and Symbolic Interpretation
Jewish & Christian Mysticism examines how both traditions interpret sacred texts and employ symbolic language to convey ineffable spiritual realities. It discusses the allegorical readings of the Torah within Kabbalah and the symbolic richness of Christian scripture. The book demonstrates how concepts like *Ein Sof* (the Infinite) in Jewish mysticism and Trinitarian symbolism in Christianity serve as linguistic tools to approach the divine, which ultimately lies beyond human comprehension.
Historical Interplay and Influence
The book traces historical connections and potential influences between Jewish and Christian mystical thought. It considers the impact of Neoplatonism, a philosophical current originating in antiquity, on both early Christian theology and later Jewish Kabbalistic development. By exploring these intellectual exchanges, the authors provide a framework for understanding how mystical ideas evolved and traversed religious boundaries, particularly in the Mediterranean world.
Contemplative Practices
A significant focus is placed on the practical aspects of mystical life, specifically contemplative prayer and meditation. The Cohn-Sherboks detail the rigorous discipline and spiritual exercises undertaken by mystics in both traditions. They illustrate how sustained focus, meditative states, and devotional practices are cultivated to facilitate a deeper connection with the divine, presenting these practices as central to the mystical path across religious divides.
💬 Memorable Quotes
Direct passages from the work, attributed to the author.
“The concept of the Infinite, Ein Sof, in Kabbalah.”
— This refers to the Kabbalistic understanding of God as an unknowable, boundless absolute before any manifestation or creation, a foundational concept for comprehending divine immanence and transcendence.
“The mystical ascent through the Sephirot.”
— This describes the Kabbalistic model of divine emanations (Sephirot) and the spiritual journey of the mystic through these levels, seeking to understand God's nature and influence on creation.
“The experience described in The Cloud of Unknowing.”
— This highlights a key text in Christian mysticism advocating for a direct, non-conceptual approach to God, emphasizing love and surrender over intellectual understanding.
“Devekut as cleaving to God.”
— This Jewish mystical concept signifies an intense, passionate yearning for and union with the Divine, often achieved through prayer, study, and ecstatic devotion.
“The influence of Neoplatonism on Western spirituality.”
— This points to the philosophical system of Plotinus and its significant, often subtle, impact on the theological and mystical frameworks developed within both Judaism and Christianity.
🌙 Esoteric Significance
Tradition
This work sits primarily within the academic study of Western Esotericism and comparative religion. It examines traditions that are central to Kabbalistic studies (Jewish) and Christian contemplative/mystical theology. While not a practitioner's manual, it maps the esoteric lineage of both faiths, tracing their internal mystical currents and highlighting their shared philosophical roots, particularly in Neoplatonism, which influenced many esoteric schools.
Symbolism
Key symbols explored include the *Sephirot* in Kabbalah, representing divine attributes and emanations, forming a symbolic map of creation and divine presence. In Christianity, the concept of the *Logos* (Word) and the symbolic interpretations of the Eucharist are examined as conduits for divine connection. The book also touches upon the symbolism of light and darkness as metaphors for divine presence and absence in both traditions.
Modern Relevance
Contemporary scholars and practitioners of Kabbalah and Christian contemplative prayer find value in this comparative approach. Thinkers exploring New Age spirituality or integral spirituality often draw upon such foundational texts to understand cross-cultural mystical experiences. It informs modern discussions on interfaith dialogue and the universal aspects of spiritual seeking, providing a historical basis for understanding the commonalities in human spiritual quests.
👥 Who Should Read This Book
• Students of comparative religion and theology seeking to understand the historical and conceptual links between Jewish and Christian mystical traditions. • Individuals interested in the esoteric dimensions of Western religions, particularly those exploring Kabbalah or Christian contemplative practices for the first time. • Academic researchers investigating the philosophical influences (like Neoplatonism) on spiritual development and the transmission of mystical ideas across cultural boundaries.
📜 Historical Context
Published in 1994, Jewish & Christian Mysticism arrived at a time when academic study of esoteric and religious traditions was gaining considerable traction. The groundwork laid by scholars like Gershom Scholem in the mid-20th century had already opened doors to serious engagement with Jewish mysticism, particularly Kabbalah. Concurrently, the study of Christian contemplative traditions had a long-established presence in theological faculties. The Cohn-Sherboks’ work sought to bridge these fields more explicitly, responding to a growing interest in comparative spirituality and interfaith understanding. It engaged with ongoing scholarly debates regarding the historical relationship between Kabbalah and Christian thought, a discussion that involved contemporary researchers such as Moshe Idel, who explored concepts of divine immanence and mystical experience in ways that resonated across traditions.
📔 Journal Prompts
The concept of *Devekut* and its personal application.
Comparing the *Sephirot* to Christian symbolic representations of the divine.
Reflections on the *Cloud of Unknowing* and silent prayer.
The role of Neoplatonism in shaping mystical thought.
Meditating on the symbolic language used to describe the Infinite (*Ein Sof*).
🗂️ Glossary
Ein Sof
A central Kabbalistic term referring to God as the Infinite, Unknowable Absolute, existing before any creation or manifestation.
Sephirot
In Kabbalah, the ten divine emanations or attributes through which God reveals Himself and creates the universe. They form a symbolic structure of divine reality.
Devekut
A Hebrew term in Jewish mysticism meaning 'cleaving' or 'adherence' to God, referring to the state of intense spiritual communion and devotion.
Cloud of Unknowing
A key anonymous 14th-century English mystical text advocating for a direct, non-intellectual approach to God through love and surrender.
Neoplatonism
A philosophical system originating with Plotinus in the 3rd century CE, emphasizing the divine One as the source of all reality and the soul's ascent back to it.
Contemplative Prayer
A form of prayer focused on resting in God's presence, often involving silence and a turning away from discursive thought towards direct experience.
Allegory
The use of symbols and symbolic narrative to represent abstract ideas or spiritual truths, common in mystical interpretations of religious texts.
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