Daniel C. Matt

A translation of the Kabbalah for the layperson includes a compact presentation of each primary text and features a practical analysis and vital historical information that offer insight into the various aspects of Jewish mysticism.

Mysticism and science: What do they have in common? How can one enlighten the other? By drawing on modern cosmology and ancient Kabbalah, Matt shows how science and religion can together enrich our spiritual awareness and help us recover a sense of wonder and find our place in the universe.Drawing on the insights of physics and Jewish mysticism, Daniel Matt uncovers the sense of wonder and oneness that connects us with the universe and God. He describes in understandable terms the parallels between modern cosmology and ancient Kabbalah. He shows how science and religion together can enrich our spiritual understanding.We "embody the energy" of the big bang, writes Matt. Furthermore, "God is not somewhere else, hidden from us. God is right here hidden from us." To discover the presence of God, Matt draws on both science and theology, fact and belief, and on the truths embodied in Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Christianity, as well as Judaism.A rich dialogue between the physical and the spiritual, God & the Big Bang takes us on a deeply personal, thoughtful and inspiring journey that helps us find our place in the universe--and the universe in ourselves.

Sefer ha-Zohar, "The Book of Radiance," has amazed and overwhelmed readers ever since it emerged mysteriously in medieval Spain toward the end of the thirteenth century. Written in a unique Aramaic, this masterpiece of Kabbalah exceeds the dimensions of a normal book; it is virtually a body of literature, comprising over twenty discrete sections. The bulk of the Zohar consists of a running commentary on the Torah, from Genesis through Deuteronomy. This translation begins and focuses here in what are projected to be ten volumes. Two subsequent volumes will cover other, shorter sections.The Zohar's commentary is composed in the form of a mystical novel. The hero is Rabbi Shim'on son of Yohai, a saintly disciple of Rabbi Akiva who lived in the second century in the land of Israel. In the Zohar, Rabbi Shim'on and his companions wander through the hills of Galilee, discovering and sharing secrets of Torah.On one level, biblical figures such as Abraham and Sarah are the main characters, and the mystical companions interpret their words, actions, and personalities. On a deeper level, the text of the Bible is simply the starting point, a springboard for the imagination. For example, when God commands Abraham, Lekh lekha, Go forth... to the land that I will show you (Genesis 12:1), Rabbi El'azar ignores idiomatic usage and insists on reading the words more literally than they were intended, hyperliterally: Lekh lekha, Go to yourself! Search deep within to discover your true self.At times, the companions themselves become the main characters, and we read about their dramatic mystical sessions with Rabbi Shim'on or their adventures on the road, for example, an encounter with a cantankerous old donkey driver who turns out to be a master of wisdom in disguise.Ultimately, the plot of the Zohar focuses on the ten sefirot, the various stages of God's inner life, aspects of divine personality, both feminine and masculine. By penetrating the literal surface of the Torah, the mystical commentators transform the biblical narrative into a biography of God. The entire Torah is read as one continuous divine name, expressing divine being. Even a seemingly insignificant verse can reveal the inner dynamics of the sefirot—how God feels, responds and acts, how She and He (the divine feminine and masculine) relate intimately with each other and with the world.

The story of the prophet Elijah’s transformation from fierce zealot to compassionate hero and cherished figure in Jewish folklore “In a series on Jewish Lives, this volume is about the Jewish life—the one that goes on forever. Becoming Elijah blends meticulous scholarship with bold literary and poetic imagination. Don’t miss it!”—Arthur Green, author of Judaism for the World "The author’s erudite prose and masterful command of history and faith traditions bring his subject to vibrant life. This is an edifying and accessible chronicle of a towering religious figure."—Publishers Weekly, starred review In the Bible Elijah is a zealous prophet, attacking idolatry and injustice, championing God. He performs miracles, restoring life and calling down fire. When his earthly life ends, he vanishes in a whirlwind, carried off to heaven in a fiery chariot. Was this a spectacular death, or did Elijah escape death entirely? The latter view prevailed. Though residing in heaven, Elijah revisits earth—to help, rescue, enlighten, and eventually herald the Messiah. Because of his messianic role, Jews open the door for Elijah during each seder—the meal commemorating liberation from slavery and anticipating final redemption. How did this zealot turn into a compassionate hero—apparently the most popular figure in Jewish folklore? Becoming Elijah explores this question, tracing how Elijah develops from the Bible to Rabbinic Judaism, Kabbalah, and Jewish ritual (as well as Christianity and Islam). His transformation is pertinent and inspirational for our polarized, fanatical world.

Židovska mistična tradicija Kabale stotinama godina nije bila dostupna širem čitateljstvu. Sad je Daniel C. Matt, međunarodno priznat autoritet na području židovskog misticizma, u ovom iznimnom prikazu prikupio najvažnije, zanosne i najznačajnije odlomke sveukupne kabalističke književnosti, prožete pjesničkim nijansama, egzotičnim slikama i smionim inovacijama. Upravo iz tih razloga, "Suština Kabale" donosi osvježavajuće dubok uvid u esenciju kabalističke tradicije, a poseban doprinos čine brojni originalni kabalistički tekstovi, od kojih su neki tek sada prvi put prevedeni te tako dostupni širem čitateljstvu.

Daniel Matt liefert mit seinem brillanten Buch einen faszinierenden Neuansatz, um die Frage nach dem Ursprung und der Sinnhaftigkeit der Schöpfung zu erklären. Er wirft einen unverstellten Blick auf die Gibt es eine Göttliche Einheit oder nur das Nichts – und zwar aus naturwissenschaftlicher und spiritueller Sicht. Die Erklärungsnotstände einer materialistischen Physik werden nicht nur aufgezeigt, sondern aus einer höheren Warte aufgelöst.Diese Abhandlung liefert in bestechender Klarheit eine geistige Kosmologie, in der INTELLIGENZ die Wurzel allen Lebens ist. Der „Urknall“ ist die Offenbarung einer höheren Ordnung; und in allem Geschaffenen waltet ein verborgener SINN!Ausgezeichnet vom „Mind-Body-Spirit Magazin“als bestes Buch für den Dialog Physik und Mystik!Daniel Matt liefert mit seinem brillanten Buch einen faszinierenden Neuansatz, um die Frage nach dem Ursprung und der Sinnhaftigkeit der Schöpfung zu erklären. Er wirft einen unverstellten Blick auf die Gibt es eine Göttliche Einheit oder nur das Nichts – und zwar aus naturwissenschaftlicher und spiritueller Sicht. Die Erklärungsnotstände einer materialistischen Physik werden nicht nur aufgezeigt, sondern aus einer höheren Warte aufgelöst.Diese Abhandlung liefert in bestechender Klarheit eine geistige Kosmologie, in der INTELLIGENZ die Wurzel allen Lebens ist. Der „Urknall“ ist die Offenbarung einer höheren Ordnung; und in allem Geschaffenen waltet ein verborgener SINN!Ausgezeichnet vom „Mind-Body-Spirit Magazin“als bestes Buch für den Dialog Physik und Mystik!

Seit Anbeginn der Zeiten haben die größten Geister der Menschheit versucht, den „Urgrund“, das „Absolute“ oder die „Gottheit“ gedanklich und sprachlich zu fassen. Auch wenn dieses Unterfangen vielleicht in letzter Konsequenz - aufgrund der Endlichkeit des Menschen - zum Scheitern verurteilt ist, so hat es doch einige der tiefsten Einsichten über das SEIN hervorgebracht.Daniel Matt gelingt es auf meisterhaft Weise, in diese „Abgründe der Transzendenz“ hineinzuschauen und aufzuzeigen, wo die Grenzen des menschlichen Erkennens liegen - und was jenseits davon demütig erahnt werden darf.Eine Reise an den Anbeginn der Schöpfung, die deutlich macht, was gewusst werden kann - und was nicht!

Published by Stanford University ( 2004-2012 )