Jewish Mysticism and Kabbalah

Over the past generation, scholars have devoted increasing attention to the diverse forms that Jewish mysticism has taken both in the past and today: what was once called "nonsense" by Jewish scholars has generated important research and attention both within the academy and beyond, as demonstrated by the popular fascination with figures such as Madonna and Demi Moore and the growing interest in spirituality. In Jewish Mysticism and Kabbalah, leading experts introduce the history of this scholarship as well as the most recent insights and debates that currently animate the field in a way that is accessible to a broad audience. From mystical outpourings in ancient Palestine to the Kabbalah Centre, and from attitudes towards gender to mystical contributions to Jewish messianic movements, this volume explores the various expressions of Jewish mysticism from antiquity to the present day in an engaging style appropriate for students and non-specialists alike. Contributors: Allison P. Coudert, Lawrence Fine, Eitan P. Fishbane, Pinchas Giller, Matt Goldish, Hartley Lachter, Shaul Magid, Jody Myers, Michael D. Swartz, Hava Tirosh-Samuelson, and Elliot R. Wolfson Frederick E. Greenspahn is Gimelstob Eminent Scholar in Judaic studies at Florida Atlantic University. He is the author/ editor of numerous other titles including The Hebrew Bible: New Insights and Scholarship and Women and Judaism: New Insights and Scholarship (both published by NYU Press).