From Library Journal
The 13th-century Zohar, consisting of theosophical theories concerning the Godhead and the Torah, is the central text of Kabbalah, or Jewish mysticism. Woven through it are several narrative passages or stories. Rabbi Wineman, a specialist in Jewish mystical studies, presents eight of these stories in his own translation, with notes and commentary. The tales deal with the themes of sin and repentance, death, exile, redemption, and resurrection. Wineman's commentary expertly elucidates these esoteric stories. He includes excellent essays on the Zohar and Kabbalistic theory, especially an explanation of the ten Sefirot, or aspects of the deity. There has been a recent upsurge of interest in Jewish mysticism, and the material in this book, while scholarly, can be readily understood by interested lay readers.?Robert A. Silver, formerly with Shaker Heights P.L., OhioCopyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Mystic Tales from the Zohar translates eight of the most interesting and well-developed narratives found in the Zohar, together with notes and detailed commentary. Wineman's commentary combines a keen literary sensitivity with a deep knowledge of Jewish mysticism and of the milieu in which these stories were created. It traces the zoharic author's transformation of earlier motifs and defines the qualities of the underlying mindset that expresses itself in these stories. In addition to his clear and comprehensive introduction to the Zohar, Wineman has provided a glossary, notes, and a bibliography, making the book accessible to the widest possible readership. The beauty of the words and the art in Mystic Tales from the Zohar make it a lovely gift book.

FROM THE CRITICS

Library Journal

The 13th-century Zohar, consisting of theosophical theories concerning the Godhead and the Torah, is the central text of Kabbalah, or Jewish mysticism. Woven through it are several narrative passages or stories. Rabbi Wineman, a specialist in Jewish mystical studies, presents eight of these stories in his own translation, with notes and commentary. The tales deal with the themes of sin and repentance, death, exile, redemption, and resurrection. Wineman's commentary expertly elucidates these esoteric stories. He includes excellent essays on the Zohar and Kabbalistic theory, especially an explanation of the ten Sefirot, or aspects of the deity. There has been a recent upsurge of interest in Jewish mysticism, and the material in this book, while scholarly, can be readily understood by interested lay readers.-Robert A. Silver, formerly with Shaker Heights P.L., Ohio

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