The Thirteen Petalled Rose: A Discourse on the Essence of Jewish Existence and Belief

Whether one is Jewish or not, this book clearly and succinctly provides important knowledge about esoteric Jewish beliefs for those who are seeking answers to spiritual questions. The discourse on "Worlds" includes abstract but not difficult to follow ideas of how energy, thoughts, actions and feelings affect other dimensions ("worlds"). The description of the domain of angels and their interaction in the human realm is very lucid and enlightening. The mysteries of the Kabbalah are touched upon in terms of how the ten Sefirot connect to organic Reality. The mystery of life is revealed as events in our world affect the nature and quality of relations, in terms of light and power in other worlds. The importance of the study and practice of mitzvot can not be over emphasized. It is words and deeds that help illuminate our soul and bring about blessings which make the world a better place. Through human will, the intersection of all worlds occurs, because the human being has the power to change the fixed order of things. Rabbi Steinsaltz's description of that which is "Holy" is exceptionally clear. Holy means separation, that which is Holy is untouchable, distinctly "Other", and can not be understood or defined. He does however reassure us, despite the transcendental nature and distance of that which is Holy, human beings can become more receptive and open to Its influence. He connects time, space, and the soul of humans with the effects of the Sefirot in our realm, along with the performance of mitzvot. The results of all these connections and interactions can be described as concentric circles or a helix of energy between realms. He describes how the spark of life in man, when expressed as a creative urge brings more divine influence into the world and thus expresses the image of G-d. The two last chapters, "Repentance" and "Search for Oneself" complete this discourse of how Jewish thinking views the role of mankind in connecting with the Divine expression of G-d. The Torah is seen as a plan of human action, a guide for the proper ways of thinking, behaving, dreaming and desiring in the world. The higher levels of repentance, called Tikkun, are described. The purpose of genuine Tikkun is to correct the effects of past misdeeds by creating new patterns that outweigh past wrongs. From this correction, a new condition is created, as merits are derived from past transgressions. The Jewish thinking and discourse developed by Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz in this book is a wholistic framework which describes a path of self-discovery. He answers many questions asked by human beings since the beginning of time, such as, 'Why am I here?' 'What is my purpose in life?' The unique separate existence of each person is expressed in the sentence, "Myriads of sparks reflect the primal light everyone of them with its own situation, its own set of circumstances." [p.148] On the other hand, for the person who seeks to connect to the world, other human beings and ultima

The unfolding of the heart of Jewish spirituality, like removing petals from a rose, until the stem remains, a nourishing channel from the powers of life's soil, to be discovered in the sefirot of Yahweh (or, the mystical science of the Kabbalah which lies under the surface of Judiasm like a great anchoring mass under the tip of an iceberg). This is a beautifully written look at thirteen tenants of Jewish spirituality, and how those aspects apply not only on a metaphysical level, but in one's daily life. It is recommended reading for anyone who can appreciate the primal elements of any long-standing philosophy, Jewish or otherwise, or for those who can appreciate literary poeticism. In short, perhaps the rose is the heart, and we only need to remove the petals one by one, to know each, and then to let them go, until only the force of life, viz., God, remains.

With all the talk about angels lately, this book should be required reading for every Jew. In this thin but profound volume, Rabbi Steinsaltz, coming from an authentic position within both Orthodoxy and kabbalah, clearly explains the Jewish conception of angels and how they work on the four kaobbalistic levels of Action, Formation, Creation, and Emanation. Also explained is how the mitzvahs we do create new angels to raise up the universe's energy, and how a sin (heaven forbid) can drag the universal energies down. He then ties it all together by giving us a beautiful interpetation of the kiddush (wine blessing) ritual. After reading this book, you will never think of Torah as "mere laws" again!

This is an excellent book! I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it to Christians who are searching for some meaning in life. This book explains what Jesus meant when he said, "In my Father's house are many mansions." It also explains what Paul meant by "seeing through a glass darkly." Since there is no doubt that both Jesus and Paul were Jewish mystics, it makes sense that explanations for their teachings can be found in Kabbalah! Excellent reading!

I have literally given this book to at least a dozen people over the years. It is a profound instructional manual and guide to the beyond and to the here and now. Rabbi Steinsaltz is a unique thinker and a wonderful spirit for all of us, especially Jews, who often wonder: What are the underlying profound beliefs of my people. Too often,we cannot find these beliefs in the synagogue, but Rabbi Steinsaltz is more than a teacher, he is a direct path to profundity and hope.