The Jewish mystical tradition teaches that in order to create the many planes of being that culminated in our world, God brought into being ten sefirot, or vessels. These sefirot consecutively filtered (and continue to filter) God's spiritual light, so that universes separate from Him were able to emerge. It is the belief of Kabbalists that every person, object, and process in the world works through the energies of the sefirot, and every Jewish practice and holiday is a conductor that allows these energies to flow. Furthermore, because people contain analogues of the sefirot within themselves, they can intuit the spiritual truth of the upper worlds. Consequently, man's actions - acts of goodness and of religious meaning, such as keeping the Sabbath - can influence the heavenly sefirot and draw down their positive energy. This analogy, between the sefirot and one's personal manner of relating to God in a profound and deeply-felt way, is a theme discussed at length in the Breslov chasidic literature; particularly so in Likkutei Halachot, an eight volume collection of essays by Rabbi Nosson of Nemirov, an esteemed student of Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav. This work parallels the sixteenth-century collection of Jewish law known as the Shulchan Aruch. But whereas that work, the foundation of modern halachic practice, is a practical manual, Likkutei Halachot uses the halachah as a takeoff point for brilliant expositions of Breslov chasidism. It is Likkutei Halachot that forms the basis of Y. David Shulman's The Sefirot: Ten Emanations of Divine Power.

An inspiring introduction to the world of Hasidic and Kabbalistic thought, based on the paradigm of the ten Divine emanations called the sefirot, and how they express themselves in our character and in our souls.

With the publication of The Origins of the Kabbalah in 1950, one of the most important scholars of our century brought the obscure world of Jewish mysticism to a wider audience for the first time. A crucial work in the oeuvre of Gershom Scholem, this book details the beginnings of the Kabbalah in twelfth- and thirteenth-century southern France and Spain, showing its rich tradition of repeated attempts to achieve and portray direct experiences of God. The Origins of the Kabbalah is a contribution not only to the history of Jewish medieval mysticism, but also to the study of medieval mysticism in general. Now with a new foreword by David Biale, this book remains essential reading for students of the history of religion.

The Science of Kabbalah (Pticha) is the first in a series of texts that Rav Michael Laitman, Kabbalist and scientist, designed to introduce readers to the special language and terminology of the Kabbalah. Here, Rav Laitman reveals authentic Kabbalah in a manner that is both rational and mature. Readers are gradually led to an understanding of the logical design of the Universe and the life whose home it is. The Science of Kabbalah, a revolutionary work that is unmatched in its clarity, depth, and appeal to the intellect, will enable readers to approach the more technical works of Baal HaSulam (Rabbi Yehuda Ashlag), such as 'Talmud Eser Sefirot' and Zohar. Although scientists and philosophers will delight in its illumination, laymen will also enjoy the satisfying answers to the riddles of life that only authentic Kabbalah provides. Now, travel through the pages and prepare for an astonishing journey into the 'Upper Worlds'.

This volume is a basic resource for anyone interested in Kabbalah. While written in a clear and lucid manner suitable for the beginner, even the advanced student will find a wealth of new information and insight. Rabbi Ginsburgh explains how the many parallel and seemingly contradictory systems of Kabbalistic thought are part of a larger systematic and orderly structure. In essence this book is an introduction to all of Rabbi Ginsburgh's many writings.