The Encyclopedia of Jewish Myth, Magic and Mysticism
By Geoffrey W. Dennis
The Encyclopedia of Jewish Myth, Magic, and Mysticism by Geoffrey W. Dennis is a comprehensive reference work presented in an A-to-Z format, defining key terms and concepts related to Jewish mysticism as found in texts like the Torah, Mishnah, Talmud, Kabbalah, and Zohar. While not designed for casual reading, this encyclopedia serves as an invaluable resource for those exploring Jewish mystical traditions, opening doors for further research. Its dense, academic style can feel dry and challenging at times, but its depth makes it an essential tool for understanding complex ideas.
The book covers a wide range of topics, from angels and demons to sacred texts and rituals. Below are a few highlighted terms that stood out as particularly fascinating and memorable:
• Angel of Death: Known by names like Malach HaMavet, the Destroyer, or the Angel of the Lord, this figure is responsible for guiding souls to the underworld. Described with varied appearances, from seven dragon heads to the queen of demons, the Angel of Death is sometimes conflated with Satan or the Yetzer Hara (the evil inclination inherent in humanity). It is also distinguished from fallen angels like Samael or Sariel, who led the Watchers.
• Sefer Bahir (Book of Illumination): An influential medieval Kabbalistic text, written in a cryptic, Midrashic style and attributed to early mystics. It introduces concepts like reincarnation and the Sefirot (the Tree of Life), portraying Abraham as an embodiment of the divine attribute of love.
• Cemetery (Beit HaKevorot): Described as a community repository for the dead, the cemetery is considered ritually impure, requiring those who visit to wash afterward. In mystical literature, it is a place where demons and spirits may gather. The encyclopedia also details practices like grave incubation, where a righteous person lies on the grave of a sage or prophet to commune with their spirit, uniting souls to gain Torah insights.
• Devekut: This term refers to a mystical state of communion or clinging to God, achieved through meditative prayer or spiritual exercises. The book includes a prayer for devekut, which praises God’s greatness, wisdom, and dominion over creation, describing luminaries radiating divine brilliance.
These examples reflect the encyclopedia’s depth and utility as a reference. It functions like a dictionary, not a novel or narrative, so don’t expect an engaging, easy read. Instead, it excels as a tool for looking up unfamiliar terms while studying Judaism or delving into its mystical traditions. For anyone researching Jewish myth, magic, or mysticism, this book is an indispensable resource, offering clarity and context for complex spiritual concepts.
The book covers a wide range of topics, from angels and demons to sacred texts and rituals. Below are a few highlighted terms that stood out as particularly fascinating and memorable:
• Angel of Death: Known by names like Malach HaMavet, the Destroyer, or the Angel of the Lord, this figure is responsible for guiding souls to the underworld. Described with varied appearances, from seven dragon heads to the queen of demons, the Angel of Death is sometimes conflated with Satan or the Yetzer Hara (the evil inclination inherent in humanity). It is also distinguished from fallen angels like Samael or Sariel, who led the Watchers.
• Sefer Bahir (Book of Illumination): An influential medieval Kabbalistic text, written in a cryptic, Midrashic style and attributed to early mystics. It introduces concepts like reincarnation and the Sefirot (the Tree of Life), portraying Abraham as an embodiment of the divine attribute of love.
• Cemetery (Beit HaKevorot): Described as a community repository for the dead, the cemetery is considered ritually impure, requiring those who visit to wash afterward. In mystical literature, it is a place where demons and spirits may gather. The encyclopedia also details practices like grave incubation, where a righteous person lies on the grave of a sage or prophet to commune with their spirit, uniting souls to gain Torah insights.
• Devekut: This term refers to a mystical state of communion or clinging to God, achieved through meditative prayer or spiritual exercises. The book includes a prayer for devekut, which praises God’s greatness, wisdom, and dominion over creation, describing luminaries radiating divine brilliance.
These examples reflect the encyclopedia’s depth and utility as a reference. It functions like a dictionary, not a novel or narrative, so don’t expect an engaging, easy read. Instead, it excels as a tool for looking up unfamiliar terms while studying Judaism or delving into its mystical traditions. For anyone researching Jewish myth, magic, or mysticism, this book is an indispensable resource, offering clarity and context for complex spiritual concepts.
