Reincarnation and Judaism

Reincarnation and Judaism PDF Author: DovBer Pinson
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
ISBN: 0765760649
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 212

Book Description
Reincarnation was, and continues to be, a fundamental tenet in Jewish belief."--BOOK JACKET.

Jewish Tales of Reincarnation

Jewish Tales of Reincarnation PDF Author: Yonassan Gershom
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780765760838
Category : Jewish legends
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Book Description
Scattered throughout many kabbalistic and hasidic texts are numerous teaching stories with reincarnation as their central theme. Now, for the first time, you can read 70 of these fascinating tales in a single volume, collected and retold by master storyteller, Yonassan Gershom. The author begins with an over-view of basic themes about the afterlife, such as the judgement of souls before the Heavenly Court, the mystical significance of the Covenant at Sinai, the process of tikkun olam (repairing the universe), and some reasons why human beings return to earth in new bodies. He then takes you on an exciting journey through many centuries of Jewish tales, where you will meet dozens of saints and sinners, animals and humans, angels and mortals-all attempting to work out their past-life karma through applying the teachings of the Torah in earthly life. In order to make the classical stories understandable to the modern reader, each tale has been ex-panded to include clear explanations of cultural and religious details. So skillfully does Gershom weave this material into the narrative itself, that the reader scarcely notices how a gentle form of education is taking place. By the time you have finished the book, you will not only have been entertained, but will have completed an excellent introduction to Jewish spirituality as well. Both classical and contemporary tales are included here, from sources as widely varied as kabbalistic texts, folklore anthologies, and discussions on the Internet. Of special interest are several new tales collected by the author himself, which have never before appeared in print.

I've Been Here Before

I've Been Here Before PDF Author: Sara Yoheved Rigler
Publisher:
ISBN: 9789655998221
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 324

Book Description
This ground-breaking book opens a closet and allows hundreds of people of this generation to emerge, with their nightmares, phobias, and flashbacks suggestive of an incarnation in the Holocaust. Through that open door, author Sara Rigler introduces the reader to people from all over the world whose stories defy rational explanation-unless they are indeed reincarnated souls from the Holocaust. Because the purpose of reincarnation is to rectify past mistakes and failings, Part Two narrates the journeys of souls who in their current lifetime replaced fear with courage, hatred with love, and guilt with self-forgiveness. Fascinating and convincing, this page-turner will quicken your awareness of your own soul and how your inexplicable fears, attractions, and repulsions may be comprehensible through the notion of past-life experiences. "Sara Rigler has written a powerful and gripping narrative.... The stories make for fascinating reading." -Rabbi Yitzchak A. Breitowitz, Kehillat Ohr Somayach "An eye-opening journey." --Alicia Yacoby, Founder, Our6Million "Sara Rigler's extensive research and collection of past-life Holocaust memories confirms the reality of this phenomenon, and offers hope for healing the trauma that carried over for many of us. For those who have not had their own memories, the case studies offer compelling evidence for the continuation of a personal consciousness after death." --Carol Bowman, author of Children's Past Lives "This book is not only credible, it is important." -Rebbetzin Tziporah (Heller) Gottlieb, author and lecturer "Sara Rigler has done exceptional work in meticulously compiling, recording, and describing personal stories of Jews and non-Jews from many countries. By doing so she has rendered an invaluable service ... to humanity." --Sabine Lucas, Ph.D., Jungian analyst

Renaissance and Rebirth

Renaissance and Rebirth PDF Author: Brian Ogren
Publisher: BRILL
ISBN: 9047444817
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 332

Book Description
Metempsychosis was a prominent element in Renaissance conceptualizations of the human being, the universe, and the place of the human person in the universe. A variety of concepts emerged in debates about metempsychosis: human to human reincarnation, human to vegetal, human to animal, and human to angelic transmigration. As a complex and changing doctrine, metempsychosis gives us a well-placed window for viewing the complex and dynamic contours of Jewish thought in late fifteenth century Italy; as such, it enables us to evaluate Jewish thought in relation to non-Jewish Italian developments. This book addresses the problematic question of the roles and achievements of Jews who lived in Italy in the development of Renaissance culture in its Jewish and its Christian dimensions. "Throughout the book, Ogren demonstrates the scholarly pertinacity and intellectual and linguistic versatility that crosscultural intellectual history requires. He finds and digests the essential studies and obscure remarks, in modern scholarship as well as from the fifteenth century, that substantiate the argument, and he constantly strives to discern larger patterns. This research will reward scholars who follow his leads." - Arthur M. Lesley, in: Renaissance Quarterly 63.3 (2010)

Beyond the Ashes

Beyond the Ashes PDF Author: Yonassan Gershom
Publisher: A.R.E. Press (Association of Research & Enlightenment)
ISBN: 9780876042939
Category : Cabala
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Book Description
Is it possible that people living today died in the Holocaust? Rabbi Yonassan Gershom presents compelling evidence that supports this seemingly impossible phenomenon. Based on the stories of people he counselled, the author sheds new light on the subject of reincarnation and the divinity of the human soul. In addition to the fascinating case histories, Rabbi Gershom includes information on Jewish teachings regarding the afterlife, karmic healing, and prophecies. Available November, 1992. (A.R.E. Press)

Kabbalistic Revolution

Kabbalistic Revolution PDF Author: Hartley Lachter
Publisher: Rutgers University Press
ISBN: 0813568765
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 259

Book Description
The set of Jewish mystical teachings known as Kabbalah are often imagined as timeless texts, teachings that have been passed down through the millennia. Yet, as this groundbreaking new study shows, Kabbalah flourished in a specific time and place, emerging in response to the social prejudices that Jews faced. Hartley Lachter, a scholar of religion studies, transports us to medieval Spain, a place where anti-Semitic propaganda was on the rise and Jewish political power was on the wane. Kabbalistic Revolution proposes that, given this context, Kabbalah must be understood as a radically empowering political discourse. While the era’s Christian preachers claimed that Jews were blind to the true meaning of scripture and had been abandoned by God, the Kabbalists countered with a doctrine that granted Jews a uniquely privileged relationship with God. Lachter demonstrates how Kabbalah envisioned this increasingly marginalized group at the center of the universe, their mystical practices serving to maintain the harmony of the divine world. For students of Jewish mysticism, Kabbalistic Revolution provides a new approach to the development of medieval Kabbalah. Yet the book’s central questions should appeal to anyone with an interest in the relationships between religious discourses, political struggles, and ethnic pride.

Gateway to Judaism

Gateway to Judaism PDF Author: Mordechai Becher
Publisher: Mesorah Publications
ISBN: 9781422600306
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 532

Book Description
Gateway to Judaism is an insider's engaging look at the mindset, values, and practices of Judaism in the 21st century. As a senior lecturer and outreach expert with Gateways Seminars, Rabbi Mordechai Becher has helped thousands of people reconnect with the beauty, wisdom and relevance of their Jewish heritage. Often asked to recommend "just one book" that would explain the essentials of Jewish life and thought , he decided to write it himself! Delving beneath common perceptions of Jewish tradition, Rabbi Becher presents fresh and meaningful perspectives that will educate and inspire you. Among the many intriguing topics he addresses are: Is there spirituality in Judaism? In our age of labor-saving devices, do we still need a Sabbath? What is Judaism's view on death and the afterlife? Why is Judaism so full of laws? Why should I pray? Does God really want to hear my complaints? Can Judaism enhance my marriage? Isn't circumcision just an ancient rite of initiation? Is it still relevant? Why is Israel so central to Judaism? Does a religion need a land? Why does a mourner say Kaddish? Wasn't keeping kosher a health measure? Does it still have a purpose today? How can I add meaning to my Passover Seder? Gateway to Judaism reveals Judaism's power to elevate your life. Whether you are new to Jewish tradition, familiar with its practice, or simply curious, you will find this book an illuminating guide to a joyous and fulfilling lifestyle. -- from dust cover.

Reincarnation for Christians

Reincarnation for Christians PDF Author: John W. Sweeley
Publisher: Blue Dolphin Publishing
ISBN: 9781577332657
Category : Reincarnation
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Book Description
Why Christians Should Believe in Reincarnation Reincarnation was an accepted belief by the great minds of antiquity. In Greece Plato was influenced by earlier classical Greek philosophers such as Pythagoras (6th cent BCE), while Reincarnation was both believed and taught by Jesus and many Church Fathers through the 8th century, as well as in Hebrew texts and mystical traditions throughout the middle ages. In Reincarnation for Christians, Monsignor Sweeley proves that reincarnation was accepted by Jesus according to Holy Scripture, was accepted and taught by the Church Fathers as a doctrine of the faith, and is believed today by many Christians. Moreover, he makes clear why there is no conflict between the atonement of Jesus and Jesus as the redeemer of humanity, with the necessity of living many lives before we attain salvation. "In this timely book about reincarnation and the Christian tradition, Monsignor Sweeley gives us an eye-opening look into an issue that has been long ignored by mainstream Christian churches." -Most Rev. Alan R. Kemp, D.Min., CEO, The Ascension Alliance "Msgr. Jack Sweeley has amassed an enormous collection of information about the belief called reincarnation. He includes evidence in support of reincarnation from the Christian Scriptures as well as from the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Nag Hammadi Library. He cites and quotes notables from all walks of life and periods of history who have shared a belief in reincarnation." -Bishop Bernie O. Finch, D.C., EMD, DD "As a believer in reincarnation, I was amazed at the information that literally packs the pages of Monsignor Sweeley's book. As you will find, reincarnation is not just 'New Age' but has been a major belief in one form or another for thousands of years. -Katy O. Ishee, author of Pieces of My Heart and Gemini's Galaxy "Msg. Sweeley's brilliantly researched and comprehensive treatment of the Judeo-Christian roots of Reincarnation will change your entire perspective on the subject." -K. Michael Murphy, M.A., DDS "In these powerfully transformative times, many in the Western world are accepting this doctrine, and others are eager to know more about the Christian church's position on this subject. -Sri Swami Shankarananda Giri, Divine Life Church, Baltimore, MD

Jewish Views of the Afterlife

Jewish Views of the Afterlife PDF Author: Simcha Paull Raphael
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
ISBN: 153810346X
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 529

Book Description
Originally published in 1994, Jewish Views of the Afterlife is a classic study of ideas of afterlife and postmortem survival in Jewish tradition and mysticism. As both a scholar and pastoral counselor, Raphael guides the reader through 4,000 years of Jewish thought on the afterlife by investigating pertinent sacred texts produced in each era. Through a compilation of ideas found in the Bible, Apocrypha, rabbinic literature, medieval philosophy, medieval Midrash, Kabbalah, Hasidism and Yiddish literature, the reader learns how Judaism conceived of the fate of the individual after death throughout Jewish history. In addition, this book explores the implications of Jewish afterlife beliefs for a renewed understanding of traditional rituals of funeral, burial, shiva, kaddish and more. This newly released twenty-fifth anniversary edition presents new material on little-known Jewish mystical teachings on reincarnation, a chapter on “Spirits, Ghosts and Dybbuks in Yiddish Literature”, and a foreword by the renowned scholar of Jewish mysticism, Rabbi Arthur Green. Both historical and contemporary, this book provides a rich resource for scholars and laypeople and for teachers and students and makes an important Jewish contribution to the growing contemporary psychology of death and dying.

Zohar, the Book of Enlightenment

Zohar, the Book of Enlightenment PDF Author: Daniel Chanan Matt
Publisher: Paulist Press
ISBN: 9780809123872
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 340

Book Description
This is the first translation with commentary of selections from The Zohar, the major text of the Kabbalah, the Jewish mystical tradition. This work was written in 13th-century Spain by Moses de Leon, a Spanish scholar.