Introduction to the World of Kabbalah - ben Halevi Z'ev Shimon

This book is an introduction to the Tradition. It outlines its origins in Biblical, mythological and metaphysical terms that explain why Existence came into being, according to Jewish mysticism. It also gives a brief history of Kabbalah which has gone under different names such as the Work of Creation, the Chariot Riders or simply 'Those who Know.' While the Bible is the prime source we see how the Tradition has absorbed outside esoteric influences so as to develop, transform and adjust to a particular period and place. Thus Kabbalistic cosmology and psychology are cast in ancient, medieval and modern forms in order to reveal the processes of evolution and its aim to 'aid God to behold God.' This includes how schools of the soul operate, directed by teachers who have reincarnated to help individuals Self-realise their potential and play their part in the Divine Plan. This book is a synthesis of Halevi's works.