And They Shall Be One Flesh: on the Language of Mystical Union in Judaism

By Adam Afterman

Book Description

Adam Afterman presents a groundbreaking exploration of mystical union within Jewish spiritual tradition, tracing how the concept of divine connection has evolved across centuries of religious thought. This comprehensive study reveals how Judaism developed its own distinctive approaches to mystical embodiment and spiritual unity, challenging common assumptions about monotheistic mysticism.

The journey begins with Philo, whom Afterman identifies as the pioneering voice who first articulated mystical union within Jewish thought and broader monotheistic tradition. From this foundation, the book examines how medieval Jewish thinkers crafted diverse pathways to mystical experience, particularly through their understanding of the Holy Spirit as a vehicle for divine connection.

What emerges is a rich tapestry of spiritual innovation born from cultural exchange. Afterman demonstrates how Jewish mystical traditions flourished not in isolation, but through meaningful encounters with Greek philosophy, Arab intellectual traditions, Islamic spirituality, and Christian mysticism. These cross-cultural dialogues sparked creative theological developments that expanded the possibilities for divine encounter within Jewish practice.

For readers seeking to understand how mystical experience manifests across different religious traditions, this work offers valuable insights into the universal human longing for spiritual union. The book illuminates how ancient wisdom traditions can inform contemporary spiritual seeking, revealing the dynamic and evolving nature of mystical thought throughout history.