kiss of God, The
Book Description
In The Kiss of God, scholar Michael A. Fishbane unveils a profound dimension of Jewish spirituality that spans centuries of religious thought and practice. Drawing from rabbinic law, medieval philosophy, mysticism, and ritual traditions, this exploration reveals how Jewish masters across different eras pursued the ultimate spiritual goal: union with the Divine.
At the heart of this journey lies the evocative metaphor of the "kiss of God," representing the soul's deepest connection with the sacred. Fishbane demonstrates how this mystical ideal inspired diverse approaches to spiritual development, from rigorous adherence to religious law to intimate meditative practices. Each path, whether public or private, aimed toward the same transformative destination: the purification of human desire and the perfection of the soul.
The book illuminates how Jewish sages constructed various "ladders of ascension," recognizing that authentic spiritual growth demands discipline and dedication. Some found their pathway through strict observance of the Law itself, while others built upon this foundation with additional contemplative practices. Yet all shared a common understanding that the spiritual life offers genuine hope for personal transformation.
Through careful examination of rabbinic sources, philosophical texts, and mystical writings, Fishbane presents a tradition where the love of God becomes so complete that it transcends even the fear of death. This scholarly yet accessible work reveals how the quest for spiritual perfection has remained a constant thread throughout Jewish religious experience.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Short (< 200 pages) (~4 hours)
📄 Length: 156 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Understand death from spiritual perspective
- ✓ Explore Religious aspects
- ✓ Explore Yetzer hara (Judaism)
- ✓ Understand the nature of love
- ✓ Explore Doctrines
- ✓ Explore Death, religious aspects
- ✓ Explore Spiritual life
- ✓ Explore Religious aspects of Death
