Time and eternity in Jewish mysticism

By Brian Ogren

Book Description

Jewish mystical traditions have long grappled with profound questions about the nature of time and our relationship to the eternal. This scholarly exploration brings together leading voices to examine how these fundamental concepts have shaped mystical understanding within Judaism.

Rather than offering a single perspective, this work presents six distinct approaches to understanding temporality and eternity in Jewish mystical thought. Readers will encounter theoretical frameworks for comprehending time itself, philosophical definitions that illuminate these complex concepts, and explorations of pre-existence that challenge conventional thinking about beginnings and origins.

The book delves into how historical time functions within mystical frameworks, revealing how past, present, and future interconnect in ways that transcend linear understanding. It also examines experiential time, exploring how mystical practice transforms our lived relationship with temporal reality. Finally, it ventures into the realm of eternity that exists beyond time altogether.

This multifaceted approach creates a rich tapestry of understanding, drawing from diverse academic perspectives to illuminate concepts that have captivated spiritual seekers for centuries. Each contribution adds depth to our comprehension of how Jewish mystical traditions have wrestled with questions that remain central to human spiritual experience.

For those seeking to understand how mystical wisdom addresses fundamental questions about existence, temporality, and transcendence, this collection offers valuable insights into one of humanity's oldest spiritual traditions and its unique perspective on these eternal mysteries.