Kabbalah of Prayer
Sacred Sounds and the Soul’s Journey
- Publisher
Lindisfarne Books - Published
17th February 2004 - ISBN 9781584200178
- Language English
- Pages 192 pp.
- Size 5.5" x 8.5"
“You are not expected to complete the work, nor are you permitted to abandon it.” —Rabbi Tarfon, Pirke Avot
In this remarkable, groundbreaking book, Shulamit Elson writes with eloquence and authority about our soul’s journey, our place in the universe, and our relationship to God through prayer. In beautiful and simple words, she shares the ancient teachings and the sacred sounds of the Kabbalah in ways capable of reconnecting us with the Eternal and changing our lives forever.
We learn of her journey from the closed world of an Orthodox Jewish family, on a voyage of discovery that took her into a secular life of poetry and travel throughout Europe. Then, faced with personal difficulties and waking visions, she began a path of meditation. Gifts of healing and prophecy followed. Eventually she met her Maggid, the traditional Kabbalistic “answering angel,” with whose help she developed a series of meditative “Sound Prayers” using sacred sounds made with the voice.
Elson explains the theological, cosmological, and esoteric foundations upon which “Sound Prayer” is based. We are introduced to the ancient wisdom of the Kabbalah, the “Tree of Life,” and the structure of the soul in its relationship with God. We learn the true nature of prayer, how it relates to Tikkun Olam (“Repair of the World”), and how “Sound Prayer” relates to different angelic levels of being and truth.
This is a practical book that gives individual exercises as well as offering help on meeting specific challenges, including spiritual struggles, feelings of meaninglessness, and harsh self-judgment, as well as illness, fear, and anxiety.
“Only a great teacher can convey such wisdom with so light a touch; only a great healer can penetrate the soul with such grace. I cannot recommend this book more highly.” —Roger J. Woolger, Ph.D. author of Other Lives, Other Selves
“An innovative and exciting approach to Jewish spirituality. This book can not only help reshape how Jews approach and engage in prayer, but it can also serve as an accessible entry point into the world of Jewish spirituality for any and all seekers.” —Rabbi Joshua Grater, Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center, Pasadena, California
“This wonderful book is universal in its expression and appeal, and it is of value to the followers of any spiritual path.” —Swami Atmarupananda, Ramakrishna Order, Head of the Vivekananda Retreat, Ridgley, NY
“The ability of Shulamit to resonate a note and interpret that response in physical and psychological terms is quite remarkable, as is her capacity to help and to heal.” —Z’ev ben Shimon Halevi (Warren Kenton) Director of Tutors, The Kabbalah Society
C O N T E N T S:
Foreword
Introduction
PART ONE
1. The Path of Kabbalah
2. The Curtain of Souls
3. Cultivating the Garden
4. Angels
5. The Names of God
6. The Tree of Life
7. Awakening
PART TWO
8. Sound Prayer
9. The Sacred sounds of the Sefirot
10. Sound Prayer Introduction
The Sound of the Flame
Appendices
Transliteration Table
Glossary of Terms
Shulamit Elson
Shulamit Elson is a profoundly gifted spiritual teacher whose work takes her throughout Europe, India, Asia, and the Holy Land. She also teaches extensively within the United States, and individuals from all over the world make their way to her home in upstate New York.