Since medieval times, the mystical tradition of Kabbalah was restricted to qualified men over forty—because it was believed that only the most mature and pious could grasp its complexity and profound, life-changing implications. More recently, Kabbalah nearly disappeared—as most of its practitioners perished in the Holocaust. Now this powerful spiritual tradition, after centuries of secrecy and near-extinction, is explained clearly in this book by one of its most prominent teachers.

Who are we? Where did we come from? Where are we going? How do we get there? These questions have fueled Kabbalists for nearly a millennium. Rabbi David A. Cooper is the first to bring this obscure and difficult tradition to a mainstream audience in a way that gently leads us to the heart of the subject, showing us how to transform profound teachings into a meaningful personal experience—and appreciate fully this great mystical process we know as God.

"Rabbi Cooper opens wide the centuries-old treasure house of the Jewish tradition. This is a wise book...broad and accessible. It's one of those books that people will read a lot over the years"—Jack Kornfield, bestselling author of A Path with Heart

"David Cooper's rich wisdom and practical exercises bring Judaism alive in an exciting new way."—Joan Borysenko, Ph.D., author of A Woman's Book of Life

"Offers insight into the everyday practice of mystical Judaism...lively prose...a rewarding book."—Publishers Weekly

"A superb, sensitive, and gentle guide."—Ram Dass, author of Be Here Now