Bibliography

Books by Zev ben Shimon Halevi

The pre-eminent author of our time on Kabbalah is Zev ben Shimon Halevi.  His work is controversial in that he grew up within the Jewish tradition but has moved away from conventional Jewish practice by offering the teaching to all those who seek it. Founder of the Toledano School, he continues to teach and write books. 

The following is a selection that will provide a starting point for anyone interested in Halevi’s work and, unless stated to the contrary, are published by the Kabbalah Society and are widely available.

Introduction to The World of Kabbalah – ISBN 978-1-905806-21-28

The Kabbalistic Tree of Life – ISBN 978-1-909171-12-1

The Way of Kabbalah – ISBN 978-1-905806-06-5

Kabbalah: Tradition of Hidden Knowledge – (Thames&Hudson, ISBN 978-0-500810-23-1)

One of the most important of Halevi’s works that has influenced my personal journey, this book has long formed a starting point for my ideas on interpreting (and reinterpreting) the Bible and other scripture that you will find frequently in my blogs:

Kabbalah and Exodus – ISBN 978-1-909171-09-1

Books by Maggy Whitehouse

A student of Halevi, Maggy Whitehouse is a wonderfully innovative and insightful Kabbalist. Although only the first of the two recommended books is technically about Kabbalah, Maggy’s writing on esoteric matters emerges from a profound and direct experience of the tradition. She is from the Christian tradition and is an ordained priest working outside of the conventional confines of exoteric religion. She is also a broadcaster and stand-up comedian and VERY funny!

In my opinion, the best working textbook for anyone interested in Kabbalah. It is detailed, objective and easy to read:

Total Kabbalah – (Chronicle Books, ISBN 978-0-811861-37-3)

Although a little too soft-focused for my taste, this is an excellent introduction and some may find it less daunting than other books of its kind. It is out of print but you will find copies on Amazon for a penny + p&p!  [Edit 10th October 2017 – I understand this book is soon to be reprinted and more widely available.]

Living Kabbalah – (Hamlyn, ISBN 978-0-600609-70-4)

Not technically a book on Kabbalah but a fascinating and original look at a major Kabbalist:

The Marriage of Jesus – (O Books, ISBN 978-84694-008-8)

Others:

One cannot write a bibliography about Kabbalah without referencing this author.  Her work has been highly influential in promoting Kabbalah as a spiritual practice and, although her writing can now seem dated, it is full of insight and wisdom:

Dion Fortune: The Mystical Qabalah – ISBN 978-1-578631-50-6

There are other books by this writer but this is the one I know. It deals with the Tree of Life and the Sefirot but not the Jacob’s Ladder.

Will Parfitt: The Elements of The Qabalah – ISBN 978-1-852302-30-6

Another highly recommendable teacher of the tradition, who writes with integrity and insight.

David Goddard: Tree of Sapphires – ISBN 978-1-578633-03-6

A purely intellectual approach to Kabbalah from the pre-eminent scholar of the Twentieth Century. A fascinating insight into the history, if not the direct practice, of Kabbalah. Unlike the other writers represented on this page, I would describe Scholem as a scholar, rather than a practising Kabbalist.

Gershom Scholem: On the Kabbalah and Its Symbolism (Mysticism & Kabbalah) – ISBN 978-0-805210-51-4