Elliot R. Wolfson Knihy

Focusing on visionary experiences, this scholarly work explores the visual aspect of Jewish spirituality from antiquity to the late Middle Ages. By employing phenomenological and critical historical methods, the author analyzes mystical texts from various periods, highlighting the epistemic significance of sight in these writings. The study also uncovers an androcentric eroticism within Jewish mysticism, emphasizing the phallus as a central element in the visual experience, thereby reflecting broader themes of revelation and representation in religious texts.

The book offers an in-depth exploration of Kabbalah, merging philosophy, poetry, and philology. It engages with diverse theories including sexuality, phenomenology, and comparative religion, alongside influential thinkers like Wittgenstein and Blake. This study stands out as a significant examination of the body within Jewish and religious studies, marking a pivotal moment in the discourse surrounding Kabbalistic texts. Its comprehensive approach promises to set a new standard in the field.

Abraham Miguel Cardozo (1627-1706) is known primarily as a follower and defender of the false messiah Sabbatai Zevi. He was that, indeed; but he was a great deal more than that as well. Cardozo was one of the most vivid, complex and original personalities to emerge within Judaism during the seventeenth century. An early modern Jew, he was above all an individual. Like his contemporary Spinoza, Cardozo suffered horribly for his individuality. Yet he remained faithful until his death -- his strange, violent, eerily messianic death -- to what he believed to be the true and authentic Jewish faith. Cardozo deserves to be known for himself. Book jacket.

Exploring the tension between scriptural theism and the representation of transcendence, the book examines the thoughts of key twentieth-century Jewish thinkers who grappled with personifying the divine. While Cohen, Buber, Rosenzweig, and Levinas acknowledged the risks, Derrida and Wyschogrod advanced the concept of denegation, ultimately challenging the foundations of devotional piety. The text advocates for a deeper apophasis, emphasizing an acceptance of absolute nothingness that transcends theism, shifting from the metaphor of the gift to a more neutral understanding of unconditional givenness.

Exploring the mystical dimensions of various religions, this collection features ninety-two poems that blend philosophy with rich spiritual themes. Over several decades, the author captures the essence of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Taoism, and Buddhism, creating a tapestry of thought and emotion. Each poem serves as a vivid expression, akin to paintings that reveal the unseen, inviting readers to delve into the depths of faith and existence.

Exploring the interplay between sexuality, divinity, and textuality, this collection of essays and poems delves into profound topics like the gender of the Godhead and the suffering of God within Jewish mysticism. The author, a prominent scholar, reveals how poetry transcends mere stylistic choice, providing unique insights into Kabbalistic thought. By merging philosophy and poetry, the work invites readers to engage with complex ideas in innovative ways, reflecting the author's mastery of paradox and depth in Jewish mystical traditions.

The Duplicity of Philosophy's Shadow represents one of the most sustained and creative engagements with the legacy of Heidegger. Rather than marginalize Heidegger and ostracize those who engage his writings, Wolfson instead opts for critical engagement and intellectual honesty. His poetic wrestling is simultaneously exciting and timely. Aaron W. Hughes, University of Rochester