Jewish mysticism is explored through the example of Rabbi Yitshak Horowitz (Reb Yitshak Masmid), a leading exponent of mystical theology in the Habad tradition. He was an ascetic who ate very little but drank heavily, believing alcohol could stimulate deeper longings of the soul. The chapter also describes the traditional ceremony of the benediction over the moon (kidush levanah), a mystical rite performed at the beginning of the month in the open, where God is praised for creating the moon and other heavenly bodies.
Concentration (kavvanah) in prayer has different meanings across Jewish traditions. In classical rabbinic sources, kavvanah means being conscious of standing in God's presence and attending to the meaning of the words of prayer. In Kabbalah, especially the Lurianic version, the concept shifts to mystical contemplation as the central practice. This chapter traces the history of these practices, showing how the doctrine of kavvanah developed from a focus on mindful prayer to a system of mystical contemplation.