Mysticism
Beyond Reasonable Doubt March 1, 1999 Louis Jacobs
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.