Mysticism

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.

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Abstract

This chapter highlights Jewish mysticism. It talks about Rabbi Yitshak Horowitz, also known as Reb Yitshak Masmid who is a leading exponent of mystical theology in the Habad vein. Reb Yitshak Masmid seemed to be a typical ascetic whose head reached to the heavens. He ate very little but drank heavily in the belief that alcohol could act as a stimulant to the deeper longings of the soul. The chapter also describes the traditional ceremony of the benediction over the moon (kidush levanah), which is considered to be a mystical rite. In this ceremony, carried out preferably in the open, at the beginning of the month, a benediction is recited in which God is praised for the creation of the moon and the other heavenly bodies.