9780873067690

This is an amazing life-changing book. It systemically outlines and details the relationships between heaven and earth and man's mission during (t)his lifetime. It is both inspiring and revealing and answers many questions about the meaning (and goals) of life, of the universe, reward and punishment, and the afterlife.

I was disappointed, It is a useful outline of Jewish practices and traditions - primarily written for Jews (as the Chosen People). I was looking for Jewish Mysticism and Kabbalah. I could not find it here. Description of a Heaven run like a giant corporation. God is the CEO & delegates to various classes of angels. However he always checks in with them and makes the final decisions. There are lots of rules, harsh justice, and very little love - in this universe. This is NOT the universe I signed up for! Oh well - back to Nirvana.

I'll be brief, as I doubt I could add much to the commentary already wriitn about this book. Suffice it to say that this work is truly excellent. If you're interested the deeper aspects of G_d's interaction with mankind, this is a pretty good place to start.

Like my review title says this book will tell you everything Judaism believes from beginning to end and everything in between. It is a must! It's just as important to have as a good Torah to read and study with.

"The Way of God" is not a modern book, but one that has become something of a classic in systematic expositions of Jewish thought from a Kabbalist's viewpoint. Written by Rabbi Luzzatto, a Master of Kabbalah himself, "The Way of God" has become available in English thanks to Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan. Let me say from the beginning that the book is one of the best introductions to a living faith within a Kabbalist framework that I have read. The book is written in a turn of phrase that is relatively easily understood, which is a welcome change in terms of books connected with Kabbalah sometimes. "The Way of God" presents things in such a way that people can grasp the concepts with some degree of ease. At times, words specific to Kabbalah are used, though these are usually explained in some detail. Luzzatto rarely just assumes something. The book also contains both the Hebrew and English texts side by side. The book is also very logically and clearly set out in parts that are divided into a few chapters. The parts are: 1. Fundamentals, covering The Creator, Man, Human Responsibility, and more. 2. Providence, covering Providence in General, Individual Providence, How Providence Works, Israel and the Nations, and more. 3. The Soul, Inspiration and Prophecy, with The Soul and Its Influence, Theurgy, The Prophetic Experience, Moses as a Prophet and more. 4. Serving God, with Study of Torah, Love and Fear of God, Prayer, Seasonal Commandments, and more. Reading this book has also cleared up some issues that I have had from reading other books and been confused about. In this sense, I would agree with another reviewer that the book is "vital". It is indeed a worthy addition to someone seeking insight into Kabbalah. Some points I felt raised some questions and more issues that are difficult to resolve without further reading on my own part. One in particular is Luzzatto's teaching that nothing happens without God's knowledge or will on this earth, which made me ponder on how this impacts on the tragic history of the Holocaust. While I have not read any Jewish responses to this issue, the book certainly raises some interesting questions that are worth studying. Just lastly, if you are looking for a starting point in Kabbalah and Jewish thought, "The Way of God" is hard to go past. Despite the expense of getting it, it is worth the extra cost in being far superior to many other books that could leave you more confused. "The Way of God" really does get rid of a lot of the unnecessary complications. Overall, I really enjoyed this book for both its informative discourse and also the inspiration that it presents to the reader. If you are thinking about it, take my advice: go on! I am sure there will be no regrets.