The Thirteen Petalled Rose

A world-renowned scholar of Jewish theology guides readers through the teachings of Kabbalah, the ancient Jewish mystical tradition.

For decades, The Thirteen Petalled Rose has guided readers through the fundamentals of kabbalah, the esoteric Jewish theological system that deals with the relationships between man, Torah, the Commandments, and God. Its title is taken from the opening of the classic Jewish text on mysticism, the Zohar, and refers to the "collective souls of the Jewish people," which scholars have likened to the fullness of a rose. As Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz puts it, “kabbalah is the official theology of the Jewish people.”

In concise, readable prose, Rabbi Steinsaltz opens up the world of kabbalah, inviting readers of any background to explore this profound spiritual tradition. He renders complex Kabbalistic concepts intelligible, addressing profound topics like holiness, divine revelation, the soul, ethics, and prayer. The result is a timeless work of theological wisdom beloved by generations of readers.