A lively and accessible introduction to the world of Jewish mystic lore * Presents the methods, schools, and legendary practitioners of Kabbalah * Traces the history of the Kabbalah through the lives of its illustrious scholars and saints and unravels the web of ancient traditions hidden in such texts as the Sefer Yetzirah, and the Zohar * Includes commentary by great Kabbalists such as Simeon bar Yohai, Isaac Luria, Abraham Abulafia, and the Baal Shem Tov This pioneering, popular introduction to Jewish mysticism was the first survey written for a general audience and is now available in Shambhala classics. Epstein presents the essence of Kabbalistic methods, schools, and practitioners while the words of the great Kabbalists appear throughout the text giving instructions on practices such as contemplation of Biblical secret teachings, ecstatic prayer, and intensive meditation.