Many people will be surprised to find that Judaism is fundamentally aligned with what we think of as the New Age. Many of the things we associated with the New Age are not new but are part of Kabbalah, the Jewish mystical tradition. New Age Judaism is not about Judaism modified to meet the needs of the moment, but rather it makes age-old Judaism, traditional and kabbalistic teachings accessible to the modern person in a new way.
New Age Judaism is a very practical guidebook to Jewish spirituality drawn from the insights and personal observations of the author, a well-known meditation teacher and psychotherapist. Melinda Ribner has taught Jewish meditation and meditative kabbalah for over 16 years and incorporates many of these exercises into her book. In 1989 she formed The Jewish Meditation Circle which meets weekly in Manhattan. Her work draws on the teachings and practices of the Musar, Chassidic, and Kabbalistic schools within Judaism.
“Jewish meditation is not just a way to be centered of balanced. It is so much deeper. Mindy (Melinda) is one of the special human beings who never forgets there is one God. She has the privilege of bringing the deep teachings of the holy rebbes. So much holiness. Her meditations go straight to the heart of every person. It is a privilege to learn with her.”
-Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach of Blessed Memory
“A Tonic for the Soul” Mindy Ribner’s book, “New Age Judaism” is a tonic for the soul. The message is soothing and spiritually uplifting. By sharing examples of the meditation exercises that she practices and teaches, you are given a rare opportunity to become more connected to your inner self. Through her extensive knowledge and wisdom of such subjects as reincarnation, kabbalah and angels, you will learn just how vibrant and relevant Judaism is in the 21st Century – the “New Age”. Mindy is the rare author that combines scholarship with first hand experience. She not only knows of what she writes, but will inspire you with all that living a faith based life can be. Suddenly, your own concept of a Jewish life has a beautiful, expansive new way to be expressed. She is truly a spiritual guide, and as you travel with her in this wonderful book, you will most certainly feel God’s presence leading the way.
Spiritual Nourishment that lights the soul With the growing popularity of Kabbalah over the last few years, many people have eagerly sought after authentic voices that can reveal this ancient wisdom. People are longing for deeper meaning in their lives. They are looking for connection-connection with themselves, with each other and with God. The path that leads to Jewish spirituality can have many false steps. But if you begin your journey with Mindy Ribner’s splendid book, New Age Judaism-Ancient Wisdom for the Modern World, your feet will be firmly planted in the rich soil of divine wisdom.From the first page to the last, New Age Judaism has something to teach. More importantly, it is an inspirational treatise that transports the reader beyond time and space with a gentle landing at the doorstep of enlightened awareness.Ms. Ribner, who received a nonrabbinical ordination to teach meditation from the legendary Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach, skillfully leads the reader to the deepest realm of Jewish meditative…