This book is for those:
- intrigued by the Arizal’s (Lurianic) Kabbalah.
- confused by the debates over Kabbalah’s authenticity.
- fascinated by how centuries-old Kabbalistic ideas converge with modern science.
- challenged by how the technological changes around us fit in with Torah and Kabbalah.
- desiring resolution of the ongoing debates over key ideas in Jewish thought.
- curious to understand exactly who and what the Messiah is.
Of the few genuine introductions to kabbalah, Shomer Emunim stands out prominently for its clarity, brevity and accessibility. Penned in the late 1720s by the master Italian Kabbalist, Rabbi Yosef Ergas, its virtues have been extolled by Kabbalists of note ever since. Shomer Emunim powerfully responds to those who claim Kabbalah was fabricated. It also explains Kabbalistic concepts simply, dispelling the illegitimate views of those encouraging blasphemous religious compromise by distorting those concepts. The original Shomer Emunim Hebrew text, together with its complete, facing-page, English translation and commentary, are presented in an innovative and easily digestible format.
The in-depth Kabbalah Overview complements and significantly expands on the basic Kabbalistic concepts presented in Shomer Emunim. Using recently developed frameworks of scientific understanding, it demonstrates the remarkable contemporary relevance of centuries-old Kabbalistic concepts.
Praise for Shomer Emunim
“R. Avinoam has … opened an entranceway, [as immense] as the entranceway to the hall of the Temple, for those interested in entering the inner recesses of this area of Torah.”
–Rabbi Hershel Schachter, Rosh Yeshiva of Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary, Yeshiva University.
“For those who understand the great need to get to the inner ‘heart of matters,’ [R. Avinoam Fraenkel’s] wonderful translations and commentaries are a must.”
–Rabbi Moshe Zuriel, prolific author of works in virtually all areas of Torah scholarship. Former Mashgiach of the Yeshiva of Sha’alvim.
“This work will enable many who have been intrigued by Kabbalah and subsequently desire to enter this area of profound Jewish Wisdom, to begin to properly grapple with its underlying basic concepts.”
–Rabbi Mendel Kessin, founder and director of the Tiferes Ramchal Institute.
“This work, with its insights, will transform the Arizal’s teachings [Lurianic Kabbalah], making them accessible and intelligible to a wide audience.”
–Rabbi Yechiel Barlev, prolific author of the Yedid Nefesh series of works on the Talmud and Kabbalah.
“R. Avinoam … opened gateways of simple understanding of the great [Kabbalistic] secrets, in showing … how they correspond to scientific research.”
–Rabbi Mordekhai Chriqui, head of the Ramchal Institute, Jerusalem. Author of numerous Kabbalah works.
“The well-known and important work, Shomer Emunim … is an important and crucial introduction for anyone who desires to enter the Pardes [to study Kabbalah].”
–Rabbi Meir Triebitz, founder of the Hashkafa Circle.
“R. Avinoam Fraenkel presented me with a precious jewel, an English translation of the holy work Shomer Emunim … well-known as one of the basic books for those wanting to initiate Kabbalah study.”
–Rabbi Yitzhak Benzecry, prolific author of the Pachad Yitzchak series of Kabbalah works.
“R. Avinoam Fraenkel … translated … with eloquence and clarity … and brought important introductions to Kabbalah … comprised of correct and accurate details about matters that stand at the highest point of the Universe.”
–Rabbi David Daniel HaCohen, Rosh Yeshiva of the Kabbalah Yeshiva, Shaarey Kedusha Utefila, Jerusalem.