The Secret World of Kabbalah

Judith Z. Abrams
Kar-Ben Publishing (2006)
ISBN 9781580132244
Reviewed by Spencer Zaborowski (age 12) for Reader Views (12/07)

“The Secret world of Kabbalah” by Judith Z. Abrams, is an interesting book that tells you about the right and wrong paths to God.  The author described Kabbalah as “hidden wisdom” and is a personal journey to become as close to God as possible.  It involves a guide, study and a lot of concentration. It talks about keeping God in every part of your life, no matter what you are doing through talking to God, wearing certain kinds of clothes and studying certain books and writings.

This book is one that has history, mathematics, astrology, Angels, reincarnation, karma, and magic in it.  You may ask “And what does all of this have to do with real life?”  Well, using examples and stories from the Jewish texts, this book tells you all about it and how to use it when you are doing your daily routine.  The book talks about all of the ways to search and connect spiritually with God.

One idea, out of many ideas, tells that some of Kabblah (in fact a lot of it!) is hiding in plain sight.  You may also be wondering “What does that mean?”

Well, here is part of a story that is in “The Secret world of Kabbalah” -- “Once there was a boy that lived far out in the country.  One day, he told his parents that he wanted to visit the king. So his parents gave him some food and a horse then sent him on his way!  The journey was very pleasant with the sun shining, gentle rolling hills, and grassy fields. Finally, the boy came to the farthest outpost of the king’s land.  There an old gatekeeper congratulated him on reaching this point.  The boy spent several pleasant days with the old man, telling him about his journey, but then a thought arose in the back of his mind.  ‘This is nice... but I'm not with the king.’  So thanking the Gatekeeper, he set back out toward the palace.”

The boy keeps on his journey, which was dangerous and hard, finally reaches the palace after he gives up several chances to rest comfortably.  Instead of seeing the king, he sees himself in a large mirror.  What happened to the king?  Did he ever find him?  The story gets better, so you have to read the book to find what happens!

“The Secret world of Kabbalah” is a good book written for both teens and adults.  Anyone who has thought of getting closer to God should read this.  I liked this book because it talks about how most religions are alike!  I also liked how it talks about places all over the world, like Mt. Everest.  The book was easy-to-read, with interesting pictures.  Ms. Abrams adds stories throughout the book, in addition to the facts about Kabbalah, which held my interest, more than if it just had the facts in there.

I really enjoyed “The Secret world of Kabbalah” and I hope that you will read it and learn how to walk closely with God.

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