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A comprehensive exploration of the Jewish adherents of the Theosophical Society and their impact on modern Jewish culture and the development of modern forms of Kabbalah.
The Secret Doctrine of the Jews offers the first comprehensive study of Jewish followers of the Theosophical Society, the highly influential global esoteric movement that was established in New York in 1875. The book presents a detailed examination of the major Jewish followers of the Theosophical Society and the formation of Jewish lodges and associations within its framework. It discusses the endeavors of Jewish theosophist to reconcile their Jewish identity with their theosophical convictions and to create new, theosophical inspired interpretations of Kabbalah. The book aims to underscore the role of Jewish theosophists within the Theosophical Society and explore their impact on modern Jewish culture—particularly their influence on the development of modern perspectives and forms of Kabbalah. The monograph makes significant contributions to research is several areas, including the global history of the Theosophical Society, modern Jewish religious movements, and the development and dissemination of modern forms of Kabbalah during the twentieth century.
"This is a groundbreaking investigation into a topic that has been largely overlooked by scholars of Theosophy. Drawing upon previously unknown sources and archival documents, coupled with a masterful rereading of the field's most well-known sources, this study calls our attention to the far-reaching influence of Theosophy on contemporary Jewish thought." — Marina Alexandrova, University of Texas at Austin
List of Illustrations
Preface and Acknowledgments
Introduction
1. The Theosophical Society
2. Jewish Followers of the Early Theosophical Society
3. Jewish Theosophists around the Globe
4. Jewish Followers of the Offshoots of the Theosophical Society
5. The Association of Hebrew Theosophists
6. "Sincere Jews": The Jewish Theosophists in Basra
7. Theosophy in Israel
8. "To Spread Theosophical Teachings among the Jews": Jewish Theosophists and the Jewish World
9. Jewish Theosophists Facing Anti-Judaism and Antisemitism within the Theosophical Society
10. Qabbalah, the Theos-Sophia of the Jews: Jewish Theosophists and the Kabbalah
Conclusion
Notes
Bibliography
Index