Kabbalah Ma’asit as an Independent Corpus of Jewish Literature:: A Prolegomenon to its Taxonomy

This groundbreaking work by Rabbi Ben Newman explores Kabbalah Ma’asit—the often-overlooked realm of Practical Kabbalah—as a distinct and independent body of Jewish literature. Through an in-depth analysis of rare manuscripts cataloged by Rabbi Dr. Martin S. Cohen, the book traces the historical, theological, and sociocultural dimensions of Jewish magical traditions from the medieval to early modern periods.

Blending rigorous academic scholarship with personal reflections, Newman investigates the mystical and magical techniques found in Jewish esoteric texts, from spells for supernatural travel (kephitzat haderekh) to talismanic practices and healing formulas. He examines the complex relationship between magic and Jewish law, the role of ba’alei shem (Jewish folk magicians), and the transmission of these traditions within Jewish communities.

Challenging the historical marginalization of Practical Kabbalah in scholarly discourse, this book argues for its recognition as a vital component of Jewish mystical and folk traditions. It is an essential resource for scholars of Jewish studies, mysticism, and magic, as well as for those intrigued by the intersection of religion and the occult.