[Avodah] rationalism and mysticism

[Richard Wolpoe]

On 10/7/07, Micha Berger <micha at aishdas.org> wrote:
>
>
> I think that there is a similar confusion caused by the word "mysticism".
>
> In its broadest sense, anyone who believes in a Borei and mal'akhim
> believes in mysticism. But I'm sure that's not what is being debated here.
>
> To me, the word means belief in an Intimate G-d, and centering one's
> religiosity on the attempt to experience Him. (I realize that that's
> Gnosticism in particular; however, it is the mental image I associate
> with the word "mystic".)
>
> T
> -mi
>
> --


This is tangential to Micha's post and Micha you can leave if off the list

This is like the 80-20 rule.  80% of the debates in Hlacah in general an
donthis lsit in particular are probably about definitions.

I was not the greatest Talmid of Brisk, but the Brisker methodology
re-inforced in me the concept of  getting precise defintions that are often
contextually based.

For example  2 definitions of kavvanah
1) awareness that one is davening [reguried for entire amidah]
2) understanding what is being said (peirush hamilim)  [required for just
1st bracha]

I also strongly concur that nearly ANY religious person must subscribe to
SOME form of mysticism - becasue I defined mysticism essentially as
'bridging the gap between n,man and God." To rambam THIS kind of mystiicms
sems primarily rational and intellecutal but the goal of LEIDA Es Hashem is
paramount - no loess than one who uses methods of Kabbalah or other forms of
d'veikus.  [Sufis perhaps used Dervish style methods]
-
Kol Tuv / Best Regards,
RabbiRichWolpoe at Gmail.com
Please Visit:
http://nishmablog.blogspot.com/
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