KABBALAH DECODER Revealing the Messages of the Ancient Mystics by JANET BERENSON-PERKINS Barron’s ($21.95, hardcover) reviewed by Steve McCardell Kabbalah Decoder is a beautifully designed and illustrated book that, like so many others today, introduces us to the basics of Kabbalah. There are some important differences, however, that do make this a unique work, and one from which a beginning student may gain a lot. First among these differences is that many of today’s titles are written from a Christian, alchemical, or other approach, whereas this one roots itself in the traditional Judaic approach. One won’t find Tree of Life (the traditional Kabbalistic glyph) associations with tarot, for instance, though the book does include a chapter showing how Kabbalah relates to a number of different mystical teachings. Another difference from many titles is that, unlike those merely explaining the Kabbalah, this takes the more traditional approach of Jewish study, helping one to learn through questions. Because the Tree of Life stands for the microcosm (a single person) as well as the macrocosm (the entire universe), learning about oneself means learning about all things. By questioning the reader on every topic discussed, the author seeks to expand the reader’s knowledge of self, Kabbalah, and creation. Another important difference in this book is that it explores both the spheres and the paths on the Tree of Life, while many titles today look only at the spheres. This is an important matter, because not merely the aspects of creation (the spheres) are important, but the relationships between these (the paths) are as well. The paths help us to make connections among all things we see and to organize our thoughts and our world. The book offers meditations on each of these. The book ends with a useful section on how to actually apply Kabbalah to one’s own life. It offers 12 exercises to make the Kabbalah real, taking (for one instance) the four worlds of Emanation, Creation, Formation, and Action and helping one to make every action divine. Other exercises help in healing, in changing habits, in changing perceptions, and more. I think many will agree, the beauty of this book is a draw in itself. The text is rather simple in its approach, but it is here as an introduction, and by making the potent teachings of the Tree of Life practical for the reader, it is a good beginning. If one is interested in entering this subject of such depth and import, Kabbalah Decoder is one delightful book to use.