If you have been to Safed, Israel you will really appreciate this book and if you have not been there it will entice you to visit this city of mystical Jewish history. An easy read, this book by Alec Israel reveals the impact upon Jewish culture of the most important spiritual seekers during the 16th century in Safed. The author uses the motif of a little known diary that is kept by a Jew from Cairo and tells the story of how the writer of this diary goes to Safed to find a spiritual leader who can reveal to him the meaning of a persistant dream that keeps troubling him.

In the last decade of the 15th century, Safed began to become important to Jews because of the people who were attracted to study and live there, great scholars and exceptional thinkers. Three great rabbis, Yitzhak Luria, Moshe Cordovero and Joseph Caro had already contributed to the culture of Safed and those that came after them at the end of the 16th century had a strong basis for mystical study. These were learned men who understood Torah and Talmud. Rabbis of Safed were known for their study and wisdom of Kabbala.

This book is exceptional in its detail and attention to Kabbalistic scholarship during a most interesting time period in Jewish history. In only one hundred pages, the reader gains a good understanding of the importance of Kabbalism and the revelations of its masters while devoting their lives to prayer and the 631 laws of Judaism. The reader also better understands the struggles of these Jewish rabbinical leaders to live pious lives within a world dominated by Muslims and Christians. Keep in mind that in the late 16th century, Safed is not only the center of Kabbalism but it is at this time the center of the wool industry and the city is home to many weavers, craftsman and merchants as well as scholars.

The book explains the significance of the monotheistic basis of Judaism at this time and gives examples of mystical beliefs and behaviors of Kabbalists as well. Some rabbis see spirits everywhere, others practice ascetism, others can read people's fates in their foreheads and one rabbi even believes he is the descendant of the Messiah. We learn that Safed is also a city where many Spanish Jews immigrated to escape the inquisition and persecution by Catholics.

The influence of these spiritual leaders on Judaism has been significant. Safed's leaders were known for both their scholarship and piety. What is a treasure in this book is the gathering of the wisdom of these rabbis. For example, the author quotes Moshe Cordovero who says, "If you want to be loved by God, you first have to be liked by your fellow man". Sprinkled throughout this book are references to the wise quips of Rabbis like Cordovero. I would encourage you to read "The Kabbalists" and enjoy arm-chair travel to Safed, Israel during a time when important men were steeped in the study of mystical Judaism. This book is a great way to learn more about this sacred city and Kabbalism without having to leave your home. ( )