Sparks of Wisdom

“Barber’s rich second collection of writings and teachings from 18th-century Rabbi Yehonatan Eybeshitz continues the project of offering the English world its first translations of the work of the storied Kabbalist. . . . Illuminating and engaging, a user-friendly collection . . . more suited to browsing—and more welcoming to non-expert readers eager to make a connection to one of the great experts on Jewish law. . . . Barber’s distillations of the rabbi’s teaching . . . preserves the richness and power of the original writing, in prose that’s scrupulously clear and precise. . . . Barber’s helpful additions, clearly marked in italics, continue that spirit of lucidity, at times going beyond explanations to offer compelling fresh examples, [and] surprising connections (he draws on Mark Twain in the excellent chapter on Israel). . . . An inviting collection of insights and teachings from a great 18th-century rabbi, freshly translated into English.”
Production grades: Cover: A–, Design and typography: A, Editing: A, Marketing copy: A
—BookLife Reviews

Ancient Jewish Teachings Applied to a Modern World

Drawing from his vast knowledge of Torah, Kabbalah, Talmud, and other ancient writings, Rabbi Yehonatan Eybeshitz continues to teach us about the inner and outer world—more than 250 years after his passing.

Rabbi Yacov Barber, a master of inner wisdom, uses ancient and modern wisdom to inspire and motivate the Jewish community throughout the world. In Sparks of Wisdom, he uses his unique skills to transform Rabbi Eybeshitz’s eighteenth-century writings into modern terms so that even those with limited knowledge of Judaism can understand the profound and timeless teachings of the esteemed Rabbi Yehonatan Eybeshitz.

With easy-to-navigate alphabetical entries, readers will explore searching questions like:
• Why did G-d create the world?
• Reincarnation: Is it a Jewish belief?
• Where are today’s miracles?
• What is Jewish meditation?
• Why did G-d create me?
• Which animal has the most spiritual energy and spiritual life force?
• How does one become a prophet?
• Love: How do you know when you are in it?
• How can we change our negative behavior?

Ancient teachings meet modern understanding in Sparks of Wisdom to provide practical guidance on the answers to these questions and many more based on established Jewish teachings, laws, and code.