The long, turbulent history of the Jewish people is rich with writings, myths, theories, and beliefs about "the end times";
these beliefs are also known as Apocalypticism, Messianism, and Millenarianism, and about mysticism linked to "end times" and other mysteries of the mind and of humanity. Indeed, a substantial piece of the puzzle of Judaism's revelations and murky annals can be viewed and digested within the various descriptions and accounts of Jewish mysticism. This paper examines the various and diverse approaches to and explanations of these Jewish tenets by respected scholars and historians. Where there are differences of opinion, both sides of the argument are presented and analyzed because the strength of ancient writings can only be fully grasped when modern writers and scholars challenge those ancient beliefs and texts. Introduction/Abstract Reviewing Gershom Scholem's Influence, Writings, and his view of Mysticism The Debate over Ancient Jewish Mysticism's Meaning
Background on the Legitimacy and Interpretations of Ancient Writings More examples of why Joseph Dan parts Company with Scholem Where Dr. Moshe Idel differs from Scholem Views from Idel's book: Hasidism: Between Ecstasy and Magic Another look at Shabbatean Messianism - Jacob Katz' View Yehuda Liebes More background on the Zohar - The Book of Splendor The History of Apocalypticism Conclusion