2008 Woodie Awards
German, math lecturer researches seven years for book on Kabbalah
James Dunn writes book to share teachings of Rabbi Isaac Luria with modern society.
By Ashley Luis
Issue date: 3/7/08 Section: Premiere
Originally published: 3/6/08 at 3:20 PM CSTLast update: 3/6/08 at 3:28 PM CST
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Dunn has taught at this college for 11 years. He left the Catholic Church at age 22 and started practicing Kabbalah. He has studied Kabbalah for 25 years.
"Kabbalah captivated me," Dunn said in an interview.
Kabbalah is said to date back to the 13th century and is best known as the mystical aspect of Judaism.
Dunn said Kabbalah is a private teaching among students of the Zohar, a mystical interpretation of the Bible. Another book used in Kabbalah is "The 72 Names of God," which, according to Kabbalistic teachings, are 72 combinations of the Hebrew letters in the biblical book of Exodus that release the negative energy of the human ego.
Dunn's book discusses passages of the Zohar and summarizes the teachings of Rabbi Isaac Luria.
Nathan Snyder, Habraica and Judaica head librarian at the University of Texas at Austin, translated Luria's words for this book.
Luria is considered to be the greatest Judaic mysticist who ever lived. He is said to have mystically created concepts Albert Einstein created 400 years later like the Big Bang Theory.
"Kabbalah has helped me learn that giving is so much better than receiving. It teaches you to just give," Dunn said.
As a contrast to other religions, Kabbalah is conducted privately and is open-ended, he said.
If interested in learning more about Kabbalah, Dunn suggests to "follow your own new age path."
There are 10 Kabbalah Centres around the U.S. The only one in Texas is in Houston.
Kabbalah is endorsed by celebrities. Singers Madonna and Britney Spears have been photographed wearing the famous Kabbalah Mystical Red String of Protection on the left wrist.
The red string is said to ward off the "evil eye" or envy of others.
The red string is worn on the left hand because, according to Dunn, the left hand complements the right side of the brain or the part where the intuitive sense is located.
He does not think celebrities are making Kabbalah a fad.
"Celebrities can follow," he said. "They can learn and grow. Madonna is the No. 1 leader of Kabbalah for celebrities."
The book is available at all Barnes & Noble bookstores and online at Amazon.com.
"My inspiration for writing this book is to share the remarkable genius Isaac Luria with the modern world," Dunn said.
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