Okay, that’s a lie, and it’s probably a little insensitive. Sorry.
What I really mean is that the Monday edition of Fresh Air — that NPR talk show with Terry Gross — was all about Kabbalah. Terry’s guest was Arthur Green:
Historian and theologian Arthur Green has long studied Jewish religion and culture. Among the many books he has written is his latest, A Guide to the Zohar. […] In addition to being dean of the rabbinical school of Hebrew College, Arthur Green is also on leave from Brandeis University.
Regardless of subject, Arthur Green has the sort of voice and comfortable air that would make you trust whatever he says without question. Further, his answers are organized, complete, and informative (or at least seem that way), that I’m sure every listener felt as though he or she had just gotten a detail lesson on Judaism.
Now, which listener wants to go head to head with Madonna to see who knows more about Kabbalah?
The Fresh Air show description does a good job of summarizing the matter in two sentences. The third sentence just sells Green’s book:
The Zohar is a collection of writings and teaching that appeared in the 13th century. It is the basis of kabbalah, a mystical extension of Judaism identified with alphanumeric codes and esoteric symbols. Green’s Guide to the Zohar is an overview of modern studies of kabbalah’s medieval origins.