Description:
This volume is the first English-language anthology to engage with the fascinating phenomena of recent surges in New Age and alternative spiritualties in Israel. Contributors investigate how these New Age religions and other spiritualties--produced in Western countries within predominantly Protestant or secular cultures-transform and adapt themselves in Israel. The volume focuses on a variety of groups and movements, such as Theosophy and Anthroposophy, Neopaganism, Channeling, Women's Yoga, the New Age festival scene, and even Pentecostal churches among African labor migrants living in Tel Aviv. Chapters also explore more Jewish-oriented practices such as Neo-Kabballah, Neo-Hassidism, and alternative marriage ceremonies, as well as the use of spiritual care providers in Israeli hospitals. In addition, contributors take a close look at the state's reaction to the recent activities and growth of new religious movements.
Review Quotes: "Its strength is in providing a valuable resource both as an introduction for interested readers as well as a starting point for deeper scholarly explorations. Its regional focus on Israel might serve as an example for the production of similar volumes focusing on other social, political, and cultural contexts." (Dominic Zoehrer, Religious Studies Review, Vol. 45 (2), June, 2019)