Contemporary Alternative Spiritualities in Israel

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.

Introduction; Shai Feraro and James R. Lewis. - Part I. Jew Age Spirituality. - 1. A Sacred Time in the Sacred Land: Authenticating the Past in New Age Judaism; Rachel Werczberger and Ben Gurion. - 2. Kabbalah through the Utilitarian Prism: Contemporary Neo-Kabbalah in Israel as a Form of Consumer Culture; Tomer Persico. - 3. Body and Soul in Yemima Avital s Teachings and in her Students Testimonies, Philosophies, and Practices; Einat Ramon. - 4. Individualization of Jewish UnOrthodox (Alternative) Wedding Rituals in Israel; Ana Prashizky. - Part II. New Age Culture in Israel. - 5. The Incorporation of Spiritual Care into Israeli Medical Organizations; Nurit Zaidman. - 6. Inherent Paradox in Cultural Change: New Age Rituals as Case Study; Dalit Simchai. - 7. The State And New Religious Movements; Masua Sagiv. - Part III. Some Popular Currents in the Israeli 'Scene'. - 8. Theosophy and Anthroposophy in Israel: An Historical Survey; IsaacLubelsky. - 9. Messages for the End: Eschatological Thought in Twentieth Century Channeling; Adam Klin-Oron. - 10. The Menstrual Discourse in Israeli Yoga for Women: An Alternative to the Hegemonic Discourse? ; Carmit Rosen. - Part IV. On the Fringes. - 11. Ritual Adaptations and Celebrations of the Mabon Sabbat (Autumn Equinox) by Israeli Neopagans; Orly Salinas Mizrahi. - 12. Pentecostal Ethiopian Jews and Nigerian Members of Olumba Olumba: Manifestations of Christianity in Israel; Galia Sabar.