This book describes the history of Jewish mysticism, introducing the wide-ranging and varied mystic writings known collectively as the Heikhalot and the Merkavah literature, with its description of mystic spiritual elevations, and meetings between the mystics and superior beings and even with God. Explains Jewish mysticism’s relationships to parallel streams of thought, both within and outside Judaism. The Jewish Thought Series from Israel s MOD Books, now distributed exclusively by Jewish Lights. A part of Israel’s Broadcast University Series, each book is written by leading experts and authors in their respective fields. They are published jointly by Tel Aviv University, the Chief Education Office of the IDF, and IDF Radio.