Born on Sukkot, “Sanctuary of the Divine Presence” is a terrific feminist interpretation of classical Chassidic Kabbalah. Hieronimus relied on the Hebrew Bible and the Mishnaic teachings of Judaism as she attempted to recreate the oral tradition of Kabbalah as passed down by the Hebrews. As with her earlier work, Kabbalistic Teachings of the Female Prophets: The Seven Holy Women of Ancient Israel, the book came to her as a map which she flushed out using ancient Jewish writings and teachings.
Unlike many modern writers who are predicting doom and gloom right around the corner, Hieronimus anticipates a coming age of prophecy and light. She lets readers know that she believes the ancient Hebrew wisdom, which has served as the foundation for current Judeo-Christian philosophy, holds the key to the emerging wisdom of the next age.
The book is a gold mine of information and correspondences: the ten spheres on the Tree of Life, the Ten Commandments, the Ten Songs of Creation, the five levels of spiritual development, the Five Partzufim, the five parts of the sanctuary, etc. It is written ethically, from the heart, and with great care. If you’re a student of Kabbalah it will be a welcome addition to your library. If you’re curious about the ancient roots of modern Jewish/Christian religion, there is also much here to interest you. For those following their inner voice along the path of the hidden wisdom, the text holds many keys to open initiatory doors along your way. Thank you, Ms. Hieronimus. I look forward to your next offering.