THE CRIMSON THREAD
A Collection of Poetry and Art
coming in 2010
July 2008
Book Review
by Dr. Mel Waldman
The author of I Am A Jew
The Crimson Thread by Michal Mahgerefteh explores the intent of the written word from a kabbalistic/spiritual perspective. The poet takes us on a mystical journey through the sacred landscape of words, a beautiful dreamscape and a crimson thread-spiritual umbilical cord linking us to the soul and Hashem. It is written with Kavanah, inner or focused intention. According to the Kabbalah, Kavanah is the basis of every thought, prayer, and action. It is a way of relating to G-d and embraces the awareness that when one thinks, prays, or acts, one is standing before G-d.
In reading the 22 poems, each one a spiritual gem (as vast as the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet), I sensed that I was on holy ground, in the presence of Hashem. Each poem seemed to be a prayer. And it was my intention (and perhaps, the poet’s too) to understand as much as I could and feel the power of each poem/prayer and identify with each one. Perhaps, with the proper intention, focus, concentration, and attention, I could eventually achieve a higher state of consciousness.
I continue to read these poems again and again. And on each occasion, I discover new meaning and feel the fire of soul, a burning candle of inspiration and revelation. The poet’s words are vital spiritual beings that feed us the breath (neshima) of life, and bring us closer to our soul (neshama) and Hashem.
