The chapter on Shi'ur Komah (measure of height) shows how the Transcendent God becomes personal and knowable. It also explains how the Kabbalists perceived man to be made in G-d's image. The language of Shi'ur Komah is very anthropomorphic, while G-d's absolute transcendental being is not compromised. The second chapter, about Sitra Ahra (Other Side), explains the various views of how evil arose and what it is. The role of human beings is discussed as is the role of the Sefiroth. In particular the role of the Sefirah Din and the influence of human beings on it are discussed at some length.The third chapter explains the role of the hasid and the tsaddik. How the role that each played changed and how the tsaddik becomes related to the Sefirah Yesod, and it's function as the source of all souls. Also discussed is the harmony the tsaddik brings and his role in creation.he fourth chapter deals with shekinah. Scholem shows that originally there was no specific feminine nature atributed to it. He goes on to show how the idea of femininity developed in Kabbalah, and how the Shekinah relates to G-d and human beings. Also discussed is the relationship of Shekinah and the Sefiroth. Very interesting was the explanation of how human actions influence Shekinah to become active instead of merely passive in certain Kabbalists. The fifth chapter speaks of gilgul. It is a very fascinating chapter. Not just the origins of reincarnation in Judaism is discussed, but also the varied concepts of the soul that go along with it. Scholem shows how certain elements of Kabbalist gilgul are highly original and creative. Much attention is given to the 'soul-sparks' and their redemption. Also interresting was the idea that gilgul reflects the inner workings of the sefirothic world. The final chapter explains the concept of tselem. Scholem traces it's historic origins to Neo-Platonist influence and early Iranian influence. He shows how these two were given a creative synthesis in Kabbalah and what role it plays in Kabbalist mysticism. Tselem is that which makes a person this person, and seeing ones tselem can activate propheticism. Tselem also has the role of a guardian angel of sorts.
Not being Jewish myself, but an Eastern Orthodox Christian, I must say that this book of Gershom scholem is very helpful in understanding Kabbalah as a Jewish, and not a pagan-occult, phenomenon. The book will assist a non-Jew in gaining a more sympathetic and above all a more correct understanding of Jewish Mysticism. As an Eastern Orthodox I must say that several times Kabbalah and our own Mysticial tradition come very near each other, even though they also widely diverge.
It is a must read for those misinformed by Dione Fortune's fables, and a must read for anyone interrested in Kabbalah.