The Qabalah is a philosophy. It is based mainly on mystical interpretations of Genesis (especially Genesis I) and Ezekiel's vision.
This is, of course, taking it down to the bear bones. It is all based on the different mystical theories of Creation.
A book that you need to read is "The Zohar" (Book of Splendor). That is THE book on the Qabalah....supposedly what started it all. Then you will understand Jewish Qabalah a little better.

The Tree of Life itself, as we know it, is really modern. In fact, the Tree used by the Golden Dawn is purely the Golden Dawn's own (there is one theory that it did pre-exist them... but was pretty obscure). The Magick of the Golden Dawn is also purely their own. They created a Magickal System *BASED* on the Qabalistic Philosphy. That is a far cry different than the Qabalah itself being a Magickal System.

There is also, from medival times, a Practical Qabalah. This is also a Magickal System based on the Qabalah, and it is a source the Golden Dawn drew from heavily. The Keys of Solomon, the Sacred Magick of Abramelin the Mage, TheMagus, etc, etc...

However, when you speak to a Jewish person about the Qabalah, you will most *likely* not be talking about Practical Qabalah (either Medival or GD style).
The Practical Qabalah is actually seen to be a slap in the Face to God by orthodox Jews. They feel that the Practical Qabalist is studying the Mysteries of God in order to steal His Power right from under His nose. They feel that man has no right to bend the laws of nature as a Magickian does. Not all modern Jews feel this way, of course, but you may run into it.

As for Pathworking and what-not....that is a safe area. It is strictly Spiritual Development, and that is what the Qabalah was meant to be in the first place. However, the method developed outside of Jewish Circles.
For a more Jewish form of Pathworking...look into Merkavah Mysticism. (not that I really recommend *trying* Merkavah Mysticism)

Pathworking, Circle Casting, etc, etc, is not of Jewish Origin.

Again, the Zohar is the best bet for you to understand better at this point...and don't discount it. It is full of a wealth of beautiful information. You might highly enjoy reading it, and will own a copy of it the first chance you get.
Another great source for you would be "Khabalah" by Gershom Sholem; It can get a little boring at times....but it will *more* than answer your questions...as well as show you where it all began.

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