Apocalyptic and Merkavah mysticism

Leidenxi, 251 p.; 25 c

Some Critical Notes on the First Part of Sēfer Yezīrā

This paper suggests for the first time a critical analysis of the text of Sēfer Yezīrā. The text on which the present analysis is based is the "Preliminary Critical Edition of Sēfer Yezīrā" published by the present writer in Israel Oriental studies I (1971). The main conclusions reached in the paper are : The text is divided into two main sections : paragraphs 1-16, which deal with the ten sefīrot ; and paragraphs 17-end, which deal with the twenty-two letters of the alphabet. In both cases, that of the sefīrot and that of the twenty-two letters, the centre of the discussion is the creation of the world and its inner organization in hierarchical paradigms. The work of a late editor, or editors, is clearly discernible in the first part of the book, where elements drawn from the second part are introduced apparently for the purpose of literary harmonization. The analytical approach adopted by the present writer seems to account in a reasonable way for these attempts towards the editorial harmonization of the two parts of the book.Gruenwald Ithamar. Some Critical Notes on the First Part of Sēfer Yezīrā. In: Revue des études juives, tome 132, n°4, octobre-décembre 1973. pp. 475-512