The Sepher Yetzirah: The Book of Creation
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Book Overview
For those involved with the study of Kabbalah, the Sepher Yetzirah is, along with the Sepher Bahir, one of the key works of note within this genre of mysticism. Involved with both the Hebrew alphabet and numbers systems, it ascribes all major aspects of creation (literally, formation by divine force) to three classes of Hebrew letters, with three numbered classes thereafter; the three mothers, the seven pairs, and the twelve elementals. Further, to this is added the ten Sephiroth and their representations. The work contains what are very likely to be Gnostic elements as well, for the Sephiroth are of nothingness; here too are some alchemical properties and concepts enumerated in antiquity, long before their latter day Renaissance counterparts. Here, then, it is through fire, water, and breath that formation occurs, and the divine breath of god is considered the moderating force which measures and imparts all other existence and nature.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:151730024X
ISBN13:9781517300241
Release Date:September 2015
Publisher:Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
Length:36 Pages
Weight:0.15 lbs.
Dimensions:0.1" x 5.0" x 8.0"
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3 ratings
Practitioner Commentary
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 20 years ago
Before his tragic death, Rabbi Kaplan was a practicing Kabbalist who wrote several ground-breaking books on Kabbalah. Notably, he wrote 3 books on Jewish Meditation and commentaries on both the Sefer Yetzirah and the Book Bahir. His Sefer Yetzirah provides considerable commentary and explanation of the text, though much of it is still a mystery--so don't expect a complete exposition of a definitive sort. None exists at least in English as far as I can determine. But, this one is about as good as you get today. The so-called Book of Creation (actually in Kabbalah/Hebrew it's really the book of Formation since Yetzirah is the World of Formation and Beriah is the World of Creation) is replete with esoteric symbology. Symbols (as opposed to signs) do not have a definitive meaning. They aren't supposed to. They have many "meanings." Thus, this text, though obviously very heavy duty metaphysically, is very difficult to understand today. It is also one of the 3 main texts in Kabbalah. So, this is a book for the serious student of Kabbalah to ponder and meditate upon for a long, long...time.
Must Have For Any Serious Student Of The Kabbalah
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 22 years ago
There is a lot of garbage that is printed on the various aspects of and subjects pertaining to Kabalistic thought and creation, but this is NOT one of them. Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan was a truly phenomenal man, worthy of praise from mystics, rabbis, and the curious alike. It is truly a wonderful coincidence for those lucky enough to meet or sit in on lectures with Rabbi Kaplan that he lived in the last century. Rabbi Kaplan made Kabala accessible to those whose only language is English. While I would recommend other books by this great man, I would also recommend, more than words can express, this work in particular. If you SERIOUSLY want to learn about the Kabalistic paths, this book is one of the best in English to help you along your journey, safely, and honestly. Good Luck!
Excellent
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 22 years ago
Beside the Sephir Yetzirah translated by Carlo Suares and published by Shambhala Books, this is the best. I don't know if the Suares translation is available anymore, but his knowledge of the cabalistic code is how I first learned Cabala. Notwithstanding, there is nothing by Rabbi Kaplan that is not excellent. He was a great scholar. This is by far the most complete treatment of all the Yetziratic material there is. The Sephir Yetzirah is a very holy book.
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