This is the first comprehensive critical edition of a text which was a fundamental influence on Jewish thought in the medieval period and has continued to fascinate scholars and students of Judaism to the present day. It was initially understood to be a philosophical text which had descended by oral tradition from Abraham himself. It purports to tell us how God created the world using the ten sefiroth (the Spirit of the living God; air; water and fire; and the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew Alphabet). With its English translation of the three earliest recensions and its commentary on the variant early texts of the work; this book is essential reading for anyone interested in the growth and emergence of the Jewish mystical movement. There are four appendices setting out what parts of the text are attested in each of the manuscripts and in what order; a hypothetical reconstructed text and the text of the tenth century Vatican scroll of Sefer Yesira with the probable added ma terial underlined.
#410038 in Books 2016-10-18Original language:English 9.21 x .38 x 6.14l; #File Name: 1945644109102 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. What an amazing man....By BevanNot sure which version I have - the cover does not match any currently featured as for sale.....HOWEVER - What an amazingly humble but inspirational and successful man he was.To come from such an under-privileged background to befriending Presidents and even meeting Queen Victoria.Should be compulsory reading for anyone feeling downtrodden or deprived in any way.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. This should be required reading for all AmericansBy CustomerI feel like a better person after studying this book. What a wise and tremendous man Booker T. Washington was. It gives me sympathy; inspires me to improve myself; and gives me deep gratitude for education. Very inspiring and interesting; especially the first half that recounts Washington's efforts to get an education. It's an incredible story of triumph!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Up from SlaveryBy DaleRegardless of your ethnic background; unless you are sophisticated and knowledgeable in the issues of racial relationships in the reconstruction days; this book will offer challenges to your understanding of race in American on every other page. Booker T Washington describes himself in his book in a way that would very likely cause outrage from every side; against any modern writer who dared to so thoroughly explore the real thinking of whites and blacks both in Booker T's day.It may be supposed that the author was keeping his audience in mind as he chose his words and topics - he was nothing if not a practitioner of real-politik - but even if you believe yourself competent to accurately read between his lines; you will still find much of what he has to say at least interesting if not unsettling.I strongly recommend reading this book; and this particular edition is a good value.
