Hekhalot literature in translation

Hekhalot literature in translation

by James R. Davila

Book 20 of Supplements to the Journal of Jewish thought and philosophy --

Browse books you can read free on Readfeed

No club is reading this yet — be the first to start one

Start a club free
About
The Hekhalot literature is a motley collection of textually fluid and often textually corrupt documents in Hebrew and Aramaic which deal with mystical themes pertaining especially to God's throne-chariot (the Merkavah). They were composed between late antiquity and the early Middle Ages, with roots in earlier traditions and a long and complex subsequent history of transmission. This volume presents English translations of eclectic critical texts, with a full apparatus of variants, of most of the major Hekhalot documents: 'Hekhalot Rabbati'; 'Sar Torah'; 'Hekhalot Zutarti'; 'Ma'aseh Merkavah'; 'Merkavah Rabba'; briefer macroforms: 'The Chapter of R. Nehuniah ben HaQanah', 'The Great Seal-Fearsome Crown', 'Sar Panim', 'The Ascent of Elijah ben Avuyah', and 'The Youth'; and the Hekhalot fragments from the Cairo Geniza.

Discussion questions for Hekhalot literature in translation

Bring these to your book club — or discuss them with readers on Readfeed.

  1. 1

    How does reading these ancient mystical texts in modern translation alter your perception of early Jewish spirituality compared to more mainstream biblical traditions?

  2. 2

    In what ways do the descriptions of God's throne-chariot (the Merkavah) challenge or expand your personal understanding of the divine and the transcendent?

  3. 3

    The description notes that Hekhalot literature consists of "textually fluid and often textually corrupt documents"—how does the fragmentary and unstable nature of these texts affect your experience of reading and interpreting them?

Discuss Hekhalot literature in translation with other readers

Join or start a book club for Hekhalot literature in translation on Readfeed. Live chat, shared reading progress, and AI discussion questions — free to get started.

Frequently asked questions

How do I join a book club for Hekhalot literature in translation?

Sign up free on Readfeed, then browse public clubs or start your own club with Hekhalot literature in translation as the current read. Invite friends with a share link and discuss together with live chat and AI discussion questions.

Can I discuss Hekhalot literature in translation with other readers online?

Yes. Readfeed book clubs let you chat live, share progress, and join discussions about Hekhalot literature in translation with readers worldwide — whether your club is virtual, in-person, or hybrid.

Is Readfeed free?

Yes. Creating an account and joining book clubs is free. Sign up to find readers who love the same books and start discussing today.