A Journey Of Initiation In The Babylonian Layer Of Sefer Ha-Bahir
A Journey Of Initiation In The Babylonian Layer Of Sefer Ha-Bahir

Summary/Abstract: This paper is one of a series of studies about Sefer ha-Bahir, portraying its various layers in terms of their historical contexts, stylistic characteristics, and various theological topics that arise therefrom. The paper begins with the description of a stylistic feature found in the Babylonian layer of Bahir: a dialogue of intellectual dueling between master and disciples. Through analysis of several passages describing such dueling, as well as of similar passages in Sefer Razah Rabbah (whose similarity to Sefer ha-Bahir was already noted by Scholem), we find that, in practice, these describe a process of initiation conducted by the master for his disciples. The master repeatedly puts his disciples to the test, seeking to ascertain their knowledge of the structure of the upper world. Once the disciples have successfully completed their period of initiation, they are sent on an independent journey of descent to the Merkavah, upon whose successful completion both heaven and earth rejoice. If, at the beginning of our study, the master is seen as behaving harshly towards his students, criticizing and embarrassing them, by the end it becomes apparent that this was no more than staged anger on the part of the master, who is in fact imbued with love towards his disciples; or else a group dynamic agreed by both sides, whose purpose is to prepare the disciples for their dangerous journey heavenwards.

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