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Hekhalot Rabbati

Hekhalot Rabbati (Greater Palaces) is the major Hekhalot tractate we possess, describing the ascent of Rabbi Ishmael when he sought to examine the validity of the decree regarding the execution of the Ten Martyrs.|||Hebrew manuscripts, including Vatican 228 and Budapest/Kaufmann 238 (the two best manuscripts). Also Oxford, Neubauer 1531 and others. Twenty-six chapters (Synopse, §§ 81–280).|||Composed in late antiquity, perhaps between the 3rd and 6th centuries CE. The text was redacted over time.|||Not canonical in any tradition.|||The most important Hekhalot text for understanding Merkavah mysticism. Describes the mystic's ascent through the seven heavenly palaces to behold the divine chariot.|||Davila, J. R. Hekhalot Literature in Translation. Brill, 2013.|||Schäfer, P. Synopse zur Hekhalot-Literatur. Mohr Siebeck, 1981.|||Smith, M. " Hekhalot Rabbati." In The Old Testament Pseudepigrapha, vol. 1. Doubleday, 1983.|||Hekhalot Rabbati — Brill|https://brill.com/display/book/9789004279209/B9789004279209_011.xml|Davila's critical edition.;; Hekhalot Rabbati — Wikipedia|https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hekhalot_literature|Background and scholarly discussion.|||" What are the incantations which should be recited by him who wants to behold the vision of the Merkavah?" — Hekhalot Rabbati 1:1

Collection: Jewish Mysticism (Hekhalot) Canon: varies

Canon Status

Not canonical in any tradition.

Date & Provenance

Composed in late antiquity, perhaps between the 3rd and 6th centuries CE. The text was redacted over time.

Language & Manuscripts

Hebrew manuscripts, including Vatican 228 and Budapest/Kaufmann 238 (the two best manuscripts). Also Oxford, Neubauer 1531 and others. Twenty-six chapters (Synopse, §§ 81–280).

Why It Matters for Study

The most important Hekhalot text for understanding Merkavah mysticism. Describes the mystic's ascent through the seven heavenly palaces to behold the divine chariot.

" What are the incantations which should be recited by him who wants to behold the vision of the Merkavah?" — Hekhalot Rabbati 1:1

Read the Text & External Resources

Public-domain translations and scholarly databases where the text can be read online or downloaded.

External links open in a new tab. Sources are chosen for public-domain or open-access availability; always verify edition and translation when citing in academic work.

Further Reading

Davila, J. R. Hekhalot Literature in Translation. Brill, 2013.
Schäfer, P. Synopse zur Hekhalot-Literatur. Mohr Siebeck, 1981.
Smith, M. " Hekhalot Rabbati." In The Old Testament Pseudepigrapha, vol. 1. Doubleday, 1983.