The Priestly Nature of the Mystical Heritage in Heykalot Literature

[volgadon]

http://pluto.huji.ac.il/~mselio/JED_189.pdf

Rachel Elior's classic "The Priestly Nature of the Mystical Heritage in Heykalot Literature" is avaialbe as a PDF online.

The article briefly sketches the influence of priestly circles on Jewish mysticism.

The main argument is that the different forms of knowledge acquired during mystical ascents into the upper realms pertain to language and acts exclusive to the temple. After the destruction of the temple, those circles which maintained the ritual connection between heaven and earth, preserved and transformed their traditions into mystical ones. The article also traces this concept back to Ezekiel's vision, of the temple heritage being transfered from the ruins of an earthly edifice, to a celestial service.

I do recommend this article, it helps understand the relationship of traditions echoed in mystical literature to the role, function, and symbolism of temples.

[volgadon]

I forgot to add that the rest of the site contains many more articles by Rachel Elior.

[WalkerW]

Why are you so awesome, Allen?

[volgadon]

Why are you so awesome, Allen?

I should be asking you the same question, Walker.

[mfbukowski]

....while I scurry around making sure I don't get stepped on.

(this deserves a bump right about now...)

[Bill Hamblin]

Cool.

Keep up the good work!