[Kabbalistic commentary on the hidden meanings based on the letters of the Aleph-Beth]. Anonymous (Attributed to Rabbi Akiva)

Midrashim Yaphim... Othioth Derebi Akiva

n.p.

(Cracow)

c.1580

Fourth edition. Title within architectural arch. Seemingly Unique Complete Copy, in surprisingly bright condition

Vinograd, Cracow 217 (with erroneous date, repeating the error of Steinschneider) no copy in the JNUL

A complete copy of an exceptionally rare edition. Wiener (no.566) locates only one copy, found in the Bodleian Library, Oxford, though lacking four leaves (see Steinschneider, Cat. Bodl. no. 3398). This work ascribed to Rabbi Akiva, presents Aggadic homilies tinged with Kabbalistic renderings to each letter of the Alphabet. The names of the letters, even the individual letters that spell each name of each letter - all are infused with individual mystical value and ethical importance. Much is made of the combinations of letters, especially those forming the names of God. Also discussed is the role of the angel Metatron as meditor between God and man. According to Waxman, “this kind of teaching is really in direct opposition to the teachings of Akiva and other scholars of his age, who on the contrary, endevored to minimize the importance of the angels...and yet, stragely enough, such teachings [are] ascribed to him.” See M. Waxman, Vol. I, pp.382-3