(Gerondi, sic.) - (Attributed to). Ma’arecheth Ha’elokuth [Kabbalah]

PERETZ BEN ISAAC HAKOHEN.

Meir ben Ephraim of Padua

Mantua

1558

With commentary by Judah Chayat. Second edition. Title within architectural arch.

Vinograd, Mantua 52; Adams P-667

One of the most significant works on the Kabbalah due to its systematic treatment of all relevant themes in earlier literature. Its contribution to speculatve mystic theory in pre-Zoharite Kabbalistic literature, is the increased symbolism of the Sephiroth. The author quotes a multitude of names by which each Sephirah is known, each signifying a differing function. He also developes the “Adam Kadmon” theory, whereby the likeness of the order of the Divine Powers of the Sephiroth to the human body is explored. Judah Chayat’s introduction contains a fascinating autobiographical account of the expulsion of Jews from Portugal, describing his own trials and tribulations including capture by pirates. He also describes his suffering at the hands of the Arabs while in the Barbary States. His wife died of hunger while he himself toiled for a “thin slice of bread not fit for a dog.” He eventually reached Mantua, where he composed this work with the encouragement of Joseph Yaavetz. The final part of his introduction recommends works one should study and those unsuitable and full of errors. Chayat reserves particular criticism for Abraham Abulafia, whose works he describes as “figments of a vain imagination.” See G. Scholem, On the Problems of Sepher Ma’aricheth Ha’Elokuth and Its Commentaries, in Kiryat Sefer Vol. 21 (1944) pp. 284-95.