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

Othioth De’rAbi Akiva.

(Isaac Prostitz)

Cracow

1579

Third edition. FIRST EDITION of additional material.

Vinograd, Cracow 55; Mehlman, 1048; not in Adams

Ascribed to the Mishnaic-era Rabbi Akiva, this work presents Aggadic homilies tinged with Kabbalistic renderings to each letter of the Hebrew Alphabet. The names of the letters, even the individual letters that spell the actual names of each letter - all are infused with specific 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. See M. Waxman, Vol. I, pp. 382-3. An important edition. The title-page states that the publishers discovered a manuscript with additional material not found in earlier editions. See f. 8 where the editors state "Here starts the Othioth…that was published in Venice."