Sefer Yetzirah: The Book of Creation [Paperback]

Aryeh Kaplan (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 1997

Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan has translated Sefer Yetzirah, the oldest and most mysterious of all kabbalistic texts, and now brings its theoretical, meditative, and magical implications to light. He expounds on the dynamics of the spiritual domain, the worlds of the Sefirot, souls, and angels. When properly understood, Sefer Yetzirah becomes the instruction manual for a very special type of meditation meant to strengthen concentration and to aid the development of telekinetic and telepathic powers. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English, Hebrew

From the Inside Flap

Text: English, Hebrew

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Product Details

• Paperback: 424 pages
• Publisher: Red Wheel/Weiser; Rev Sub edition (May 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0877288550
• ISBN-13: 978-0877288558
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (38 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #49,128 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #46 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Other Practices > Mysticism
  • #49 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Bible & Other Sacred Texts > Jewish Texts
  • #72 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Earth-Based Religions > Witchcraft

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

66 of 66 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must Have For Any Serious Student Of The Kabbalah, September 1, 2002

By 

M. Johnson "ReikiBear" (Austin, TX) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sefer Yetzirah: The Book of Creation (Paperback)

There is a lot of garbage that is printed on the various aspects of and subjects pertaining to Kabalistic thought and creation, but this is NOT one of them. Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan was a truly phenomenal man, worthy of praise from mystics, rabbis, and the curious alike. It is truly a wonderful coincidence for those lucky enough to meet or sit in on lectures with Rabbi Kaplan that he lived in the last century. Rabbi Kaplan made Kabala accessible to those whose only language is English. While I would recommend other books by this great man, I would also recommend, more than words can express, this work in particular. If you SERIOUSLY want to learn about the Kabalistic paths, this book is one of the best in English to help you along your journey, safely, and honestly. Good Luck!

103 of 107 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Practitioner Commentary, November 4, 2004

By 

Neal J. Pollock (VA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sefer Yetzirah: The Book of Creation (Paperback)

Before his tragic death, Rabbi Kaplan was a practicing Kabbalist who wrote several ground-breaking books on Kabbalah. Notably, he wrote 3 books on Jewish Meditation and commentaries on both the Sefer Yetzirah and the Book Bahir. His Sefer Yetzirah provides considerable commentary and explanation of the text, though much of it is still a mystery--so don't expect a complete exposition of a definitive sort. None exists at least in English as far as I can determine. But, this one is about as good as you get today. The so-called Book of Creation (actually in Kabbalah/Hebrew it's really the book of Formation since Yetzirah is the World of Formation and Beriah is the World of Creation) is replete with esoteric symbology. Symbols (as opposed to signs) do not have a definitive meaning. They aren't supposed to. They have many "meanings." Thus, this text, though obviously very heavy duty metaphysically, is very difficult to understand today. It is also one of the 3 main texts in Kabbalah. So, this is a book for the serious student of Kabbalah to ponder and meditate upon for a long, long...time.

57 of 58 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Must Have for a Kabbalistic Student, January 17, 2004

By 

A. J. Valasek (Clemmons, NC United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Sefer Yetzirah: The Book of Creation (Paperback)

This is a text that is absolutely necessary for any in-depth study of Kabbalah. Besides the Zohar, this book is the next most influential text. Although the original author(s) is debated, its antiquity is unchallenged.

This particular rendition by Aryeh Kaplan has a huge commentary, that makes it accessible to even average students of the English speaking world. However, this book is definitely not for the casual reader, you really have to pay attention to details.

The book itself is broken down line by line and delves into the esoteric nature of the study of Kabbalah. This is one of the true practical Kabbalah manuals with its endless combinations and meditations, and workings of the mystical tree that all but the most advanced will find themselves re-reading paragraphs.

The addition of other versions makes this book a good one for the linguistic study of the text and is shown in the original Hebrew as well as English.