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Sefer Yetzirah: The Book of Creation

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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!

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.

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.

Beside the Sephir Yetzirah translated by Carlo Suares and published by Shambhala Books, this is the best. I don't know if the Suares translation is available anymore, but his knowledge of the cabalistic code is how I first learned Cabala. Notwithstanding, there is nothing by Rabbi Kaplan that is not excellent. He was a great scholar. This is by far the most complete treatment of all the Yetziratic material there is. The Sephir Yetzirah is a very holy book.

There are many books on the qabbala, kaballah, or cabala. As far as current scholarship on the key text of qabbala within the contemporary Jewish tradition (post Lurianic) this work is the best and simplest serious study of the texts themselves. Kaplan discusses all the known texts, gives voice to all major scholars in the field as to the date of this text, then carefully analyzes this mystical text line by line. There are many great works out there Kaplan refers us to (Scholem of course), and alternative directions (Lullian and hermetic), but for a very comprehensive yet straightforward look at the major qabalistic text from a traditional Jewish view of today, you can't go wrong with Kaplan

what can i say? this book is truly inspiring. while it is helpful to have some background in kabbalah prior to reading it, it contains incredible revelations into the creation of the universe and the creative forces available to man. This book opened my mind to the understanding of kabbalistic teachings which i have been studying for quite a while. you'll be reading this book many times to derive the meaning behind the words. it is a definite requirement for anyone seriously interested in delving deeper into the mysteries of kabbalah and jewish mysticism.

Rabbi Kaplan, Z"L, makes a great insight on this short, but extremely deep book. He uses his knowledge in physics to make us approach to such a very ancient text in today's language. Basically a meditative text, Kaplan suggests its basic applications as well as an insight on how to make a Golem. Anyway, as he states elsewhere in this, and his other titles, all these practices should be treated with maturity and some respect (if you don't believe in this stuff's truth, just skip that), for you can get psychologically or spiritually damaged. Absolutely recommendable.

I began with Path of the Kabbalah by David Sheinkin, M.D. and was led to this book through that text. I knew absolutely nothing about Judaisn and the Kaballah and Sheinkin's book was the first place to start. I immediately had to get my hands on the real books of mystical Kabbalah. Kaplan's writing is outstanding. The repetition of information while new pieces are layered, more repetition, more layers is very effective. Then move on to Meditations and the Bible and/or Meditations and the Kabbalah, and the Zohar. Sheinkin's book mentions key writers such as Kaplan and Scholem, though the later is very critical and academic rather than accessible and ready to put into practice.

I have read Sefir Yetzirah (in English) by other writers and there is even one that claims to the complete with the Hebrew text on the cover... but actually only skimming the surface. Kaplan's book is the MOST DETAILED and MOST COMPLETE, and most skillfully written and it is not difficult to understand why his books are popular.

If you want the best Sefir Yetzirah book in English; no others is comparable to it!! Get it!!

There have been so many good reviews of this text, adding more praise seems enough. Other reviewers have given brief summaries of what Sefer Yetzirah is about. It is worth noting some things about the Kabbalistic tradition - generally.

I find it fascinating that the Kabbalistic tradition - of which this text is a part - has more or less remained inviolate

from cheap proselytising (or until Madonna claimed to be into it!). In Jewish tradition, the person wishing to approach such things ought to be mature, if not middle aged, married - and a respected member of the community. It poses something of a contrast then, with traditions stressing celibacy and a remoteness from every-day life. Why is this? I think it is a very Kabbalistic point of view. Lived wisely, marriage and family life mirrors the cosmic process. This is not a dogmatic position - you can study the Kabbala as an unmarried, young person. Its just that The Kabbala and Sefer Yetzira translate deep meaning out of seemingly mundane or common processes.

You and your life, your loved ones, your neighbours, your co-workers - your neighbourhood - your planet, the cells in your body, the stars in space - are the material you must work with.

Sefer Yetzirah means the 'book of formation' (creation implies a static process, unless we say living creation). Everything is this process, but we miss the links and connections, the hidden veins. Sefer Yetzirah is about becoming conscious of those veins and cosmic arteries, energising them, understanding 'formation' - living, formative elements.

Shalom!