Mystical Classics

An anthology from the Shelah, the Alshich, the Ohr Hachayim, and others

Intermediate

When Abraham added that "my soul would remain alive", he did not refer only to his physical survival.

From the Ohr HaChaim commentary by Rabbi Chaim (ben Moshe) ibn Attar

Slavery in Egypt was preparation for becoming servants of G‑d.

From Shenei Luchot HaBrit by Rabbi Isaiah Horowitz

We were given the power to bless others.

Translated and annotated by Rahmiel-Hayyim Drizin from PaRDeS HaBahir

If a block of wood is kindled and yet the fire does not catch on, splinter it until it blazes.

Translated and annotated by Rahmiel-Hayyim Drizin from PaRDeS HaBahir

Malki-Tzedek lost his priesthood because he blessed Abraham before he blessed G-d.

From the Ohr HaChaim commentary by Rabbi Chaim (ben Moshe) ibn Attar

Advanced

Holy Isaac was Abraham and Sarah's true progeny.

From the Ohr HaChaim commentary by Rabbi Chaim (ben Moshe) ibn Attar

The nations knew that circumcision would set apart Avraham in holiness from the other nations, so they had plans to prevent him from doing it.

Based on the teachings of the Shelah, compiled and translated by Chaim Kosofsky.