Eleazar Of Worms
The Book of the Alphabet is the first part of The Book of the Secrets of Raziel (Sefer Sodei Razya) by Eleazar of Worms also known as Eleazar of Germiza. The text is arranged according to the classic kabbalistic levels used in the ancient Yeshivot (schools) involved in the study of prophecy and the Merkava (Chariot). Each level corresponds to one hypothetical year of study. The first level is the Ma'aseh Bereshit (Work of Creation), which is supposed to give the student the theoretical tools to understand the upper worlds and fix in his mind their map. Thus, it talks about the Sefirot, the letters, the worlds, etc. The second level is the Ma'aseh Merkava (Work of the Chariot), which is supposed to actually lead the student in the correct perception of the upper worlds and its inhabitants; it faithfully describes their holy beings and the techniques of contact with God. Eleazar carefully describes the experiences of many prophets, shows their differences, and gives every relevant verse in the Torah that can be useful for a better understanding. Further levels give practical details of angels, their virtues and qualities. The Book of the Alphabet represents the first level of kabbalistic study, the Work of Creation, and is particularly useful for those who start learning Kabbalah. In the typical Eleazar style, which unfolds among biblical citations, holy Names, and Gematrias (the numerical value of words), the author introduces the reader to the holy letters, the instruments of Creation.
