Karl Erich Grözinger

• Excerpt: "Names and adjurations are the two main theurgic means found in the Hekhalot literature applied in connect ion with the descent to the Merkhavah and the invocation of angels to come down to earth and to reveal secrets," says Ithamar Gruenwald in his book on the Merkavah literature. He continues and maintains, with Gershom Scholem, that "that particular element in the Hekhalot Literature actually belonged to its very heart and this almost from its beginning." It is very seductive for the student of this literature to go straight to the heart of these texts; but the danger of this approach is as great as the danger of yeridat merkavah itself. Indeed, I feel as if I am passing the gates of the Hekhalot, the watchers of the gates standing on both sides prepared to throw their iron axes at my head. I can only hope that I may present the proper names! [...]