Shlach Lecha: Chapter 35

Pillars and circles

Synopsis

The spirit tells Rabbi Shimon about the inner hall of the court in the temple house and about its twelve entrances over each of which is marked the name of one of the twelve tribes. Each person must come in at the entrance of his own tribe. We hear about the living pillars and the song of praise that they sing, a new song. The spirit talks of Sarai and Abram and the renewal of their youth in their ability to have children. He tells Rabbi Shimon of great marvels to do with the pillars and the letters that move and roll, and he describes wonderful images of lions and apples and eagles and rings. At the end he says the eagles raise their voice and chant a lovely melody, then hide.