Unraveling the Mystery of 'Raziel the Angel'

'Raziel the Angel' takes its name from its role in revealing secrets and mysteries to humans. This book, regarded as a work of both theoretical and practical Kabbalah, is attributed to Adam, with later additions of amulets and protective charms sprinkled throughout..

According to Kabbalistic tradition, the angel Raziel gave this book to Adam, who then passed it to Noah, Shem, and eventually to Abraham. From Abraham, it was handed down to Moses and then to select individuals throughout Israel until King Solomon, who received the Book of Mysteries. Among the many books he received, this one stood out as particularly precious and esteemed. Not only is it said to contain deep secrets, but it's also credited with numerous protective qualities: safeguarding its owner, providing protection from plunder and catastrophe, and shielding homes from fires, among others.

The famous sage Ibn Ezra, familiar with this book, wrote in Exodus: "In the book of Raziel, one seeking to perform 'dream inquiry' should begin reading the verse 'And it was in the thirtieth year' at the start of the night, as it is 72 letters long."

However, our version of Raziel lacks this specific quote, casting doubt on whether the widely circulated book today is indeed the same revered ancient text.

Some argue that the current version, marketed as a protective text, was authored by King Solomon. Others attribute it to the renowned Kabbalist Rabbi Abraham Abulafia, who referred to himself as 'Raziel,' the numerical equivalent of Abraham in Gematria. Still, alternative opinions suggest it emerged during the era of the Geonim. Rabbi Yaakov Emden, in his work 'Torat HaKenaot,' strongly criticized the book, labeling it filled with strange or problematic content, asserting its inauthenticity.

Indeed, as observed by many notable scholars, including the Vilna Gaon, substantial portions of the book echo the writings of Rabbi Eleazar of Worms, the 'Rokeach.' Hence, the Vilna Gaon speculated that content from this book was likely copied from the Rokeach's works. Rabbi Tzadok HaKohen of Lublin concluded that the Rokeach himself was the original author.

Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, in his book 'Chayei Moharan,' stated clearly that the current version is not the book referenced in earlier Kabbalistic writings or known to Ibn Ezra. He wrote: "The Book of Raziel is not from Adam, nor is it the book given by the angel to Adam. It does not possess the power to save from fires, and indeed, the book itself has been known to burn."