Patach Eliyahu


Patach Eliyahu is an Aramaic, Kabbalistic discourse from the introduction to Tikunei Zohar 17a. It is named after its initial words, where it is attributed to Elijah the Prophet. Considered a foundational text of Kabbalah, Patach Eliyahu is known for enumerating and summarizing the sefirot, corresponding them to parts of the body, and describing the infiniteness and uniqueness of God.

Role in prayer

Most Sephardim recite Patach Eliyahu every morning as part of the order for the morning blessings before Shacharit. Chassidim who pray according to the nusach of Arizal as compiled by Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi recite it every Friday before the Minchah prayer as a preparation for Shabbat. Ashkenazim do not generally recite Patach Eliyahu in the course of prayer.

English translation

Paragraph breaks and section headings are the translator's and are not present in the original text. Square brackets mark explanatory material inserted by the translator.

Opening

Introduction to the Sefirot

Anatomical arrangement of the Sefirot

The nature of the flow of Divine Life-Force

Divine Unity and Uniqueness

Unknowable transcendence and Divine Justice

Conclusion