Jewish Studies 410 Kabbalah and Jewish Mysticism
K. Millet
Open Book take-home exam (Exam 3)
3-5 pages 20%

Typed, formatted, according to MLA
Due: (4/20)

Either of my mailbox at Jewish Studies or HUM 125. While a time stamp is unnecessary, HUM 125 closes at 7pm; therefore, you cannot expect to drop off the exam after 7pm.  I will deduct points from the exam's overall score for any late papers.

Part I Identification (Remember that all questions require a cited reference to the assigned texts. You cite religious texts, like The Zohar, as you cite biblical literatures--by chapter and verse. For other questions of formatting, consult MLA. Furthermore, I expect only brief explanations and/or citations).

  1. Identify a reference to Sava and explain Sava's function in 1-2 lines for the verse.
  2. Identify a zoharic reference to Metatron.
  3. Identify a zoharic reference to Merkavah.
  4. What does Eve's sin reverse? What does this reversal mean?
  5. Identify the allegorical significance of the rose.
  6. Identify 2 zoharic references to Lilith and explain each one in 1-2 lines.
  7. According to Zohar, why doesn't creation begin with aleph? Just cite text for your answer.
  8. As explained in the Haqdamat, what is God's work of art? Cite the text where it is explicitly addressed.
  9. Who attained the "Divine I?"
  10. Who is the Messiah of Kabbalism? Cite your answer.
  11. What is Dan's theory regarding the authorship for the Zohar?
  12. With what Edenic image is Shekinah associated?
  13. What roles do Who and What play in the "Haqdamat" of the Zohar? 
  14. Why is Jacob associated sometimes with Tifferet?
  15. Identify "the spark of impenetrable darkness."
  16. What is chaos?
  17. What is ironic about Rabbi Shim'on telling El'azar to "cease his words?" Remember to cite the place where he says this as well.
  18. Who is the "Master of Wings?"
  19. What are the 613 senses?
  20. What dwells below "the site where holy awe dwells?" Remember to cite your source.
  21. Who wears a belt with Hebrew letters on it? Where do we first see reference to this?
  22. Why don't we all have belts with such powers? Support your answer.
  23. Reproduce an explicit reference to shefa.
  24. What do kabbalists warn about the toilet? Show support.
  25. Name two figures who possessed the belt. Cite the reference to support each one.
  26. Who is Na'amah? What does the Zohar say about her?
  27. In two or three lines, summarize the serpent's role in creation (can be more than one answer). Remember to cite your reference.
  28. What does Moses give additionally to the children of Israel when he gives them the Law?
  29. What does Moses take away from Israel because of the Golden Calf? Explain in two or three lines the Zohar's perspective on the Golden Calf.
  30. What does "arousal" mean in the Zohar?