B. Yoma 35b: Some Observations Concerning Divine Mediators and Rabbis

Abstract

The familiar “Hillel-meets-his-teachers” tradition (B. Yoma 35b) reveals a deeper story that features mystical, apocalyptic images representing none other than the beloved masters of early rabbinic culture. Here we find the image of a heavenly being enthroned on high that was identified in non-rabbinic circles with God’s demiurge (Enoch, Yehoel, Metatron). This provides evidence that rabbis defused the mystical stories that were leading to two-power challenges to rabbinic authority and to the increasingly antinomian positions of Jews inside and outside of Christian churches. We can therefore appreciate the Rabbis’ portrayal of Torah scholars as embodying true Enochian power.