Maavor Yabok On-Line Study Group
Sponsored by the Gamliel Institute of Kavod v’Nichum

Translated and Taught by Rabbi Steven Moss
© copyright Rabbi Steven Moss
Technical Facilitation by David Zinner

Historical Background and Overview

Rabbi Steven Moss and the Gamliel Institute of Kavod v'Nichum invite you to join our on-line discussion of Maavor Yabok, Crossing the Jabbok.

Maavor Yabok was authored Aaron Berechiah ben Moses of Modena and published in 1626 in Mantua Italy. Berechiah was among the students of the kabbalist Moshe Cordovero. Maavor Yabok means "Crossing of Yabok" and comes from the well-known verse Gen. 32:23, "And he (Yaacov) rose that night, and took his two wives, and his two handmaids, and his eleven children, and passed over the ford of the Yabok."  There are over 100 chapters in all the various sections of the book.

On page 17, Berechiah states that this work is a collection of various smaller works whose purpose is to allow those living in this world to pass to the next in order to be worthy of seeing the Divine face to face. Yabok is, for Berechiah, an acronym for the words "The unification, (Ha-Yichud), the Blessing (Ha-Berachah), and the Holiness (HaKedusha)" that summarize the rituals and meditations which bring the practitioner into the presence of G-d by convincing the "resurrector" to allow him/her to enter the next world.

Maavor Yabok is the primary source document for the Tefila (prayers) that are used by Chevra Kadisha groups and includes customs and rituals pertaining to the sick, dying, and dead, in the light of various cabbalistic texts. This class will be particularly helpful for Chevra Kadisha members who desire to know more about the origins and prayers of Tahara.