And You, the Reader

And it shall be a merit for us that we bring to light the hidden mysteries of wisdom: Gates of Justice original: Sha'are Tzedek; the title of the present work by Joseph Gikatilla., after light has shone for us through the book Gates of Light original: Sha'are Orah; Gikatilla's most famous work, which the printer Jacob Marcaria had published shortly before this one. which was already printed here. May this be counted as righteousness for us, and through this righteousness, may you behold His face. For you shall understand and know the secret of Kabbalah Kabbalah|The tradition of Jewish mystical interpretation of the Bible, focused on the nature of the divine., as it is said: "One who comes to purify himself is helped from above" A common Talmudic idiom suggesting that a person's sincere spiritual efforts are met with divine assistance., and the gates have not been locked. This is a ladder set upon the earth, with its top reaching the heavens, and the Work of the Chariot Work of the Chariot|Hebrew: Ma'aseh Merkavah. An ancient and central discipline of Jewish mysticism based on the celestial visions of the prophet Ezekiel.. Lift up your heads, O gates! "Justice, justice shall you pursue" Deuteronomy 16:20; a pun on the book's title, Gates of Justice.. Turn it and turn it, for everything is within it A reference to the Mishnah (Pirkei Avot 5:22), emphasizing that all wisdom is contained within sacred study.. Enter His gates with thanksgiving; then my tongue will sing: "Open for me the gates of justice, I will enter them and thank God."