Short Poetic Conclusion to the Torahs 16-18 of the Mishtu-ai and Preface to Torahs 19-22 on Safra DiTzneusa

Short Poetic Conclusion to Torahs 16-18 on the Meshtu-ai and Preface to Torahs 19-22 on Safra DiTzneyusa

Thus far Your mercies have aided us to complete the sayings of the Meshtu-ai [cf. 1 Samuel 7:12],
In which are hidden the treasures of the King, all the Tanna’im and all the Amora’im.
Now, hearken to the words that go forth in splendor,
Beautiful it is to expound them before the face of the Kingdom.
Through wisdom, He shall reveal to you some enlightenment,
The greatness of the Creator, hidden lofty matters concealed in Safra DiTzneyusa [The Book of Modesty or Concealment].
Signs and wonders that the G-d of Heaven has wrought with us [cf. Daniel 6:28],
To reveal to us the counsels of the Torah,
In a wondrous and awesome path, equal for every soul,
To merit drawing near through them to Him Who created all, to fulfill His will.
Blessed be His Name above all blessings and songs [cf. Nehemiah 9:5].

Notes on Translation and References:

1. "Thus far Your mercies have aided us": The Hebrew "עַד הֵנָּה עֲזָרוּנוּ רַחֲמֶיךָ" echoes 1 Samuel 7:12, symbolizing divine assistance in completing the study of the Meshtu-ai’s sayings in Torahs 16-18.
2. "In which are hidden the treasures of the King, all the Tanna’im and all the Amora’im": The Aramaic "אֲשֶׁר הִסְתִּירוּ בָּהֶם גִּנְזַיָּא דְּמַלְכָּא כֻּלְּהוֹ תַּנָּאֵי וְכֻלְּהוֹ אָמוֹרָאֵי" indicates the profound teachings of the Meshtu-ai in Bava Basra 74 contain the collective wisdom of the Tannaitic and Amoraic sages, likened to royal treasures.
3. "Now, hearken to the words that go forth in splendor": The Aramaic "כְּעַן אֲצִיתוּ לְמִלּוֹי דְּנָפְקִין בְּהַדְרָתָא" calls for attention to the teachings, presented with divine majesty.
4. "Beautiful it is to expound them before the face of the Kingdom": The Aramaic "שְׁפַר עֲלֵהּ לְחַוּוּיֵהּ בְּאַפֵּי מַלְכְּוָתָא" suggests the merit of revealing these teachings as an offering to G-d’s sovereignty.
5. "Through wisdom, He shall reveal to you some enlightenment": The Aramaic "בְּחָכְמְתָא יְגַלֶּה לְכוֹן קְצָת לְהוֹדָעוּתָא" implies divine wisdom unveils partial insights into esoteric truths.
6. "The greatness of the Creator, hidden lofty matters concealed in Safra DiTzneyusa": The Aramaic "גְּדֻלַּת הַבּוֹרֵא גְּנִיזִין עִלָּאִין הַצְּפוּנִים בְּסִפְרָא דִצְנִיעוּתָא" introduces Safra DiTzneyusa (The Book of Modesty or Concealment), a key Zoharic text, as the source for Torahs 19-22, containing lofty, hidden divine mysteries.
7. "Signs and wonders that the G-d of Heaven has wrought with us": The Hebrew "אָתַיָּא וְתִמְהַיָּא דִּי עֲבַד עִמָּנָא אֱלָקָא שְׁמַיָּא" echoes Daniel 6:28, emphasizing divine miracles in revealing these teachings.
8. "In a wondrous and awesome path, equal for every soul": The Hebrew "בְּדֶרֶךְ נִפְלָא וְנוֹרָא הַשָּׁוֶה לְכָל נֶפֶשׁ" highlights the universal accessibility of these teachings for spiritual growth.
9. "To merit drawing near through them to Him Who created all": The Hebrew "לִזְכּוֹת לְהִתְקָרֵב עַל־יָדָם לְדִי בְרָא כֹּלָּא" reflects the purpose of drawing closer to G-d, the Creator of all, through these teachings.
10. "Blessed be His Name above all blessings and songs": The Hebrew "בְּרִיךְ שְׁמֵהּ לְעֵלָּא מִן כָּל בִּרְכָתָא וְשִׁירָתָא" echoes Nehemiah 9:5, exalting G-d’s name above all praise.
11. Context of Meshtu-ai and Safra DiTzneyusa: The Meshtu-ai ("those who relate/tell over") in Bava Basra 74 narrate wondrous tales, expounded in Torahs 16-18. Torahs 19-22 shift to Safra DiTzneyusa, a Zoharic text of profound Kabbalistic significance, exploring concealed divine mysteries.