Merkavah Mysticism and Visions of Power in Early Eighteenth-Century Russia: The New Year Panegyrics of Stefan Javorskij, 1703–1706

This article analyses four New Year panegyrics delivered by Stefan Javorskij between 1703 and 1706. More specifically, a study is undertaken of the ways in which Javorskij incorporated elements of Merkavah Mysticism, based on the vision of an ascending chariot in the Old Testament Book of Ezekiel, into his works. Ezekiel's vision of a chariot has played an extremely influential role in Jewish and Christian mystical traditions, and in this article an attempt is made to interpret its place in early eighteenth-century Russian cultural history. The panegyric played a vital role in Petrine scenarios of power, and thus a study of how Javorskij mixed Merkavah symbolism, alongside astrological, apocalyptic and Cabbalistic themes, broadens our understanding of this pivotal period in Russian history.