Sefer Shimushei Sarim: “The Book of the Service of the Ministers Above” - (Kabbalah Ma'asit)

Shimushei Sarim Shel Ma‘alah The Service of the Ministers Above With English Translation, Historical Introduction, and Facsimile of the Original Manuscript “This day is a day of glad tidings” with the appearance of this sacred work in English for the first time, a long-hidden gate into the inner chambers of Kabbalistic tradition is opened once again for the congregation of Hashem, the seed of those blessed by Him. Shimushei Sarim Shel Ma‘alah is an extraordinary and faithful presentation of ancient traditions regarding the use and service of the heavenly Sarim—angelic ministers who govern and interact with creation by Divine appointment. The sefer reveals collected instructions and practices surrounding the invocation of these celestial beings—especially through methods such as oil and mirror vision, crystallomancy, and other means, gathered from dispersed sources across the Jewish world: from the sages of Morocco and North Africa, to Ashkenaz, Italy, and Yemen. Included is a full English translation presented with reverence, line by line, preserving every word and mystical nuance of the original Hebrew. This edition also features a high-resolution facsimile of the original manuscript, written in a unique Yemenite script. This volume contains: Ancient rituals and usages involving angelic Sarim Manuscript sources and rare traditions previously unpublished in English Historical introduction detailing the halakhic and kabbalistic foundations A four-part structure: Gate of the Sarim – on the nature and metaphysical essence of the angelic ministers Gate of Usages – a detailed anthology of actual practices Gate of Wonders – testimonies and accounts from the righteous across generations Gate of Halakhah – legal guidance on permitted and forbidden usage, including responsa from contemporary rabbinic authorities A special appendix reproducing a handwritten treatise by Rabbi Yedidya Raphael Abulafia zt”l, with photographic plates The entire work is grounded in tradition, and brought forth with the intent of preserving Kabbalah ha-Ma‘aseh with care, halakhic awareness, and deep reverence. The Sefer is accompanied by warnings and guidance regarding the dangers of unworthy use, emphasizing the need for purity, halakhic expertise and fear of Heaven. The goal of this work is not instruction in practice, but restoration of a glorious chain of holy wisdom, known to the great Mekubalim and used only by those qualified in soul and spirit. May this holy endeavor inspire hearts, strengthen faith, and glorify the Name of Hashem among His people.