Letters and Livelihood: R. Baḥya ben Asher’s Commentary on the Recitation of the Manna Story

Abstract This article studies kabbalistic interpretation of a ritual unknown origin: the daily recitation manna episode (Exod 16:1–36). foregrounds major theme in writings R. Baḥya ben Asher ibn Halawa ( c .1255–1340) and many other medieval kabbalists: cyclical nature sustaining existence. Baḥya’s builds on two primary sources: Jacob Sheshet Gerondi’s commentary Ps 145 his polemic Meshiv Devarim Nekhoḥim , hermeneutic tradition derived from Hasidic-Ashkenazi biblical exegesis. The also examines roughly analogous works that illuminate hermeneutical outlook.