Sensual mysticism in the Hekhalot Rabbati

JARED CALAWAY revives his Daily Hekhalot series and combines it this time with his more recent series on mysticism and the senses: God and the Senses (2): Hekhalot Rabbati §§163-164.

Nonetheless, this hymn stands out as a highly sensual account of the relationship between God and Israel as lovers who embrace during the recitation of the Qedushah: firstly flashing flirting eyes to each other as they recite, then smelling, and finally touching and embracing.

This reminds me of another passage in the Hekhalot Rabbati which involves God flirting, dancing with, and embracing the (female) living creatures who normally form part of the base of his throne. I have translated it here. That translation is a draft from my translation of the Hekhalot Rabbati, which is now nearing completion. You can find another draft excerpt by following the link here. Both passages have undergone some revision in the final version.