Rabbi Ishmael
The poem tells the story of Rabbi Ishmael's journey to the afterlife, where he encounters various souls and experiences different realms. He witnesses the punishment of sinners in Gehenna and the reward of righteous individuals in Gan Eden. The poem explores themes of morality, faith, and the consequences of one's actions.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1858 · Genre: Religious Poetry, Spiritual Literature, Philosophical Literature · 488 words
First lines
"Rabbi Ishmael Ben Elisha said, Once, I entered into the Holy of Holies [as High Priest] to burn incense, when I saw Aktriel [the Divine Crown] Jah, Lord of Hosts, sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, who said unto me, 'Ishmael, my son, bless me. ' I answered, 'May it please Thee to make Thy compassion prevail over Thine anger; may it be revealed above Thy other attributes; mayest Thou deal with Thy children according to it, and not according to the strict measure of judgment. ' It seemed to me that He bowed His head, as though to answer Amen to my blessing. " -- Talmud (Beraehoth, I. f. 6. b.)
What this Textopian page supports
Rabbi Ishmael is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1858 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: John Greenleaf Whittier
- Date: 1858 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious Poetry, Spiritual Literature, Philosophical Literature, Narrative Poetry, Historical Fiction
- Length: 488 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Rabbi Ishmael by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Rabbi Ishmael?
- How does this poem by John Greenleaf Whittier fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Religious Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Religious Poetry — The work explores themes of divine interaction, mercy, and prayer, characteristic of religious poetry.
- Spiritual Literature — It delves into spiritual experiences and the nature of God, reflecting on the human condition in relation to the divine.
- Philosophical Literature — The text raises questions about mercy, judgment, and the nature of existence, aligning with philosophical inquiry.
- Narrative Poetry — The poem tells a story through its verses, depicting a significant moment in the life of a Rabbi.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry Collection · 19th Century · Religious Themes · Jewish Culture · Historical Fiction · Biographical · Autobiographical Elements · Spiritual Quest · Moral Lessons · Coming of Age · Self-Discovery