Unpacking the Significance of Rahab in Jewish Tradition

Rahab is a term used in the Bible to refer to the sky or the heavens. It is derived from the Hebrew word "racha," which means "spacious" or "wide." In biblical language, Rahab is often used to describe the expanse of the sky and the divine realm that lies beyond the reach of human comprehension.

In the book of Job, for example, Rahab is described as a "boundary" or a "limit" that separates the earthly realm from the divine realm (Job 26:5-6). Similarly, in the book of Psalms, Rahab is used to describe the power and majesty of God, who is said to be "enthroned above the waters" (Psalm 104:2-3).

In addition to its use in the Bible, the term Rahab has also been used in Jewish mysticism to refer to the divine realm that lies beyond the reach of human comprehension. In this context, Rahab is often associated with the concept of the "tzimtzum," or the divine withdrawal, which is said to have created the space for creation to emerge.

Overall, the term Rahab is a rich and complex one that has been used in a variety of ways throughout Jewish tradition. Whether it is used to describe the expanse of the sky, the power and majesty of God, or the divine realm beyond human comprehension, Rahab serves as a reminder of the awe-inspiring nature of the divine and the limits of human understanding.