Patach Eliyahu (פָּתַח אֵלִיָּהוּ, "Elijah opened"), also called Petihat Eliyahu HaNavi (פתיחת אליהו הנביא, "The Introduction of Elijah the Prophet"), is an Aramaic, Kabbalistic discourse from the introduction to Tikunei Zohar 17a. It is named after its initial words, where it is attributed to Elijah the Prophet. Considered a foundational text of Kabbalah, Patach Eliyahu is known for enumerating and summarizing the sefirot, corresponding them to parts of the body, and describing the infiniteness and uniqueness of God.[1]
Most Sephardim recite Patach Eliyahu every morning as part of the order for the morning blessings before Shacharit,[2][3] and some three times a day.[4] Chassidim who pray according to the nusach of Arizal as compiled by Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi recite it every Friday before the Minchah prayer as a preparation for Shabbat.[5][6] Ashkenazim do not generally recite Patach Eliyahu in the course of prayer.
There are several purposes to reciting Patach Eliyahu. In general, it is read before a prayer to ensure that it is accepted on high[3] in the merit of the study of the Zohar.[7] It is also taught in the name of the Arizal that recital before every prayer helps to open the heart[3] by meditating on the greatness of the Creator.[8] It removes heavenly accusers, removes the forces of evil, and purifies the thoughts.[9] Its recital reminds the petitioner that the purpose of prayer is not to change mind of Hashem, since He does not change, but to change the petitioner to become receptive to the flow of Divine blessing which is discussed in the passage.[10] It is also used outside of regularly scheduled prayer, as-needed, for repentance, to benefit the souls of the dead, on building or dedicating a new home,[11] and to release sparks of holiness in the world from being bound by the kelipot.[12]
Paragraph breaks and section headings are the translator's[13] and are not present in the original text. Square brackets [] mark explanatory material inserted by the translator.
It is traditionally begun with saying
And thus the prayer begins
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