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Aggadic work attributed to the late first-, early second-century tanna, R. Eliezer ben Hyrcanus. The attribution results from the initial sentence, "The following occurred to R. Eliezer ben Hyrcanus." Also known as Baraita de-Rabbi Eliezer, it is generally accepted that Pirkei de-Rabbi Eliezer was composed in Erez Israel in the eighth century.
Pirkei de-Rabbi Eliezer is comprised of fifty-four chapters primarily covering Genesis, Exodus and Numbers. The introductory chapters deal with Eliezer ben Hyrcanus's youth and thirst for knowledge and going to Jerusalem. Chapters 3-11 are on creation, from the seven things created before the world, including a commentary on the book of Jonah (ch. 10). Chapters 12-20 are on Adam and Eve; and the book then progress from Noah through the journeys of Israel in the wilderness. Chapters 44, 49-50 deal with Amalek and Haman, Esther and Daniel. Among the other subjects addressed are angels, redemption, the world to come, the Divine chariot, the secrets of the calendar, and the reasons for many customs, such as those related to havdalah (end of the Sabbath).
The work appears incomplete, for only eight of the ten descents of God to Earth are enumerated, and the discussion of the Amidah (eighteen benedictions) does not go beyond the eighth blessing. It is attributed to the eighth century for it conforms stylistically to a later period; refers to the calendar, which postdates Eliezer; has customs from the geonic period; and alludes to Islam. |
