1195. CONCERNING A RABBI WHO APPEARED A certain obscure one appeared, or rather some obscure thing, because it was coming from that region where is the filthy city Jerusalem, in the neighborhood of Gehenna, concerning which see above [nos. 636, 750, 843]. But a gate was as it were opened, and he came in the shade of night or in star-light, and when the gate had been opened, he entered. In that place there were rather obscure wandering stars, and they flew around him especially on his left. As he approached me I did not suppose that he was a spirit, but rather a dark cloud; still he drew nearer and applied himself from above to my left ear which he touched with his mouth, so that he might speak with me. He did not speak with a sonorous voice, but as if inwardly within himself; still I heard him plainly enough.