Four entered the Garden, Ben Azzai, Ben Zoma, Acher and Rabbi Akiva. Rabbi Akiva said to them, “When you arrive at the place of stones of pure marble do not say “Water, water!” Because it is said, he who speaks falsehood will not stand before My eyes (Psalms 101:7). Ben Azzai looked upon the sixth Palace and saw the ethereal splendor of the marble plates with which the Palace was tessellated and his body could not bear it. Whereupon he died. Scripture says about him, “Blessed in the eyes of the Lord is the death of his righteous" (Psalms 116:15). Ben Zoma beheld the splendor and was afflicted. Scripture says about him, "If you have found honey, all your fill because if you become surfeited you will vomit" (Proverbs 25:16). Acher cut his shoots. Rabbi Akiva departed in peace -Hagiga 14b and Lesser Hehlaot
Mysticism has always had a very narrow and defined place in Judaism. It is meant for the devout, the learned and those whose feet are anchored firmly on the earth. This enigmatic story is all about the misadventures of three and the dangers involved inherent in that which is beyond us.
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