‘The Zohar’: the heart of Kabbalah
The Zohar (Hebrew: זֹהַר, Zōhar, lit. “Splendor” or “Radiance”) is a foundational work of Kabbalistic literature. It is a group of books including commentary on the mystical aspects of the Torah (the five books of Moses) and scriptural interpretations as well as material on mysticism, mythical cosmogony, and mystical psychology. The Zohar contains discussions of the nature of God, the origin and structure of the universe, the nature of souls, redemption, the relationship of Ego to Darkness, and the “true self” to “The Light of God”. – Wikipedia
I once had a multi-volume copy of The Zohar in Hebrew and English, but donated it to a library when we downsized during the last move. I miss the volumes and hope that students will discover the books and along with them, the inner and outer universes.
According to My Jewish Learning, “The Zohar, however, is now one of the better-known works of kabbalistic literature, thanks to the early 20th-century scholarship of the German-born Israeli philosopher Gershom Scholem and to recent English translations. Though difficult to understand, due to the dense and obscure cosmological system the text inhabits, even in translation, the Zohar invites those willing to explore it into a fantastical universe filled with spiritual contemplation and insight.”
The Kabbalah Center, a website worthy of checking out if you are new to Jewish mysticism, says, “The Zohar is a holy book. Its origin is Light. Its purpose is to bring Light. Its nature and substance are Light, so much so that the mere possession of the Zohar can repel darkness and surround those who possess it with merciful protection. As Rav Berg wrote, ‘The Zohar represents humankind’s best hope of a solution to the chaos that has afflicted it since the beginning of history. Through the Zohar, we shall assuredly transform this planet into one of peace and tranquility.’”
Other reading and courses at sites like The Kabbalah Center, I suggest a good starting point book for discovering The Zohar is an overview such as Zohar: Annotated & Explained edited by Daniel Chanan Matt.
From the Publisher
“The best-selling author of The Essential Kabbalah now offers readers the best introduction to the Zohar.
“The splendor and enigmatic appeal of the Zohar, the major text of the Jewish mystical tradition, has never intrigued readers of all faiths more than it does today. But how can we truly understand it?
“Daniel C. Matt brings together in one place the most important teachings from the Zohar, the cornerstone of Kabbalah―described as a mixture of theology, mystical psychology, anthropology, myth, and poetry―alongside facing-page stories, notes, and historical background that illuminate and explain the text. Ideal for the first-time reader with no prior knowledge of Jewish mysticism.
“Guides readers step-by-step through the texts that make up the Zohar―midrash, mystical fantasy, commentary, and Hebrew scripture―and explains the inner meanings of this sacred text, recognized by kabbalists as the most important work of mystical teaching, in a way that is both spiritually enlightening and intellectually fascinating.”
After that, you might look into one of the English translations such as The Zohar in English by Tzvee Zahavy (Author), Maurice Simon (Translator), Harry Sperling (Translator), and others.
“The Zohar is called the greatest work of Jewish Mysticism. From the Middle Ages to today people of all faiths have studied and pored over the Zohar to explore the mysteries of God and the universe and to seek knowledge of when the redemption of the world will arrive.
“The Zohar is a mystical novel whose hero is Rabbi Simeon son of Yohai, a rabbi and disciple of Rabbi Akiva from second-century Israel. The original Aramaic work describes how Rabbi Simeon and his companions wander through the hills of Galilee, discovering and sharing mystical secrets of the Torah.
“This large format 750-page edition presents the entire work in one volume in eloquent English as translated by several great scholars of the 20th century.”
The journey will take a lifetime. You’ve been warned.
–Malcolm
