The Guide to the Zohar

The Guide to the Zohar

"The Zohar is the great medieval compendium of Jewish esoteric and mystical teaching, and the basis of the kabbalistic faith. It is, however, a notoriously difficult text, full of hidden codes, concealed meanings, obscure symbols, and ecstatic expression. This illuminating study, based upon the last several decades of modern Zohar scholarship, unravels the historical and intellectual origins of this rich text and provides an excellent introduction to its themes, complex symbolism, narrative structure, and language. A Guide to the Zohar is thus an invaluable companion to the Zohar itself, as well as a useful resource for scholars and students interested in mystical literature, particularly that of the west, from the Middle Ages to the present."--Jacket.

Arthur Green

The Kabbalistic tradition: a brief history until the Zohar. Teachings of the kabbalists: the ten sefirot -- What is the Zohar. The Zohar: Midrash on the Torah -- The Zohar narrative -- Mysticism of the Zohar -- The Zohar in historical context -- Selected themes within the Zohar. Creation and origins -- Between worlds -- Evil and the demonic -- Torah and revelation -- The commandments -- Avodah, the life of worship -- The tsaddiq and the life of piety -- The Jewish people, exile, and Messiah -- The Zohar. Special sections of the Zohar -- The question of authorship -- The language of the Zohar -- Editing and printing of the Zohar -- Influence and canonization of the Zohar.

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