The Zohar, meaning "splendor" or "radiance," is the foundational text of Jewish mysticism, of Kabbalah. It's a sprawling, enigmatic work filled with secrets, allegories, and dazzling insights into the nature of God and the universe.
And according to Baal HaSulam, one of the greatest Kabbalists of the 20th century, the Zohar is so exceptionally deep that thinking it was written by one of the 48 prophets of Israel would be more reasonable than thinking it was written by one of the Tanna'im -- the sages of the Mishnah. Think about that for a moment. He’s saying it’s that special.
Baal HaSulam, whose real name was Rabbi Yehuda Leib HaLevi Ashlag, felt so strongly about the Zohar’s divine nature that he even said that if someone convinced him that Moses himself received it directly from God on Mount Sinai, he’d believe it! That's high praise, indeed.
He was so convinced of its importance that he dedicated himself to making it accessible to all. Once he finished his commentary, which unlocks so much of the Zohar’s meaning, he no longer felt the need to question its authorship. Because, for Baal HaSulam, understanding the Zohar is proof enough. He felt that anyone who truly grasps its wisdom would know that it could only have been written by a towering figure like the holy Rabbi Shimon bar Yoḥai.
Rabbi Shimon bar Yoḥai, or Rashbi as he’s often called, was a 2nd-century Tanna, a sage living in Roman-era Palestine. Tradition holds that he spent years hiding in a cave, studying Torah and unlocking its deepest secrets. It was during this time, some believe, that he composed the Zohar, or at least that its teachings were revealed to him.
So, what does this all mean? It means that the Zohar isn't just another book. It's a portal, a gateway to a deeper understanding of ourselves, of God, and of the intricate tapestry of creation. Whether you believe it was written by Rabbi Shimon bar Yoḥai, revealed on Mount Sinai, or penned by one of the prophets, one thing is clear: the Zohar has the power to transform, to inspire, and to awaken the soul. And thanks to the work of Kabbalists like Baal HaSulam, its wisdom is more accessible to us today than ever before.