Foreword

“And the wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament”…

They are the ones who exert in this brightness, called The Book of Zohar.

The Book of Zohar, Behaalotcha

[When You Raise], Item 88

The Book of Zohar contains a very special force that can bring us to perfect, utter bliss. It is thrilling, exciting, and mesmerizing to the point that those who read it crave never to stop reading. For those delving into it, The Zohar is a source of energy and vitality. With The Zohar, we can begin a new life and bond with the good and pleasurable that exists in the world.

Unlocking the Zohar is the introductory volume in a series of books titled Zohar for All, which is a reader-friendly edition of The Book of Zohar. To make the best of the series, it is recommended to first read this book, which will usher the reader into the right approach when reading The Zohar, thus maximizing the benefits of engaging in it.

No prior knowledge is required when reading this book. Part 1 explains the essence of the wisdom of The Zohar, the reasons for its concealment for so many years, and how it can benefit us today. Part 2 talks about the way we perceive reality and the plan of Creation, and finally, how we will unlock The Zohar together to hopefully decode its secret.

As a special treat for the curious among the readers, Appendix 3 contains selected excerpts from Zohar for All. After reading this book, you will be able to feel the power of The Zohar and enjoy its benefits.

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The Zohar is to be concealed … until the arrival of the last generation at the end of days, and then it will appear.

Rav Isaiah Horowitz (the Holy Shlah)

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THE GREATNESS OF THE BOOK OF ZOHAR

One who has never seen the light of The Book of Zohar has never seen light in his life.

Rabbi Tzvi Hirsh Eichenstein of Ziditshov [1]

The prohibition from Above to refrain from open study of the wisdom of truth was for a limited period, until the end of 1490. Thereafter, it is considered the last generation, in which the prohibition was lifted and permission has been granted to engage in The Book of Zohar. And since the year 1540, it has been a great Mitzva (commandment) for the masses to study, old and young.

Abraham Ben Mordechai Azulai [2]

And because Israel are destined to taste from the tree of life, which is The Book of Zohar, through it, they will be delivered from exile with mercy.

The Book of Zohar, Nasso [Take], Item 90

Now the time requires accelerated acquisition of the inner Torah. The Book of Zohar breaks new paths, makes a highway in the desert. The Zohar and all its yield are ready to open the doors of redemption.

The Rav Raiah Kook [3]

The livelihood of the person of Israel depends on The Book of Zohar.

Rav Yitzhak Yehuda Yehiel Safrin of Komarno [4]

[1] Rabbi Tzvi Hirsh Eichenstein of Ziditshov, Ateret Tzvi, Behaalotcha [When You Raise]

[2] Abraham Ben Mordechai Azulai, Introduction to the book, Ohr HaChama (Light of the Sun), p 81

[3] The Rav Raiah Kook, Orot [Lights], 57

[4] Rav Yitzhak Yehuda Yehiel Safrin of Komarno, Notzer Hesed [Keeping Mercy], Chapter 4, Teaching 20