Zohar for All

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 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 (precept) for the masses to study, old and young.

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

The words of the Holy Zohar have power for the soul, and are approachable for every soul of Israel, small or great, each according to one’s understanding and the root of one’s soul.

Rabbi Tzvi Hirsh Horovitz of Backshwitz,
Hanhagot Yesharot (Upright Guidance), Item 5

The livelihood of the person of Israel depends on The Book of Zohar, studying with joy and pleasantness, and with fear and love, each one according to his attainment and sanctity, and all of Israel are holy.

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

The Ari said that at that time the hidden will become revealed, and learning the secrets of the Torah and revealing the secrets to everyone from Israel gives joy to the Creator.

Rav Yitzhak Yehuda Yehiel Safrin of Komarno,
Heichal HaBrahch (The Hall of Blessing), Devarim (Deuteronomy) 208

This composition, titled, The Book of Zohar, is like Noah’s ark, in which there were many species, and those species survived only by entering the ark. Just so … the righteous will permeate the meaning of the light of this composition to survive. And so, the power of the composition is that one who willingly engages, the love of the Creator will suck him in like the suction of the magnet that pulls the iron. And he will come inside it to save his mind and soul and spirit, and his correction. And even if he is wicked, there is no fear should he come inside.

Rav Moshe Kordovero (the Ramak),
Ohr Yakar [Precious Light], Gate 1, Item 5

Let us hope that all our brothers in the house of Israel will study of The Book of Zohar together, rich and poor, young and old. And how good and how pleasant if they try to establish friendships for the study of The Zohar. Particularly now, when the sparks of redemption have begun to blossom, we should exert in this sacred study.

Introduction of the Rabbis to The Zohar, Jerba Printing

When the days of the Messiah draw near, even infants in the world will find the secrets of the wisdom, knowing in them the end and the calculations of redemption. At the same time, it will be revealed to all.

This is the meaning of what is written, “For then I will turn to the peoples.” What is “Then”? It is the time when the Assembly of Israel rises from the dust and the Creator raises her, then “I will turn to the peoples a clear language, that they may all call upon the name of the Lord, to serve Him shoulder to shoulder.”

The Book of Zohar with the Sulam [Ladder] Commentary, VaYera, Item 460

The Necessity of Studying The Zohar in Our Days

This point in 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 it harvests are ready to open the doors of redemption.

The Rav Raiah Kook,
Orot [Lights], 57

My aim in all my notebooks and in all that I write is only to evoke the hearts of disciples of the wise, old and young, to engage in the study of the internality of the Torah.

The Rav Raiah Kook,
Igrot (Letters), Vol. 1, pp 41-42

Hence, it is said in The Zohar that The Book of Zohar will be revealed only at the End of Days, the days of the Messiah… And since The Zohar appeared in our generation, it is a clear proof that we are already in the days of the Messiah, at the outset of that generation upon which it was said, “for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord.”

Baal HaSulam,
“A Speech for the Completion of The Zohar”

And the books of Kabbalah and The Zohar are filled with corporeal parables. Therefore, people are afraid lest they will lose more than they will gain… And this is what prompted me to compose a sufficient interpretation to the writings of the Ari, and now to the Holy Zohar. And I have completely removed that concern, for I have evidently explained and proven the spiritual meaning of everything, that it is abstract and devoid of any corporeal image, above space and above time, as the readers will see, to allow the whole of Israel to study The Zohar and be warmed by its sacred Light.

Baal HaSulam,
“Introduction to the book of Zohar” item 58

The Appearance of The Zohar

The Zohar was destined to be concealed … until the arrival of the last generation at the end of times, at which time it was to appear.

Rav Isaiah Horowitz (the Holy Shlah),
In Ten Utterances, “First Article,” p 17

Studying The Zohar at this time is much needed to save and to protect us from all evil, since the disclosure of this wisdom now, in flawed generations.

The Sage Yaakov Tzemach
in his introduction to The Tree of Life

At the time of the Messiah, evil, impudence, and vice will increase, led by the heads of the mixed multitude. Then the Hidden Light will appear out of Heaven — The Book of Zohar and the Tikkunim[Corrections], followed by the writings of our teacher, the Ari. And that study will root out the evil in his soul, he will be rewarded with adhering to the Upper Light, and will be rewarded with all the virtues in the world.

Rav Yitzhak Yehuda Yehiel Safrin of Komarno,
Heichal HaBerachah [The Hall of Blessing], Devarim (Deuteronomy), 208

This study has been revealed so brightly and expansively at this time primarily because the evil is greatly increasing and the assembly of Israel is falling. Through this study, the soul is purified. Indeed, while studying the secrets, and particularly The Book of Zohar and the Tikkunim[corrections], the soul illuminates.

Rabbi Yitzchak Isaac Yehuda Yechiel Safrin of Komarno,
The Path of your Commandments, Introduction, “The Path of Unification,” 1, Item 4

Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai testified in the corrections that the book itself will be hidden until the last generation, the generation of the Messiah, for engagement in this wisdom to unite the Creator with His Divinity and to attach it to the exile is a great need. Hence, The Book of Zohar appeared in this last generation, to see if it shall be delved in truthfully, to give Divinity assistance and support.

Abraham Ben Mordechai Azulai,
Ohr HaChama (Light of the Sun) p 105, in the name of Ramak

From Exile to Redemption

 

Because Israel is destined to taste from the Tree of Life, which is the holy Book of Zohar, through it, they will be redeemed from exile.

Rabbi Shimon Bar-Yochai, T
he Book of Zohar, Portion Naso, Item 90

Redemption will come through the study of the holy Zohar.

Rabbi Eliahu Ben Sulimani,
Elijah’s Throne, gate 4

Studying the corrections of the Holy Zohar purifies the body and the soul and is capable of bringing redemption soon in our days.

Rabbi Efraim Ben Avraham Ardot,
Mateh Efraim (Efraim’s Wand), The Tip of the Mateh (wand), Item 23

The redemption of Israel and the rise of Israel depend on the study of The Zohar and the internality of the Torah.

Baal HaSulam,
“Introduction to the book of Zohar” item 69

Anyone who engages in this book brings redemption closer and brings great contentment to one’s Maker … for so the Creator has sentenced—that it will not be revealed and will remain concealed until the end of days, and that by its merit, freedom will come, for it has this power and none other.

Rabbi Shalom Ben Moshe Buzaglo,
The King’s Temple, on the corrections of The Zohar

The Zohar Brings Abundance

 

The words and the speaking of the holy Zohar themselves tie a person to the infinite.

Rabbi Moshe Israel Bar Eliahu,
The Remnants of Israel, Gate of Connection, “Gate One,” Midrash 5, Essay 2

Many fools escape from studying the secrets of the Ari and The Book of Zohar, which are our lives. If my people heeded me in the time of the Messiah, when evil and heresy increase, they would delve in the study of The Book of Zohar and the Tikkunim and the writings of the Ari all their days. They would revoke all the harsh sentences and would extend abundance and Light.

Rav Yitzhak Yehudah Yehiel of Komarno,
Notzer Hesed (Keeping Mercy), Chapter 4, Teaching 20

The study of The Zohar cancels all sorts of tragedies.

The Rabbis of Jerusalem, 1921

One who says The Zohar each and every day will have provision.

Rav Pinhas Shapira of Kuritz, Midrash Pinhas

The Light of The Zohar

 

“And the wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament” are the authors of the Kabbalah. They are the ones who exert in this brightness, called The Book of Zohar, which is like Noah’s ark, gathering two from a town, and seven kingdoms, and sometimes one from a town and two from a family, in whom the words, “Every son that is born you shall cast into the river” come true…This is the light of this Book of Zohar.

The Book of Zohar with the Sulam [Ladder] Commentary, BeHaalotcha, Item 88

Happy and so blessed are we for having been rewarded with going by its light and contemplating the pleasant words from the upper brightness, the holy light. It is sweet to the palate and it is all delights, endless, infinite water, to understand and to be educated with the act of creation and the work of the Merkava [structure/assembly], and how to become a Merkava for uniting and returning the soul to its origin and root. This has been resolved and engraved in my soul: One who has not seen the Light of The Book of Zohar, has never seen Light.

The Rav Tzvi Hirsh of Ziditshov,
Ateret Tzvi [A Crown of Glory] Parashat BeHaalotcha

A new Light is renewed every moment, until it actually becomes a new creation, through The Zoharand our teacher the Ari.

Heichal HaBracha (Hall of Blessing), Devarim (Deuteronomy), p 11

And this book shall be called The Book of Zohar due to the influence of that Light from the Upper Radiance [Zohar]. Through its Light, all who engage in it impart by Divine Providence, for the Upper Light and abundance above the reason would was imparted in the secrets of the Torah. Since it flowed from there, this composition was called The Book of Zohar, meaning that it extended from that Zohar [Radiance].

Ramak,
Know the God of Thy Father, 2

To excite the hearts of Israel to Torah and to work in the wisdom of internality, which is sweeter than honey and nectar, opens the eyes, and revives the soul, hidden delight, sweet as the light to the eyes, and good for the soul, refining and illuminating it with good and upright qualities, tasting the flavor of the hidden Light of the next world in this world through the wisdom of The Zohar.

Rav Yitzhak Yehuda Yehiel Safrin of Komarno,
Netiv Mitzvotecha [The Path of Your Commandments], Introduction

One who studies The Zohar, his face radiates. This is why it is called The Book of Zohar [Book of Radiance]. …It is an intimation of sublime affairs, for the word Zohar in Gematria is the Ein Sof[infinite].

Zohar, Livorno, publisher’s introduction

When engaging in this composition, one evokes the power of the souls with the power of Moses. This is so because while engaging in it, they renew the generated Light, which was created during its composition. And Divinity shines and illuminates from that Light as when it was first created. And all who engage in it reawaken that same benefit and that first Light, which Rashbi and his friends had revealed while composing.

Ramak,
Ohr Yakar [Precious Light], Gate 1, Item 5

The Zohar Affects Even when Not Understanding

 

The language of The Zohar remedies the soul, even when one does not understand what it says at all. It is similar to one who enters a perfumery; even when he does not take a thing, he still absorbs the fragrance.

Rabbi Moshe Chaim Ephraim of Sudilkov,
Degel Machaneh Ephraim [The Banner of the Camp of Ephraim], Excerpts

One who was not rewarded with understanding The Zohar should read nonetheless, for the words can purify the soul and illuminate it with wondrous brightness.

The prayer book of Rabbi Shabtai Rashkovar, “Order of the Study,” p 17

The study of The Zohar is great completeness for the soul. And even when one does not understand, the words of The Zohar alone are very able.

Rabbi Hanoch Hanich of Alsek,
The Order of the Study, Item 2

One who engages extensively should dedicate the majority of his studies in The Zohar even though he does not understand, for why should he care if he does not understand if it is Segula [special cure] in any case?

Rabbi Schneier Zalman of Laddi,
Short Essays of the Old ADMOR, p 571

It is true that we accept that even for one who knows nothing, the words of The Zohar can still cleanse the soul.

Rav Tzvi Elimelech Shapira (MAHARTZA),
The MAHARTZA Additions, Item 9

Since the time the precious light of the two great lights, The Book of Corrections and The Book of Zohar has shone, the Jews, the congregation of Israel, have taken it upon themselves to maintain the sacred study of the corrections and The Zohar, alone and with others, young and old. And although they are unable to attain and to understand the meaning of the pure sayings in these holy books, nevertheless, they drink their words with thirst and read with great enthusiasm.

Rabbi Yosef Chaim of Bagdad,
The Son of the Living Man, Benaiahu, introduction

The study of The Book of Zohar is very sublime to purify and sanctify the soul. Even if one does not know what he is saying and errs in it many times, it counts before the Creator, as it is written, “And his banner over me is love.” Our sages interpreted, “And his skip over me is love.”

What is this like? It is like a little baby who knows nothing and speaks half words with a stammering language, and his father and mother laugh with him and rejoice at his voice. So is the One who dwells above: He laughs and rejoices when the Israeli man is fond of the Torah and wishes to study, yet his mind does not attain or he has none to teach him, and he learns when he knows. He certainly brings contentment to his Maker and receives his reward. Thus, there is no room for excuses for one who does not know how to study; this argument does not exempt him on judgment day, for he could learn as he knew.

Rabbi Eliezer Bar Yitzhak Pappo,
Wonderful Counselor, entry: Zohar

Who can say the great sanctity of The Book of Zohar and its benefit, whose words are hidden and concealed as burning torches, illuminating and shining. Opener of eyes, the origin of life, the life of the souls, its contents is unbroken love, its words excite the hearts to love and to fear the honorable and terrible Lord. And even one who does not understand the internal content of its words, any palate that tastes and learns its language, its words are able for the soul: to illuminate it and to purify it.

Introduction of the Amsterdam Courthouse publication of The Book of Zohar, 1804

We heard explicitly from the Old Admor in Liazni that there is dumbness of the mind, etc., and that reading of The Book of Zohar is good for that, even when he does not know what it is saying.

Rav Yitzhak, Isaac HaLevi Epstein of Hamil,
Ariel Has Camped, Exodus, p 64

 

Correction of the Soul

 

The Baal Shem Tov says … Saying The Zohar is good for the soul.

The Path of RASHI, in the name of Rabbi Hillel of Paritch

Each and every letter in The Book of Zohar and the writings of our great teacher, the Rav Chaim Vital … are great corrections for the soul, to correct all the incarnations.

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

My sons and my brothers, accustom yourselves to delve into the study of the words of The Zohar and the corrections. One who has never seen the Light of The Zohar, sweeter than honey, has never seen Lights in his life, and has never tasted the flavor of the Torah. Moreover, it purifies the soul and cleanses it. Even a mere utterance through the lips is a great remedy and correction for the soul. In particular, the book of corrections, which are the actual corrections of the soul from any flaw, blemish, and disease.

Rav Yitzhak Yehuda Yehiel Safrin of Komarno,
“Introduction to Atzei Eden [Trees of Eden]”

He should grow accustomed to studying in the Kabbalah, for reading the Kabbalah is a correction for this iniquity. This is why the Kabbalists were called “harvesters of the field,” for they cut off all the Klipot [shells]. And the study of The Book of Zohar is part of that correction.

Horns of the Righteous, Item 53

Five pages from the holy Zohar each day is a great benefit and a great correction for the soul, to illuminate, purify, and correct it. It heals and corrects the sins and transgressions of the soul.

The Staff of Ephraim, Item 516, Sub item 7

The interpreters wrote as follows: One who studies in the holy Zohar corrects the upper worlds, and one who studies in the corrections chases away the Klipot [shells] and corrects the world of Assiya. This is the reason why Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai established the holy book of Zohar in a great number and the book of corrections in a small number. This is the meaning of the words “And God created the two great lights,” implying to the holy book of Zohar and the book of corrections … Thus, studying in them is a great thing for correcting worlds in heaven and in the earth.

Rav Chaim Huri,
Mercy and Truth

Purifying the Heart

 

Saying The Zohar can purify the heart.

Light of the Upright, “Pure Myrrh”

Always cleave your soul to The Book of Zohar and the writings of our teacher, the Ari. And cleave your soul with fear, love, and humility, lest your aim will be to become a rabbi and a leader, for this is truly idol-worship. Hence, my brothers, my sons, dear souls, sublime and elevated, cleave your souls to The Book of Zohar.

Rav Yitzhak Yehuda Yehiel Safrin of Komarno,
Notzer Hesed [Keeping Mercy], Chapter 4, Teaching 1

He also said that he asked his rav to be saved from pride and constantly pleaded to him about that. He told him “Study The Zohar,” and he replied, “I am studying The Zohar.” And his rav replied, “Study The Zohar a great deal.”

Rav Pinhas Shapira of Kuritz,
Midrash Pinhas, 36, Item 73

Studying The Zohar Compared to Other Studies

 

Reading the words of The Zohar is more beneficial for Divinity and for the soul than the whole engagement in the Torah.

Correction of the night of Hoshaana Rabah [Great Supplication]

Who is greater to us than this holy book, The Book of Zohar, interpreting the ways, removing the stones from the trail, admitting love and fear in one’s heart, teaching, guiding in the circles of justice, and leading us to the rest and inheritance.

The Zohar, Mentoba printing, The Publisher’s Introduction

[A person] Will not achieve life but only through the study of The Zohar… And in this generation it is impossible to draw the Higher Shechina (Divinity) but through The Zohar and the writings of the Ari and Rav Chaim Vital, which were said in the spirit of holiness. And in this generation, “Who is the man who desires life and loves days” without wasting a day without holiness? To see the good of the next world in this world, let him cleave his soul only to The Book of Zohar and the writings of the Ari and Rav Chaim Vital.

Heichal HaBracha (Hall of Blessing), Devarim (Deuteronomy), 58

The virtue of the study of The Book of Zohar is already known, as the Ari said, “A single day of studying The Book of Zohar and the secrets of Torah equals an entire year of studying the literal. By this merit, the Creator will prolong their days in goodness and their years in pleasantness, wealth, and honor. They will be whole with sons and sons of sons, and houses filled abundantly, filled with the blessing of the Lord and the blessing of Elijah.”

The Zohar, Livorno Press, Introduction, 1892

Studying The Zohar … builds worlds. It is all the more so if one is rewarded with studying and understanding the meaning of an article. It will correct him in an hour more than the study of the literal will do in a year.

Rabbi Shalom Ben Moshe Buzzaglo,
The King’s Throne, Tikkun [Correction] 43, Item 60

The reason why our sages wrote that the study of The Zohar is awe-inspiring and exalted … in all the Torah there is PARDESS and in all the studies, the concealed is not apparent whatsoever. On the contrary, a reader who repeats only the literal does not understand that there is a secret to the Torah at all. This is not so in The Book of Zohar, in which the secrets are open and the disciple knows that it speaks of the wonders and secrets of the Torah, which he does not know, and this is very instrumental for the correction of the soul.

Rabbi Chaim of Voluzhin,
Nefesh HaChaim [The Soul of Life], Set no. 7

There is no doubt that any study in the holy Torah is sublime and elevated and uplifting, especially if it is truly Lishma [for Her name]. It builds one’s ascents in heaven and corrects the worlds, and unites the lovers.

However, the study of The Zohar is great. That is, the Bible and the Mishnah and the Talmud are very clothed and the meaning is unapparent in them at all. This is not so with The Zohar, which speaks the secrets of the Torah explicitly, and there is not a fool who will read and not understand its words in the depth of the secrets of the Torah. Hence, since the secrets of Torah are revealed without clothing, they brighten and illuminate the soul.

Rabbi Chaim Yosef David Azulai (The CHIDA),
The Great Ones for the CHIDA, “A System of Books,” Item 2

The study of The Book of Zohar elevates more than any other study, even when one does not know what it says, and even if one errs in one’s reading. It is a great correction for the soul because although the whole Torah is the names of the Creator, it is clothed in several stories, and one who reads and understands the stories considers the simple literal meaning, but The Book of Zohar is the revealed secrets themselves, and the reader knows that they are the secrets and the meaning of the Torah, but it is not perceived for the lack of the attaining and the depth of the attained.

Rabbi Chaim Yosef David Azulai (The CHIDA),
Pointing with the Finger, Item 44

What we see—that there are people whose mind is not drawn to holy and very terrible books such as The Book of Zohar and the books of the Ari, although there are terrible, terrible innovations in them, which illuminate the eye and are sweeter than honey, yet they are drawn after other matters, such as scrutiny—know that it is due to their temper that they cannot tolerate the truly holy matter. Indeed, one does have choice and has the power to break one’s bad temper, but since he has already been born with such a bad temper, he must suffer great bitterness to break his bad temper and nature.

Rabbi Nachman of Breslev,
Talks of Rabbi Nachman, 40

One who studies The Zohar brings redemption closer. This is what the Rav Truth unto Jacob wrote in the introduction to his book in the name of The Zohar and the corrections. The rav warned extensively that one who studied the written and oral Torah would be severely punished he if did not study in The Book of Zohar and the wisdom of Kabbalah.

The Zohar, Livorno Press, Publisher’s Introduction

There is no comparison between the livelihood and delight in the study of the revealed and the study of The Zohar and the corrections.

Rav Pinhas Shapira of Koritz,
Midrash Pinhas, 72, Item 3

The most important is The Zohar and the corrections.

Integrity, Words of Truth, Item 39

The Zohar as a Means to Discover the Creator

 

Know that the entire Book of Zohar and the obligation to study it etc., is all a positive Mitzva[commandment to do a certain action], to cleave to it and to know that God is found, in sacred knowledge in the particular and in the unifications, and with love, fear, and unity.

Rav Yitzhak Yehuda Yehiel Safrin of Komarno,
Netiv Mitzvotecha [The Path of Your Commandments], Path 2, Item 3

Hear me my brothers and companions, the friends, who are craving and seeking the truth, the truth of the work of the heart—to behold the pleasantness of the Creator and to visit His Hall: My soul shall bend and cling unto The Book of Zohar, as the power of engaging in the holy book is known from our ancient sages.

Rabbi Tzvi Hirsh Eichenstein of Ziditshov,
Sur MeRa [Depart from Evil], p 4

It is known that the study of The Zohar is capable indeed. Know that the study of The Zohar creates desire, and the holy words of The Zohar strongly evoke to the work of God.

Rabbi Nachman of Breslev,
Talks of Rabbi Nachman, 108

The merit of one who contemplates the words of the living God, The Book of Zohar and all that accompany it, the words of the sages of truth, and the writings of the Ari is immeasurable. Through the constant engagement, they will discover the gates of light and the doors of wisdom for all who sincerely follow the path of God, whose soul desires to approach the palace of the King of Honor who lives forever, blessed be He. Hence, all who volunteer to engage in the wisdom for even an hour or two a day, each day … and the Creator adds a good thought to an action. It will be considered as though he stands all day always in the courts of the Lord, and his dwellings are in the secrets of the Torah.

The Rav Raiah Kook,
Letters of the Raiah, Part One, p 85

One who studies The Zohar, which is the wisdom of Kabbalah, becomes a son to the Creator.

Zohar, Livorno, publisher’s introduction

Let every son of Israel grow strong in the holy Zohar, even if he shall undergo several attempts to separate him from studying the holy Zohar. Also, if he has been through several attempts by people who are materialized in their substance, who are the harlequins of the generation, and he sits among them as a lily among the thorns…

Let one who has a soul of Israel, who wishes to cleave adherently to the Creator … although at times it seems to him that he is as a lily among thorns, let him pay no heed to that. Let us be strong and grow stronger in the power of the Ein Sof blessed be He and blessed be His name.

Rabbi Eliezer Bar Yitzhak Pappo, (Eliezer of Damascus),
Introduction, Path of Holiness, Item 12

Study Hours Prescribed by Sages

 

The Baal Shem Tov ordered his people to study the words of The Zohar prior to praying.

Rav Yitzhak Bar Yishaiah Atia,
Doresh Tov (Seeking Good), “Concerning The Zohar”

Prior to prayer, speak as little as possible and study an item in the holy Zohar or the corrections, or the new Zohar.

“Order of the Day and Cautions of Holiness” in the House of Aaron prayer book

One should not pray before he studies in the holy Zohar, whether much or little.

The Pure Table, Paragraph 93, Item 2

Be sure to study the holy Zohar or the legends each night before going to sleep.

Rabbi Yehiel Michal of Zlotchov,
Conducts of Rabbi Michal of Zlotchov, item 21

Our teacher, the Baal Shem Tov wrote an advice to the rav Rabbi David of Michaelikov, how not to have nightmares: study one of the corrections of The Zohar before going to sleep.

The Crown of Shem Tov, in the name of Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov, the BAASHT

If one is rewarded with studying the holy Zohar in watches, thanks to him Israel will be redeemed from exile, which is like a night.

Prayer book, Gate of Heaven, in the order of the study that the ancient ones wrote

My soul so clings to The Book of Zohar that when I lay and when I rise I am attached to it. My heart is neither restful nor at ease for indeed, the power of engagement in it is known and famous; it is the source of all the books of the fearful.

From a letter of the author of Ateret Tzvi to his rav, The Raiah of Afta

Some study the holy Zohar all year long, dividing the pages over the days of the entire year. Happy are they and happy is their lot.

Rabbi Eliahu Ben Sulimani,
Elijah’s Throne, gate 4

The righteous Gaon, Rabbi Shlomo Bloch, said in the name of his rav, The Hafetz Chaim, “There are no limitations on studying The Zohar because it is mostly Midrash (commentaries). The Hafetz Chaimused to evoke everyone to study The Zohar of that Parasha (weekly portion of the Torah) every Shabbat, even unmarried men.”

Rabbi Yosef Ben Shlomo of Pojin,
Hosafot Binian Yosef (Yosef’s Building Supplements)

The first rule is to establish constant study, so this sacred study in the holy book of Zohar and the corrections will not stop, each of them learning his part one by one.

When Moses Raised, wondrous issues from
Rav Moshe Chaim Lozzato, the Ramchal

In his seminary, he established constant study of The Zohar, the corrections, and the New Zohar from dawn to dusk.

When Moses Raised, wondrous issues from
Rav Moshe Chaim Lozzato, the Ramchal

Also, be sure, my sons, to study or at least say each day in the early morning on an empty heart, a lesson in the holy Zohar. This is very good for the purification of the soul.

A Father’s Mercy, Paragraph 3

One should determine to study five pages of The Zohar each day. This is very beneficial and a great correction for the soul, to illuminate it, to cleanse it, to correct it, and to wipe out the thorns, bad qualities and ill wills, and to be rewarded with the pleasantness of the Creator.

Rabbi Yitzchak Isaac Yehuda Yechiel Safrin of Komarno,
The Path of your Commandments, Introduction, “The Path of Torah,” 1, Item 31

My teacher (the Ari), gave Rabbi Abraham HaLevi good advice pertaining to attainment—to study The Zohar only for knowledge, without deep study, forty or fifty pages each day, and to read The Book of Zohar many times.

Rav Chaim Vital,
The Writings of the Ari, “The Gate of the Holy Spirit”

One should see that he completes the old Zohar and the New Zohar and the corrections each year. However, should he study the order of the portions of the holy Zohar by the order of weeks, sometimes he will need more than two or three weeks for one portion, that is, with longer portions.

Hence, one should establish the amount of study from the holy Zohar and the corrections as three pages each day, so he can complete the whole of the old Zohar the New Zohar and the corrections each year. And after studying three pages, he will establish his studies in the rest of the books of the Kabbalists and will study the books of Kabbalists in an order that he can, until he completes all the available books of Kabbalists. However, one should be sure to complete the holy Zohar and the corrections each year, and to do so for the rest of his life.

Rabbi Alexander Ziskind of Hrodna,
The Basis and the Root of the Work, “Sixth Gate, the Gate of the Sparkle”

 

Exertion in Studying The Zohar

 

The Book of Zohar has a different meaning every day.

Rabbi Moshe Chaim Ephraim of Sudilkov,
Degel Machaneh Ephraim [The Banner of the Camp of Ephraim],
Portion: Bo [Come], p 84

While studying The Zohar, one should deem each and every word as wisdom of truth.

The prayer book of Rabbi Shabtai Rashkovar, “Order of the Study,” p 17

When studying The Zohar, one should contemplate each and every word, for each letter is an innovation in and of itself, and things that seem literal are actually a secret, for The Zohar is all light.

Rav Chaim HaCohen, Good Conducts, Item 46

While studying The Zohar, one should cry a lot until he is granted understanding.

About Rabbi Nachman of Breslev, Talks of Rabbi Nachman, 8

 

The Wisdom of The Zohar and Worldly Wisdoms

 

Anyone who tastes from The Book of Zohar will taste for himself that there is such wisdom in the world as the wisdom of the depth of the secrets of the flavors of Torah, and all the wisdoms besides it are regarded as naught and formless.

The Rav Tzvi Hirsh of Ziditshov,
Depart from Evil and Do Good

He would elaborate extensively with praise of the greatness of the sanctity of the Tikkuney Zohar [corrections of The Zohar]. He was accustomed to engage in it extensively … and he said that all the wisdoms in the world are included in the book of corrections.

About Rabbi Nachman of Breslev,
Talks of Rabbi Nachman, 128

Rashbi and the Group that Authored The Zohar

 

We would never have the power to strip the Torah of its clothing, were it not for Rashbi and his friends.

Ramak, Know the God of Thy Father, 16

And Rabbi Shimon Bar-Yochai would reveal the secrets of the Torah, and his friends listened to his voice, joining him in this composition, each answering his part… And here, Rabbi Shimon Bar-Yochai instructed Rabbi Abba to be the writer and organizer of all the words that the sages, students of the seminary would say.

The Ramchal,
Adir BaMarom [The Mighty One on High], 24

The Rashbi composed The Book of Zohar according to the illumination that came to him while he was corrected in the cave … It is a great and terrible composition, which reveals the depth of the secrets of the Torah itself with great clarity, and this is called “The revelation of the internality of the Torah.”

The Ramchal,
Adir BaMarom [The Mighty One on High], 24

Only during the days of Rashbi, after 13 years of being in the cave, the gates of wisdom opened upon him, to shine for all of Israel through the end of days.

The Ramchal, Adir BaMarom [The Mighty One on High], 13 duction, 1982