The History of the Book of Zohar: The Foundation of Jewish Mysticism

The History of the Book of Zohar: The Foundation of Jewish Mysticism

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Introduction

The Book of Zohar (Hebrew: ספר הזוהר, Sefer Ha-Zohar), often referred to in some traditions or transliterations as the Book of Soja, stands as one of the most influential mystical texts in Jewish history. It forms the cornerstone of Kabbalah, the esoteric branch of Jewish thought that explores the hidden, spiritual dimensions of the Torah and the nature of God, the universe, and the soul.

This article traces the history of the Book of Zohar, its origins, authorship debates, its role in Jewish mysticism, and its lasting impact on religious and philosophical thought.

Origins and Historical Context

The Zohar first emerged in medieval Spain in the late 13th century. It is traditionally attributed to Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a 2nd-century Tanna (sage) who lived during the Roman occupation of Judea. According to Jewish tradition, Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai (often abbreviated as Rashbi) and his son hid in a cave for 13 years, where he received divine revelations and spiritual insights that became the core material of the Zohar.

However, modern scholarship generally agrees that the Zohar was actually composed much later, around the 13th century CE, by the Spanish Jewish mystic Moses de León (c. 1240–1305). Evidence suggests that de León either authored or compiled the text from earlier mystical traditions and writings. His work synthesized earlier kabbalistic ideas with biblical commentary, Midrashic traditions, and mystical symbolism shutdown123

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