Literally, light or splendor. The holiest book of the Kabbalah, actually called the “Holy Zohar.” Written in Aramaic, the Zohar first appeared in the 13th century when it was published by Moses de Leon. De Leon attributed the Zohar to Rabbi Simeon Ben Yohai who lived in the 2nd century and together with his son Eliezer hid for thirteen years in caves to escape Roman persecution. During this time, the Kabbalists believe, Ben Yohai occupied himself with composing mystical interpretations of the Bible.

The Zohar dwells on the mystery of Creation and explains the stories and events in the Bible in a symbolic manner. It finds hidden meanings in common statements of facts. The Zohar describes God as “the Infinite One.” God makes himself known to the world through ten “spheres of emanation.” The Zohar also contains wonderful stories, discourses by the ancient masters, ethical pronouncements, and some moving prayers.

The Zohar has exerted a profound influence on the religious thought of large groups of Jews, including the Hasidim.