THEMES of Featured Zohar Articles

Moses was the head of the nation; Shabbat leads in the aspect of time.

From the teachings of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai; translation and commentary by Shmuel-Simcha Treister, based on Metok MiDevash

The Zohar teaches that the spiritual leader of the Jewish people is the equivalent of the entire Israelite nation. If he is righteous and worthy as Moses was, then all the people are deemed worthy in his merit. However, if he is not worthy, then the entire people are punished.

Intermediate

Scents and Ascents

Kabbalah teaches the significance of some customs of the Havdalah ceremony.

From the teachings of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai; translation and commentary by Shmuel-Simcha Treister, based on Metok MiDevash

The Zohar teaches that smell sustains the Nefesh in man; the soul enjoys the smell - not the body. Thus, when Shabbat departs a person should smell aromatic spices when the extra Ruach which a person receives when Shabbat enters has now departed and the Nefesh of the person is left bereft. (Ruach is derived from the same root as re'ach/smell.)

When G-d Alone Works

Based on Zohar Shemot 89B

Translated and annotated by Rahmiel-Hayyim Drizin from the Zohar selection in Hok L'Yisrael

Those who study the Torah have their conjugal union only on Shabbat, when people do not work, but when G-d alone works. And what is G-d's work? Union with the Shechinah in order to bring forth new holy souls into the world.