THEMES of Featured Zohar Articles

Sometimes you act with great enthusiasm driven by a crystal-clear image in your brain; at other times you may do so without vigor, your mind and heart clouded by distractions. Both states are equal before G-d; one should not withhold himself from serving G-d even when uninspired.

The purpose of the soul’s descent to earth is to reveal the harmony inherent in creation, beginning with the person himself, as the microcosm of the creation. Inner personal peace and harmony can be attained only through ensuring the supremacy of the soul over the body.

Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai was one of the great Tannaitic Sages who lived during the era of Roman persecution (2nd century CE). Best known as the author of the Zohar, he also holds an important place in the revealed aspects of Torah, the Talmud and associated works, with the unique distinction of being mentioned in every chapter of the Talmud.

When the Israelites left Egypt, they left their state of spiritual impurity. They celebrated Passover, partaking of the food of their Father, but nevertheless they were not yet at the proper level of perfection and purity to receive the Torah. These fifty days of purification, until the day following the completion of the seven weeks of counting the omer, enable a person to enter the World to Come and receive the Torah.

On the day that Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai was to depart the world, he began arranging his teachings, for Tzaddikim of the stature of Rabbi Shimon know when they have fulfilled their tasks in this world, and when they are to pass on to the World of Truth.

The barley offering brought by the sota [the wife suspected of being unfaithful], was referred to as a "jealousy offering". Jealousy is an attribute of the sefira of yesod [the sefira of sexuality]; whoever is unfaithful arouses the force of yesod and brings jealous zealots against him.