The Wisdom of the Zohar
Anthology of Texts
Published on 1. September 1989
Book
Hardback
1648 pages
978-0-19-710043-1 (ISBN)
Description
The Zohar is the fundamental work of Jewish mysticism. Isaiah Tishby's classic and definitive Wisdom of the Zohar makes the world of the Zohar available to the English-speaking reader in all its complexity and poetry.
The extended extracts are arranged by topic, each section being prefaced by introductory explanations and accompanied by copious notes. There is also a General Introduction on the complex symbolism of the Zohar and on its historical and literary background.
The scholarly value of David Goldstein's acclaimed translation is enhanced by an index expanded to include references to passages cited in the introduction and notes, and by the addition of a subject index and an index of biblical references.
Isaiah Tishby was awarded the Bialik Prize 1972, the Israel Prize 1979, and the Rothschild Prize 1982, mainly for his work on The Wisdom of the Zohar. David Goldstein was awarded the Webber Prize 1987 for this translation.
The extended extracts are arranged by topic, each section being prefaced by introductory explanations and accompanied by copious notes. There is also a General Introduction on the complex symbolism of the Zohar and on its historical and literary background.
The scholarly value of David Goldstein's acclaimed translation is enhanced by an index expanded to include references to passages cited in the introduction and notes, and by the addition of a subject index and an index of biblical references.
Isaiah Tishby was awarded the Bialik Prize 1972, the Israel Prize 1979, and the Rothschild Prize 1982, mainly for his work on The Wisdom of the Zohar. David Goldstein was awarded the Webber Prize 1987 for this translation.
Reviews / Votes
'Excellent English translation . . . We are presented not only with the best available English translation of large sections of the Zohar but with an extensive, informed running commentary . . . a brilliant introduction that situates the Zohar in its historical and theological context . . . with an extensive, informed running commentary that for the first time really makes the arcane, esoteric, Zoharic text available. In addition Tishby has provided an excellent introduction . . . Every library of any size and quality should add this work to its collection.'- S. P. Katz, Choice 'In many ways the crowning achievement of the Littman Library.'
- Samuel H. Dresner, Conservative Judaism 'An indispensable guide . . . stylishly and accurately translated . . . The bewildering diversity of the Zoharic literature is made manageable by the arrangement of the most important passages as an anthology under subject headings, while the lucid notes and introductions to each section by Isaiah Tishby throw light on even the most obscure passages.'
- Hyam Maccoby, European Judaism 'An elegant English translation . . . [Tishby's] work on Jewish mysticism opened up new paths and helped to establish it as a focus of scholarship.'
- Hyam Maccoby, The Independent (from his obituary of Tishby) 'This superb addition to the Littman Library of Jewish Civilization comes already garlanded with awards . . . These three volumes deserve, and demand, serious and committed study, equal to the enormous dedication and devotion that went into their production. We must be grateful to all concerned in opening this mysterious Jewish world to a wider audience.'
- Jonathan Magonet, Jewish Chronicle 'Makes possible, for the English-speaking reader, the study of a broad selection of texts from the Zohar thematically arranged and set in the context of a systematic exploration of their conceptual background. It is a work greatly to be welcomed . . . there has long been a need for such a work. . . . We should be grateful to David Goldstein for his decade of labour of love and to Louis Littman and the Littman Library for having the courage and commitment to support such a task . . . each passage is well-footnoted, the great achievement of this project being to provide a guide for the uninitiated to the rich symbolism and metaphoric reference of the text . . . There is something immensely rich and fertile about the text and texture of the work which has always been of broad appeal. . . . David Goldstein's translation reads beautifully. Fortunately, he has added additional explanations, when necessary, to the notes . . . There can be no doubt that The Wisdom of the Zohar affords the English-speaking reader a far deeper entry into the subject than was previously available. . . . This translation . . . must place him among the best translators of our time . . . The Wisdom of the Zohar is therefore evidence that [Louis Littman's] vision of a Library of Jewish Civilization of a standard of excellence will not be forsaken.'
- Jonathan Wittenberg, Jewish Quarterly 'For over thirty years, Isaiah Tishby's study of the Zohar has been hailed as a classic, a landmark in modern Hebrew letters. Beautifully written and deeply learned, it has opened the recondite world of the Zohar to more than a generation of Hebrew readers. Thus, the appearance of the long-awaited English translation is a cause for celebration . . . its mysterious power remains largely intact . . . The Zohar . . . is the richest, most imaginative work in the annals of Jewish mysticism . . . Tishby's selection of primary sources is exemplary, and the commentaries to them, lucid . . . the unusually fine, exacting translation . . . the English reader remains in Goldstein's debt. Excellent indices have been provided, as well as an updated bibliography. . . . essential reading for anyone seeking to plumb critically the depths of the Jewish mystical tradition . . . this is a classic about a classic.'
- Elliott Ginsburg, Journal of Religion 'Its three-volume English translation now, for the first time, puts the Zohar truly at the disposal of students coming from other disciplines concerned with religious mysticism who appreciate the importance of treating the Jewish material seriously. . . . it is a monumental achievement . . . Goldstein's sensitive English version is a great convenience . . . the service to scholarship of the Littman Library in making it available.'
- Raphael Loewe, L'Eylah 'La Littman Library of Jewish Civilization ajoute a sa panoplie d'etudes juives un des classiques des recherches modernes sur la mystique . . . sera . . . un element indispensable a la bibliographie de tout etudiant de la mystique . . . la tradition anglaise, aussi erudite qu'elegante . . . cette serie prestigieuse.'
- Paul Fenton, Revue des Etudes Juives 'An essential aid for understanding the text of the Zohar, and Goldstein, the Littman Library . . . have done us a great service in making it available in English translation . . . any library which claims to cover Judaism and mysticism will have to have a copy of this book.'
- A. P. Hayman{::}**
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Illustrations
Fr.
Dimensions
Height: 235 mm
Width: 155 mm
Thickness: 132 mm
Weight
2815 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-19-710043-1 (9780197100431)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Isaiah Tishby was Emeritus Professor of Philosophical, Mythical, and Ethical Hebrew at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem until his death in 1992. He was awarded the Bialik Prize 1972, the Israel Prize 1979, and the Rothschild Prize 1982, mainly for his work on The Wisdom of the Zohar. David Goldstein, late Curator of Hebrew Books and Manuscripts at the British Library, was awarded the Webber Prize 1987 for this translation shortly before he died.
Content
VOLUME I
Special Preface to the Translator's Introduction
Translator's Introduction
Preface to Hebrew Volume I, First Edition
Preface to Hebrew Volume II
GENERAL INTRODUCTION
I The Structure and Literary Form of the Zohar The Various Sections * The Characteristics of the Zohar * The Narrative Framework
II The Publication and Influence of the Zohar The Testimony of Rabbi Isaac of Acre * Verification of the Evidence * The Sanctity of the Zohar III The History of Zohar Scholarship Early Criticism * Christian Kabbalah and Rabbi Judah Aryeh Modena * The Sabbatean Movement and Rabbi Jacob Emden * Zohar Scholarship in the Enlightenment Period * Later Studies of the Zohar IV Zohar Criticism Indecisive Arguments * The Foundations of Zohar Criticism * Evidence for the Antiquity of the Zohar V Various Solutions Later Redaction * Composition over a Long Period of Time * Composition in the Thirteenth Century * Unresolved Questions VI Printed Editions, Manuscripts, Translations, and Commentaries Printed Editions of the Zohar * Zohar Manuscripts * Translations of the Zohar * Zohar Commentaries PRELIMINARIES: EVENTS AND PERSONALITIES 1 The Greatness of Rabbi Simeon ben Yohai
2 The Teaching of Rabbi Simeon ben Yohai 3 The Angel of Death Put to Flight
4 Miracles: The Plantation of Rabbi Pinhas ben Yair
5 The Righteous Man of his Time: Annulling the Decrees I
6 The Righteous Man of his Time: Annulling the Decrees II
7 Rabbi Simeon ben Yohai and his Generation I
8 Rabbi Simeon ben Yohai and his Generation II
9 Rabbi Simeon ben Yohai and his Generation III
10 Rabbi Simeon ben Yohai and Rabbi Eleazar in the Cave
11 The Emergence from the Cave
12 The Entry into the Great Assembly
13 The Exit from the Great Assembly
14 The Illness of Rabbi Simeon ben Yohai
15 Revelation of Mysteries before his Departure
16 The Departure of Rabbi Simeon ben Yohai
17 After the Death of Rabbi Simeon ben Yohai
18 In the Celestial Academy
19 Rav Hamnuna Sava
20 The Old Man of Mishpatim
21 The Child
22 Rabbi Eliezer the Great
PART I THE GODHEAD
Section I En-Sof and the World of Emanation Introduction The Mystery of the Godhead * En-Sof and the Order of the Sefirot * Dualism and Unity * En-Sof and Keter * En-Sof in the Raya Mehemna and the Tikkunei ha-Zohar
1 En-Sof and Ayin (Nothing)
2 Cause above All Causes
3 En-Sof beyond All Perception
4 The Conduct of the World through the Sefirot
5 Soul and Body
6 Essence and Vessels
7 Acts of En-Sof
Section II
Sefirot Introduction The Nature and Function of the Sefirot * The Process of Emanation * The Paths of Symbolism * An Array of Symbols
1 The Process of Emanation
2 The Chain of the Sefirot
3 Straight Line
4 The Unification of the Sefirot through the Mystery of the Light of the Lamp
5 Colours and Light
6 The Lights of Thought
7 Thought, Voice, and Speech I
8 Thought, Voice, and Speech II
9 Thought and Understanding
10 Gates
11 Mi-Eleh-Elohim
12 The Death of the Kings
13 Atika Kadisha and Ze'ir Anpin
14 The White Head and the Strong Skull
15 The Countenance of the King
16 Father and Mother, Son and Daughter
17 The Letter Yod
18 The Letters Yod, He, Vav
19 Names of God
20 Patriarchs
21 Firmaments
22 Firmaments, Streams, and Sea
23 The Streets of the River
24 The Jubilee and the Year of Release
25 The Hills of the World
26 The Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge I
27 The Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge II
28 The Written Torah and the Oral Torah
29 Heaven and Earth, Day and Night
30 Zion and Jerusalem
31 The Holy One, Blessed be He, and the Assembly of Israel
32 The Arousal of Love
33 The Mystery of the Kiss
34 Intercourse
35 Love and Jealousy
Section III Shekhinah
Introduction
The Character and Situation of the Shekhinah * Cutting and Separation * The Attribute of Judgment and its Relationship to 'the Other Side' * The Mother of the World and the Assembly of Israel * The Exile of the Shekhinah
1 The House of the World
2 A Lily
3 A Rose and a Lily
4 A Well
5 A Hind
6 A Woman of Worth
7 Zedek (Righteousness)
8 The Agent of the Holy One, Blessed be He
9 Gate
10 The Door of the Tent
11 A Continual Burnt-Offering
12 Moon
13 The Diminution of the Moon
14 The Shape of the Moon
15 States of the Moon
16 The Destruction of the Temple
17 The Casting-down of the Shekhinah
18 The Dismissal of the Queen
19 The Mourning of the Holy One, Blessed be He, and the Angels
20 Separation
21 In Exile
22 Longing
23 The Shekhinah, Above and Below
24 In the Land of Israel and outside the Land
25 The Darkened Light
26 Joy and Sorrow
27 Surety
28 In the Street of the Tanners
Section IV Influence and Direction
Introduction Dynamic Direction * The Tension and Balancing of Opposites
1 Influence from Atika Kadisha
2 The Upper Mother and the Lower Mother
3 Feeding the Upper and the Lower Worlds
4 Blessing
5 Righteousness
6 Watering
7 The Eyes of the Lord
8 Direction on Weekdays and on the Sabbath
9 Acceptable Time
10 Atonement for Sin
11 The Presence of God in the Worlds
12 The Concealed Light
13 The Primal Light
14 The Renewal of the Work of Creation
VOLUME II
PART II THE OTHER SIDE
Section I The Forces of Uncleanness Introduction Good and Evil * The Dualistic Tendency * Restrictions on Dualism * The Emergence of Evil * The Domain of Husks * Mythological Images 1 The Array of Powers
2 The Sefirot of Uncleanness
3 Seven Breaths
4 Pharaoh's Dreams
5 Tohu and Bohu (Waste and Void)
6 Red and Black
7 Light and Darkness
8 Four Husks
9 Shells and Kingdoms
10 The Shells of the Nut
11 Kernel and Shell
12 The Precedence of the Shell
13 The Rule of the Shells
14 Death and the Shadow of Death
15 Snake
16 Monster
17 Monsters
18 The Ox, the Ass, and the Dog
Section II The Activity of 'the Other Side'
Introduction
1 The Seduction of the Snake in the Upper Worlds
2 The Four Primary Causes of Injury
3 The Infertility of 'the Other Side'
4 Repulsing 'the Other Side'
5 Accusation
6 Appeasing 'the Other Side' I
7 Appeasing 'the Other Side' II
8 Preliminaries to Action
9 Night
10 The Crevice of the Great Deep
11 Deceiving the Sinners
12 Good Days and Evil Days
Section III Demons and Spirits
Introduction
1 The Desert
2 The Yemim in the Desert
3 Blemished Creatures I
4 Blemished Creatures II
5 Samael and Lilith
6 Lilith in the Cities of the Sea
7 Lilith, the Infant-slayer
8 Naamah, Mother of Demons
9 Naamah and Lilith
10 The Spirit of Uncleanness
11 The Arousal of the Spirit of Uncleanness
12 The Rout of the Demons
PART III CREATION
Section I The Account of Creation Introduction The Process of Creation * The System of the Worlds
1 Forty-two Letters
2 The Letters of the Alphabet
3 Fire, Water, and Spirit
4 The Design of the Worlds
5 The Upper World and the Lower World
6 The Pillars of the World
7 The Foundation Stone I
8 The Foundation Stone II
9 Creatio ex Nihilo
10 Potentiality and Actuality
11 Different Kinds
12 Heaven and Earth I
13 Heaven and Earth II
14 Heaven and Earth III
15 Lights
16 Conflict and Division
17 Upper and Lower Worlds
18 Sea and Dry Land 19
The Completion of Creation
20 The Hidden Light
21 The Chain of the Generations
Section II The Account of the Chariot
Introduction
1 The Halls
2 The Throne of Glory
3 The Angels that Bear the Throne
4 The Creatures of the Chariot
5 Creatures and Wheels
6 Hashmal I
7 Hashmal II
8 Four Rivers
Section III Angels
Introduction The Role of the Angels * Metatron and the Nefilim
1 The Nature of the Angels
2 The Creation and Destruction of the Angels
3 The Melody of the Cherubim's Wings
4 The Song of the Angels I
5 The Song of the Angels II
6 The Song of the Angels III
7 Messengers I
8 Messengers II
9 Metatron
10 The Tabernacle of Metatron
11 Four Angels
12 Michael and Gabriel
13 Uriel
14 Boel
15 Uzza and Azael
Section IV The Natural World
Introduction
1 Firmaments and Lands
2 Deeps
3 The Sun I
4 The Sun II
5 The Song of the Stars
6 The Stars and the Control of the World
7 The Activity of the Stars
8 The Seven Planets
9 The Comet
10 The Snake in the Firmament
11 The Rainbow
12 The Sea's Pride
13 Evening and Morning
14 Morning
15 The Hind of the Dawn
16 Trees and Herbs
17 The Mystery of the Echo
PART IV THE DOCTRINE OF MAN
Section I The Three Souls Introduction The Nature and Status of Man * The Tripartite Soul * The Origin of the Different Parts of the Soul * The Preexistence of the Soul * The Theory of the Soul in Midrash ha-Ne'elam
1 The Storehouse of Souls
2 Neshamah and Nefesh Hayyah
3 The Parts of the Soul and their Function
4 The Unity of Neshamah, Ruah, and Nefesh
5 Neshamah, Ruah, and Nefesh and their Different Levels
6 The Three Parts of the Soul as a Model of the Upper Glory
7 The Birth of the Souls
8 The Life of the Souls in the Upper World
9 The Form of the Souls
10 The Soul's Oath
11 The Descent of the Spirit into the Body from the Garden of Eden
12 The Purpose of the Soul's Descent
Section II Body and Soul
Introduction The Descent of the Soul * Blemished Souls * Body and Soul and Man's Inclinations * The Theory of the Image
1 The Elements in Man
2 The Origin of the Soul and the Origin of the Body
3 The Movement of the Body through the Power of the Soul
4 The Light of the Soul in the Body
5 Man's Likeness
6 The Images of Man
7 The Liver and the Heart
8 The Brain, the Heart, and the Liver
9 The Structure of the Human Body
10 The Good Inclination and the Evil Inclination
11 The Soul, the Body, and the Evil Inclination
12 The Power of Desire
13 The Wiles of the Evil Inclination
14 The Evil Inclination as God's Agent
Section III Sleep and Dreams
Introduction
1 Sleep, a Sixtieth Part of Death
2 Entrusting the Soul to the Tree of Death
3 The Ascent of the Soul during Sleep
4 The Soul is Judged during Sleep
5 The Dreams of the Wicked and the Dreams of the Righteous
6 Good and Evil in Dreams
7 Dream and Prophecy
8 The Song of the Souls at Night
9 The Renewal of the Soul in the Morning
Section IV Death
Introduction
1 This World: the Twinkling of an Eye
2 Remembering the Day of Death
3 Thirty Days before Death
4 Illness and Death
5 There is no Death without Sin
6 The Soul Renders Account at the Time of Death
7 The Departure of the Soul
8 Covering the Eyes of the Dead
9 The Prohibition of Delaying the Burial
10 Death at an Early Age
11 The Death of the Righteous and the Death of the Wicked
12 Death in the Holy Land and Death outside the Holy Land
13 The Spirits of the Dead
VOLUME III PART V SACRED WORSHIP
Section I The Tabernacle and the Temple Introduction The Mysteries of the Tabernacle and the Temple * The Mystery of the Sacrifices * Sitra Ahra's Share of the Sacrifices * Offerings as Symbols
1 The Building of the Tabernacle
2 The Tabernacle and the Temple
3 The Table and the Showbread
4 The Breastplate and the Ephod
5 The Effect of the Gold Plate
6 The Ritual Performed by the High Priest on the Day of Atonement
7 The Whole-offering
8 Sacrifices and Libations
9 Red and White in Sacrificial Offerings
10 The Altar-fire Destroys Evil
11 Incense
12 Priests Are Prohibited from Drinking Wine
13 The Priests, The Levites, and Israel
Section II Prayer and Devotion
Introduction 'Worship in the Heart' before the Zohar * The Zohar's Understanding of 'Worship in the Heart' * The Mystical Significance of the Statutory Prayers * Fear of God, Love of God, and Communion
1 The Synagogue
2 The Quorum of Ten: Minyan
3 Morning and Afternoon Prayer
4 The Mystery of Unification through the Recital of the Shema
5 The Eighteen Benedictions
6 The Kedushah
7 Prostration
8 The Reading of the Torah
9 Confession
10 Prayer and Sacrifice
11 Praying Silently
12 From the Depths
13 The Cry of the Heart
14 The Prayer of the Poor
15 The Value of Kavvanah in Prayer
16 The Ascent of the Shekhinah through Prayer
17 The Activity of Prayer and its Reward
18 The Knowledge of God
19 Fear and Love
20 Fear and Joy
21 Gladness and Sorrow
22 Cleaving with Love
23 Servants and Sons
Section III Torah
Introduction Literal and Hidden Meanings in the Torah * Attitudes toward the Torah in the Raya Mehemna and the Tikkunei ha-Zohar
1 The Torah Sustains the World
2 The Narratives of the Torah
3 The Bodies of the Torah, and the Soul of the Torah
4 Original Interpretations of Torah
5 The Level of Mystical Knowledge
6 Halakhic Studies
7 Studying Torah at Midnight
8 The Study of Torah for its Own Sake
9 Sin Does Not Extinguish Torah
10 Those Who Support the Torah
11 The Scholars and the Unlearned
Section IV Commandments: Positive and
Introduction
1 The Ten Commandments
2 The Covenant of Circumcision
3 The Observance of Circumcision
4 Zizit
5 Tefillin
6 Mezuzah
7 Charity
8 Oaths and Vows
9 The Taking of God's Name in Vain
10 Forbidden Sexual Relations
11 Driving Away the Shekhinah
12 Mixed Kinds
13 Forbidden Foods
14 Gentile Wine
15 The Value of Deeds
Section V Sabbath and Festivals
Introduction The Sabbath * The Festivals
1 Importance of the Sabbath
2 Welcoming the Sabbath
3 Sabbath Delight
4 The Sabbath Meals
5 The Additional Soul
6 Havdalah at the Close of the Sabbath
7 The New Year
8 The Day of Atonement
9 Receiving Guests in the Sukkah
10 The Four Species
11 The Passover
12 Narrating the Exodus from Egypt
13 Tikkun Leyl Shavuot
14 Festival Joy and Sabbath Joy
15 Sharing Festival Joy with the Poor
PART VI PRACTICAL LIFE Section I Morality
Introduction
1 Humility
2 The Modesty of Jewish Women
3 Trust
4 Repaying Evil with Good
5 Hospitality
6 Pride
7 The Arrogance of Rulers
8 Anger
9 Evil Speech
10 Miserliness
11 Drunkenness
12 Wisdom and Folly
13 Delivering a Rebuke
Section II Conjugal Life
Introduction
1 Male and Female Souls
2 The Commandment of Procreation
3 Assuring One's Livelihood before Marriage
4 The Good Woman and the Evil Woman
5 Conjugal Manners
6 Sexual Intercourse by the Sages on Sabbath Eve
7 The Sanctification of Intercourse
8 Intercourse of the Righteous with the Shekhinah
9 Alien Thoughts during Intercourse
10 Attracting a Soul from Sitra Ahra
11 The Merit of Having Virtuous Children
Section III The Righteous and the Wicked
Introduction The Terms Zaddik and Rasha before the Zohar * The Righteous and the Wicked in the Main Body of the Zohar * The Righteous and the Wicked in the Raya Mehemna and the Tikkunei ha-Zohar
1 The Righteous, the Wicked, and the Intermediate
2 The Mixed Multitude
3 The Sins of the Rich and the Sins of the Poor
4 The Sins of the Wicked and the Sins of the Righteous
5 Marks of Sin on the Face
6 Defending the Wicked
7 Testing the Righteous and Bearing with the Wicked
8 This World Is for the Wicked, and the Next World is for the Righteous
9 The Element of Fear in the Trust of the Righteous
10 The Suffering of the Righteous
11 The Righteous Suffer to Atone for the Sins of the World
12 The Righteous Die because of the Sins of their Generation
Section IV Repentance
Introduction
1 The Power of Repentance
2 Repentance through Tears
3 Fasting and Tears
4 Atonement for Sin through Repentance
5 Repairing Damage through Repentance
6 Escaping from Punishment by Repentance
7 Repentance at the Hour of Death
8 The Exalted Status of the Penitent Sinner
Bibliography of Works Cited
Select Additional Bibliography of Other Works
Select Glossary
Index of References to the Zohar
Index of Scriptural References
Index to the Anthology Texts
Special Preface to the Translator's Introduction
Translator's Introduction
Preface to Hebrew Volume I, First Edition
Preface to Hebrew Volume II
GENERAL INTRODUCTION
I The Structure and Literary Form of the Zohar The Various Sections * The Characteristics of the Zohar * The Narrative Framework
II The Publication and Influence of the Zohar The Testimony of Rabbi Isaac of Acre * Verification of the Evidence * The Sanctity of the Zohar III The History of Zohar Scholarship Early Criticism * Christian Kabbalah and Rabbi Judah Aryeh Modena * The Sabbatean Movement and Rabbi Jacob Emden * Zohar Scholarship in the Enlightenment Period * Later Studies of the Zohar IV Zohar Criticism Indecisive Arguments * The Foundations of Zohar Criticism * Evidence for the Antiquity of the Zohar V Various Solutions Later Redaction * Composition over a Long Period of Time * Composition in the Thirteenth Century * Unresolved Questions VI Printed Editions, Manuscripts, Translations, and Commentaries Printed Editions of the Zohar * Zohar Manuscripts * Translations of the Zohar * Zohar Commentaries PRELIMINARIES: EVENTS AND PERSONALITIES 1 The Greatness of Rabbi Simeon ben Yohai
2 The Teaching of Rabbi Simeon ben Yohai 3 The Angel of Death Put to Flight
4 Miracles: The Plantation of Rabbi Pinhas ben Yair
5 The Righteous Man of his Time: Annulling the Decrees I
6 The Righteous Man of his Time: Annulling the Decrees II
7 Rabbi Simeon ben Yohai and his Generation I
8 Rabbi Simeon ben Yohai and his Generation II
9 Rabbi Simeon ben Yohai and his Generation III
10 Rabbi Simeon ben Yohai and Rabbi Eleazar in the Cave
11 The Emergence from the Cave
12 The Entry into the Great Assembly
13 The Exit from the Great Assembly
14 The Illness of Rabbi Simeon ben Yohai
15 Revelation of Mysteries before his Departure
16 The Departure of Rabbi Simeon ben Yohai
17 After the Death of Rabbi Simeon ben Yohai
18 In the Celestial Academy
19 Rav Hamnuna Sava
20 The Old Man of Mishpatim
21 The Child
22 Rabbi Eliezer the Great
PART I THE GODHEAD
Section I En-Sof and the World of Emanation Introduction The Mystery of the Godhead * En-Sof and the Order of the Sefirot * Dualism and Unity * En-Sof and Keter * En-Sof in the Raya Mehemna and the Tikkunei ha-Zohar
1 En-Sof and Ayin (Nothing)
2 Cause above All Causes
3 En-Sof beyond All Perception
4 The Conduct of the World through the Sefirot
5 Soul and Body
6 Essence and Vessels
7 Acts of En-Sof
Section II
Sefirot Introduction The Nature and Function of the Sefirot * The Process of Emanation * The Paths of Symbolism * An Array of Symbols
1 The Process of Emanation
2 The Chain of the Sefirot
3 Straight Line
4 The Unification of the Sefirot through the Mystery of the Light of the Lamp
5 Colours and Light
6 The Lights of Thought
7 Thought, Voice, and Speech I
8 Thought, Voice, and Speech II
9 Thought and Understanding
10 Gates
11 Mi-Eleh-Elohim
12 The Death of the Kings
13 Atika Kadisha and Ze'ir Anpin
14 The White Head and the Strong Skull
15 The Countenance of the King
16 Father and Mother, Son and Daughter
17 The Letter Yod
18 The Letters Yod, He, Vav
19 Names of God
20 Patriarchs
21 Firmaments
22 Firmaments, Streams, and Sea
23 The Streets of the River
24 The Jubilee and the Year of Release
25 The Hills of the World
26 The Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge I
27 The Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge II
28 The Written Torah and the Oral Torah
29 Heaven and Earth, Day and Night
30 Zion and Jerusalem
31 The Holy One, Blessed be He, and the Assembly of Israel
32 The Arousal of Love
33 The Mystery of the Kiss
34 Intercourse
35 Love and Jealousy
Section III Shekhinah
Introduction
The Character and Situation of the Shekhinah * Cutting and Separation * The Attribute of Judgment and its Relationship to 'the Other Side' * The Mother of the World and the Assembly of Israel * The Exile of the Shekhinah
1 The House of the World
2 A Lily
3 A Rose and a Lily
4 A Well
5 A Hind
6 A Woman of Worth
7 Zedek (Righteousness)
8 The Agent of the Holy One, Blessed be He
9 Gate
10 The Door of the Tent
11 A Continual Burnt-Offering
12 Moon
13 The Diminution of the Moon
14 The Shape of the Moon
15 States of the Moon
16 The Destruction of the Temple
17 The Casting-down of the Shekhinah
18 The Dismissal of the Queen
19 The Mourning of the Holy One, Blessed be He, and the Angels
20 Separation
21 In Exile
22 Longing
23 The Shekhinah, Above and Below
24 In the Land of Israel and outside the Land
25 The Darkened Light
26 Joy and Sorrow
27 Surety
28 In the Street of the Tanners
Section IV Influence and Direction
Introduction Dynamic Direction * The Tension and Balancing of Opposites
1 Influence from Atika Kadisha
2 The Upper Mother and the Lower Mother
3 Feeding the Upper and the Lower Worlds
4 Blessing
5 Righteousness
6 Watering
7 The Eyes of the Lord
8 Direction on Weekdays and on the Sabbath
9 Acceptable Time
10 Atonement for Sin
11 The Presence of God in the Worlds
12 The Concealed Light
13 The Primal Light
14 The Renewal of the Work of Creation
VOLUME II
PART II THE OTHER SIDE
Section I The Forces of Uncleanness Introduction Good and Evil * The Dualistic Tendency * Restrictions on Dualism * The Emergence of Evil * The Domain of Husks * Mythological Images 1 The Array of Powers
2 The Sefirot of Uncleanness
3 Seven Breaths
4 Pharaoh's Dreams
5 Tohu and Bohu (Waste and Void)
6 Red and Black
7 Light and Darkness
8 Four Husks
9 Shells and Kingdoms
10 The Shells of the Nut
11 Kernel and Shell
12 The Precedence of the Shell
13 The Rule of the Shells
14 Death and the Shadow of Death
15 Snake
16 Monster
17 Monsters
18 The Ox, the Ass, and the Dog
Section II The Activity of 'the Other Side'
Introduction
1 The Seduction of the Snake in the Upper Worlds
2 The Four Primary Causes of Injury
3 The Infertility of 'the Other Side'
4 Repulsing 'the Other Side'
5 Accusation
6 Appeasing 'the Other Side' I
7 Appeasing 'the Other Side' II
8 Preliminaries to Action
9 Night
10 The Crevice of the Great Deep
11 Deceiving the Sinners
12 Good Days and Evil Days
Section III Demons and Spirits
Introduction
1 The Desert
2 The Yemim in the Desert
3 Blemished Creatures I
4 Blemished Creatures II
5 Samael and Lilith
6 Lilith in the Cities of the Sea
7 Lilith, the Infant-slayer
8 Naamah, Mother of Demons
9 Naamah and Lilith
10 The Spirit of Uncleanness
11 The Arousal of the Spirit of Uncleanness
12 The Rout of the Demons
PART III CREATION
Section I The Account of Creation Introduction The Process of Creation * The System of the Worlds
1 Forty-two Letters
2 The Letters of the Alphabet
3 Fire, Water, and Spirit
4 The Design of the Worlds
5 The Upper World and the Lower World
6 The Pillars of the World
7 The Foundation Stone I
8 The Foundation Stone II
9 Creatio ex Nihilo
10 Potentiality and Actuality
11 Different Kinds
12 Heaven and Earth I
13 Heaven and Earth II
14 Heaven and Earth III
15 Lights
16 Conflict and Division
17 Upper and Lower Worlds
18 Sea and Dry Land 19
The Completion of Creation
20 The Hidden Light
21 The Chain of the Generations
Section II The Account of the Chariot
Introduction
1 The Halls
2 The Throne of Glory
3 The Angels that Bear the Throne
4 The Creatures of the Chariot
5 Creatures and Wheels
6 Hashmal I
7 Hashmal II
8 Four Rivers
Section III Angels
Introduction The Role of the Angels * Metatron and the Nefilim
1 The Nature of the Angels
2 The Creation and Destruction of the Angels
3 The Melody of the Cherubim's Wings
4 The Song of the Angels I
5 The Song of the Angels II
6 The Song of the Angels III
7 Messengers I
8 Messengers II
9 Metatron
10 The Tabernacle of Metatron
11 Four Angels
12 Michael and Gabriel
13 Uriel
14 Boel
15 Uzza and Azael
Section IV The Natural World
Introduction
1 Firmaments and Lands
2 Deeps
3 The Sun I
4 The Sun II
5 The Song of the Stars
6 The Stars and the Control of the World
7 The Activity of the Stars
8 The Seven Planets
9 The Comet
10 The Snake in the Firmament
11 The Rainbow
12 The Sea's Pride
13 Evening and Morning
14 Morning
15 The Hind of the Dawn
16 Trees and Herbs
17 The Mystery of the Echo
PART IV THE DOCTRINE OF MAN
Section I The Three Souls Introduction The Nature and Status of Man * The Tripartite Soul * The Origin of the Different Parts of the Soul * The Preexistence of the Soul * The Theory of the Soul in Midrash ha-Ne'elam
1 The Storehouse of Souls
2 Neshamah and Nefesh Hayyah
3 The Parts of the Soul and their Function
4 The Unity of Neshamah, Ruah, and Nefesh
5 Neshamah, Ruah, and Nefesh and their Different Levels
6 The Three Parts of the Soul as a Model of the Upper Glory
7 The Birth of the Souls
8 The Life of the Souls in the Upper World
9 The Form of the Souls
10 The Soul's Oath
11 The Descent of the Spirit into the Body from the Garden of Eden
12 The Purpose of the Soul's Descent
Section II Body and Soul
Introduction The Descent of the Soul * Blemished Souls * Body and Soul and Man's Inclinations * The Theory of the Image
1 The Elements in Man
2 The Origin of the Soul and the Origin of the Body
3 The Movement of the Body through the Power of the Soul
4 The Light of the Soul in the Body
5 Man's Likeness
6 The Images of Man
7 The Liver and the Heart
8 The Brain, the Heart, and the Liver
9 The Structure of the Human Body
10 The Good Inclination and the Evil Inclination
11 The Soul, the Body, and the Evil Inclination
12 The Power of Desire
13 The Wiles of the Evil Inclination
14 The Evil Inclination as God's Agent
Section III Sleep and Dreams
Introduction
1 Sleep, a Sixtieth Part of Death
2 Entrusting the Soul to the Tree of Death
3 The Ascent of the Soul during Sleep
4 The Soul is Judged during Sleep
5 The Dreams of the Wicked and the Dreams of the Righteous
6 Good and Evil in Dreams
7 Dream and Prophecy
8 The Song of the Souls at Night
9 The Renewal of the Soul in the Morning
Section IV Death
Introduction
1 This World: the Twinkling of an Eye
2 Remembering the Day of Death
3 Thirty Days before Death
4 Illness and Death
5 There is no Death without Sin
6 The Soul Renders Account at the Time of Death
7 The Departure of the Soul
8 Covering the Eyes of the Dead
9 The Prohibition of Delaying the Burial
10 Death at an Early Age
11 The Death of the Righteous and the Death of the Wicked
12 Death in the Holy Land and Death outside the Holy Land
13 The Spirits of the Dead
VOLUME III PART V SACRED WORSHIP
Section I The Tabernacle and the Temple Introduction The Mysteries of the Tabernacle and the Temple * The Mystery of the Sacrifices * Sitra Ahra's Share of the Sacrifices * Offerings as Symbols
1 The Building of the Tabernacle
2 The Tabernacle and the Temple
3 The Table and the Showbread
4 The Breastplate and the Ephod
5 The Effect of the Gold Plate
6 The Ritual Performed by the High Priest on the Day of Atonement
7 The Whole-offering
8 Sacrifices and Libations
9 Red and White in Sacrificial Offerings
10 The Altar-fire Destroys Evil
11 Incense
12 Priests Are Prohibited from Drinking Wine
13 The Priests, The Levites, and Israel
Section II Prayer and Devotion
Introduction 'Worship in the Heart' before the Zohar * The Zohar's Understanding of 'Worship in the Heart' * The Mystical Significance of the Statutory Prayers * Fear of God, Love of God, and Communion
1 The Synagogue
2 The Quorum of Ten: Minyan
3 Morning and Afternoon Prayer
4 The Mystery of Unification through the Recital of the Shema
5 The Eighteen Benedictions
6 The Kedushah
7 Prostration
8 The Reading of the Torah
9 Confession
10 Prayer and Sacrifice
11 Praying Silently
12 From the Depths
13 The Cry of the Heart
14 The Prayer of the Poor
15 The Value of Kavvanah in Prayer
16 The Ascent of the Shekhinah through Prayer
17 The Activity of Prayer and its Reward
18 The Knowledge of God
19 Fear and Love
20 Fear and Joy
21 Gladness and Sorrow
22 Cleaving with Love
23 Servants and Sons
Section III Torah
Introduction Literal and Hidden Meanings in the Torah * Attitudes toward the Torah in the Raya Mehemna and the Tikkunei ha-Zohar
1 The Torah Sustains the World
2 The Narratives of the Torah
3 The Bodies of the Torah, and the Soul of the Torah
4 Original Interpretations of Torah
5 The Level of Mystical Knowledge
6 Halakhic Studies
7 Studying Torah at Midnight
8 The Study of Torah for its Own Sake
9 Sin Does Not Extinguish Torah
10 Those Who Support the Torah
11 The Scholars and the Unlearned
Section IV Commandments: Positive and
Introduction
1 The Ten Commandments
2 The Covenant of Circumcision
3 The Observance of Circumcision
4 Zizit
5 Tefillin
6 Mezuzah
7 Charity
8 Oaths and Vows
9 The Taking of God's Name in Vain
10 Forbidden Sexual Relations
11 Driving Away the Shekhinah
12 Mixed Kinds
13 Forbidden Foods
14 Gentile Wine
15 The Value of Deeds
Section V Sabbath and Festivals
Introduction The Sabbath * The Festivals
1 Importance of the Sabbath
2 Welcoming the Sabbath
3 Sabbath Delight
4 The Sabbath Meals
5 The Additional Soul
6 Havdalah at the Close of the Sabbath
7 The New Year
8 The Day of Atonement
9 Receiving Guests in the Sukkah
10 The Four Species
11 The Passover
12 Narrating the Exodus from Egypt
13 Tikkun Leyl Shavuot
14 Festival Joy and Sabbath Joy
15 Sharing Festival Joy with the Poor
PART VI PRACTICAL LIFE Section I Morality
Introduction
1 Humility
2 The Modesty of Jewish Women
3 Trust
4 Repaying Evil with Good
5 Hospitality
6 Pride
7 The Arrogance of Rulers
8 Anger
9 Evil Speech
10 Miserliness
11 Drunkenness
12 Wisdom and Folly
13 Delivering a Rebuke
Section II Conjugal Life
Introduction
1 Male and Female Souls
2 The Commandment of Procreation
3 Assuring One's Livelihood before Marriage
4 The Good Woman and the Evil Woman
5 Conjugal Manners
6 Sexual Intercourse by the Sages on Sabbath Eve
7 The Sanctification of Intercourse
8 Intercourse of the Righteous with the Shekhinah
9 Alien Thoughts during Intercourse
10 Attracting a Soul from Sitra Ahra
11 The Merit of Having Virtuous Children
Section III The Righteous and the Wicked
Introduction The Terms Zaddik and Rasha before the Zohar * The Righteous and the Wicked in the Main Body of the Zohar * The Righteous and the Wicked in the Raya Mehemna and the Tikkunei ha-Zohar
1 The Righteous, the Wicked, and the Intermediate
2 The Mixed Multitude
3 The Sins of the Rich and the Sins of the Poor
4 The Sins of the Wicked and the Sins of the Righteous
5 Marks of Sin on the Face
6 Defending the Wicked
7 Testing the Righteous and Bearing with the Wicked
8 This World Is for the Wicked, and the Next World is for the Righteous
9 The Element of Fear in the Trust of the Righteous
10 The Suffering of the Righteous
11 The Righteous Suffer to Atone for the Sins of the World
12 The Righteous Die because of the Sins of their Generation
Section IV Repentance
Introduction
1 The Power of Repentance
2 Repentance through Tears
3 Fasting and Tears
4 Atonement for Sin through Repentance
5 Repairing Damage through Repentance
6 Escaping from Punishment by Repentance
7 Repentance at the Hour of Death
8 The Exalted Status of the Penitent Sinner
Bibliography of Works Cited
Select Additional Bibliography of Other Works
Select Glossary
Index of References to the Zohar
Index of Scriptural References
Index to the Anthology Texts