As readers of the Torah, we have all been through the endless debates and discussions surrounding its interpretation. It is an ancient text that has been reinterpreted countless times by different scholars and rabbis over centuries. But there is one commentary on the Torah that stands out from the rest – The Zohar.
The Zohar is a mystical commentary on the Torah written in Aramaic by Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai in the 13th century. His teachings were passed down orally for generations before being compiled into a book in the late 13th century by his disciple, Rabbi Moshe de Leon.
What makes this commentary so unique and revered among Kabbalists is its approach to understanding God’s divine attributes as they are described in biblical stories. Unlike traditional exegesis of scripture, which focuses primarily on literal meaning, The Zohar aims to uncover hidden meanings behind every word and letter in each verse.
The Zohar teaches that there are four levels of interpretation for each passage: Peshat (literal), Remez (allusion), Derash (homiletical), and Sod (mystical). According to this commentary, these four levels build upon each other like steps ascending up a ladder until one reaches a higher spiritual understanding of God’s intention behind each story.
One example of how The Zohar interprets scripture can be seen in its explanation of Adam’s creation. In Genesis 1:27 it states “So God created man in His own image; male and female He created them.” While traditional interpretations view this as referring to physical likeness between man and God, The Zohar explains it metaphorically as representing two aspects within humanity – masculine energy (active) and feminine energy (receptive).
This type of metaphysical interpretation continues throughout The Zohar with discussions about everything from angels to reincarnation. Its teachings captivate many Kabbalists who seek to understand the deeper meaning behind the Torah’s stories.
In conclusion, The Zohar is a unique and mystical commentary on the Torah that provides a metaphysical interpretation of biblical stories. Its teachings continue to captivate many Kabbalists who seek to deepen their understanding of God’s divine attributes.