The Zohar

The Book of Radiance — Selected Portions

The Zohar — the Book of Radiance — is the central text of Kabbalah: a multi-volume mystical commentary on the Torah presented as the teachings of the 2nd-century Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, dictated in a cave where he hid for thirteen years. Modern scholarship attributes its composition to Moses de Leon of Guadalajara, writing in 13th-century Spain. Whether ancient or medieval, it is one of the most

Codex Digital EditionComing soonEdition currently in preparation

Edition072

FormatDigital PDF

Editorial statusIn review

TraditionJewish Mysticism

Before you read

Context without the mythology.

Codex ISO separates the surviving evidence from later interpretation, so you can encounter the text without being told what to believe about it first.

01 / Historical context

Composed 13th century Spain by Moses de Leon, attributed to 2nd century Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. The central text of Kabbalah. Banned by rabbinical authorities multiple times.

02 / Why it matters

The most sacred book in Kabbalah. Banned repeatedly. Here in translation.

From / associated with the text

““The Torah is a garment. Anyone who thinks that this garment is the Torah itself and nothing more — may his spirit deflate!””

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Source before story.

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The Zohar

Context without the mythology.

Source before story.

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