Michael Laitman - Unlocking the Zohar

UNLOCKING THE ZOHAR

Copyright 2011 by MICHAEL LAITMAN
All rights reserved
Published by Laitman Kabbalah Publishers
www.kabbalah.info info@kabbalah.info
1057 Steeles Avenue West, Suite 532, Toronto, ON, M2R 3X1, Canada
2009 85th Street #51, Brooklyn, New York, 11214, USA

Printed in Canada

No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner without written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

ISBN 978-1-897448-59-5
Library of Congress Control Number: 2011903649

Copy Editor: C. Gerus

Associate Editors: N. Burnot, D. Rudder, G. Shadmon, D. Aharoni, A. Sofer, L. Gur, L. Navon, M. Admoni, A. Ohayon, D. Nahari, M. Visel, P. Yahod Netanel, S. Mimon, T. Yichia

Zohar for All Editors: B. Girtz, M. Cohen, A. Cherniavsky, T. Yfhar, H. Rozenwasser, L. Vigdor, L. Peles Chen, A. Mula, L. Shema Pinhas, M. Yichia, D. Akerman, N. Doyev, Y. Wolfman, G. Baumfeld, M. Sinklair, S. Havani, H. Levi, G. Izhakov, K. Gabay, T. Refaeli, N. Levi, N. Hassid, A. Rozenwasser, Y. Gruver, B. Farjoon, M. Bar, V. Dvash

Translation: C. Ratz

Cover and Layout Design: Studio Yaniv, B. Khovov

Executive Editor: O. Levi

Publishing and Post Production: Uri Laitman

FIRST EDITION: DECEMBER 2011
FIRST PRINTING 2011

And the wise shall shine as the brightness of the firma-mentThey are the ones who exert in this brightness, called The Book of Zohar.

The Book of Zohar,
Behaalotcha [When You Raise], Item 8

T he Book of Zohar contains a very special force that can bring us to perfect, utter bliss. It is thrilling, exciting, and mesmerizing to the point that those who read it crave never to stop reading. For those delving into it, The Zohar is a source of energy and vitality. With The Zohar , we can begin a new life and bond with the good and pleasurable that exists in the world.

Unlocking the Zohar is the introductory volume in a series of books titled Zohar for All , which is a reader-friendly edition of The Book of Zohar . To make the best of the series, it is recommended to first read this book, which will usher the reader into the right approach when reading The Zohar , thus maximizing the benefits of engaging in it.

No prior knowledge is required when reading this book. Part 1 explains the essence of the wisdom of The Zohar , the reasons for its concealment for so many years, and how it can benefit us today. Part 2 talks about the way we perceive reality and the plan of Creation, and finally, how we will unlock The Zohar together to hopefully decode its secret.

As a special treat for the curious among the readers, Appendix 3 contains selected excerpts from Zohar for All . After reading this book, you will be able to feel the power of The Zohar and enjoy its benefits.

The Zohar is to be concealed ... until the arrival of the last generation at the end of days, and then it will appear.

Rav Isaiah Horowitz (the Holy Shlah)

One who has never seen the light of The Book of Zohar has never seen light in his life.

Rabbi Tzvi Hirsh Eichenstein of Ziditshov

The prohibition from Above to refrain from open study of the wisdom of truth was for a limited period, until the end of 1490. Thereafter, it is considered the last generation, in which the prohibition was lifted and permission has been granted to engage in The Book of Zohar . And since the year 1540, it has been a great Mitzva (commandment) for the masses to study, old and young.

Abraham Ben Mordechai Azulai

And because Israel are destined to taste from the tree of life, which is The Book of Zohar , through it, they will be delivered from exile with mercy.

The Book of Zohar, Nasso [Take], Item 90

Now the time requires accelerated acquisition of the inner Torah. The Book of Zohar breaks new paths, makes a highway in the desert. The Zohar and all its yield are ready to open the doors of redemption.

The Rav Raiah Kook

The livelihood of the person of Israel depends on The Book of Zohar .

Rav Yitzhak Yehuda Yehiel Safrin of Komarno

TIME TO ACT

The whole of the wisdom of Kabbalah is only to know the guidance of the Higher Will, why It has created all these creatures, what It wants with them, and what the end of all the cycles of the world will be.

Ramchal, Pitchei Hochma ( Doors of Wisdom ), Door no. 30

T he Zohar is THE book of the wisdom of Kabbalah, the wisdom of truth. It is surfacing today to lead us forward to a higher dimension. Yet, what is so special about The Zohar and about the Kabbalah? Why is this wisdom taking center stage specifically for those living today?

Humanity is ever developing. In ancient times, peoples needs were very basic: food, shelter, and procreation. These are natural desires, as well as existential needs. In time, greater needs and greater desires have arisen in us: for wealth, domination, respect, and knowledge.

Throughout history, we have been trying to satisfy the needs that emerged in us. We have been trying to find within these changes happiness, love, and a good life. Today, we see that this chase was futile. While each generation is more advanced materialistically, each also suffers more. The ubiquitous use of drugs and antidepressants as an escape are symptoms of our generations internal emptiness.

At each given moment, the media is presenting us with more and more temptations, which we then rush to satisfy. It may be a new piece of clothing, a car, a house, a better job, an academic title, a trip overseas, or even a good restaurant. But each time we obtain something, the pleasure dissipates shortly afterwards and we are left wondering, Whats next? Then the chase begins anew.

For how long? Today, more and more people are asking this question. And not only, For how long? but also, Why?

Why are our lives unfolding as they are? Why are we in a constant race, never actually finding any rest? Why does everything become dull and tasteless once we have obtained it? And in general, if this is what life is about and there is nothing we can do about it, why do we need it anyway?

There has never been such a state where questions about the purpose and meaning of life have arisen in so many people. In the past, we simply didnt ask. We lived because we were born. But today, such questions that suddenly arise within us leave us restless, prodding us forward, and after years of searching we come to the wisdom of Kabbalah, the wisdom that teaches us how to receive much more from life.

Previously, we had no need for Kabbalah, hence its concealment. But today, our need for it is the primary reason for its appearance in our generation.

The second reason is the special situation we are in today. The development of technology and media has turned the world into a small village in which we are completely interdependent. Yet, at the same time, our egos and our hatred of one another are increasing.

It is becoming barely possible for us to tolerate others, beginning on the most personal level, where each member of a family needs a personal room, a personal car, and virtually a personal home. People find it very difficult to maintain relationships, and divorce rates are soaring. The family unit is falling apart the world over.