How to Use the Zohar

The Zohar is not meant to be regarded in the way we regard other books. It is a force of spiritual energy embedded in the pages of a book. It is a powerful energy-giving instrument, a life-saving tool imbued with the ability to bring peace, protection, healing and fulfillment to those who possess it.

When we scan, read, study or share with others a portion of the Aramaic writing in the Zohar—an aspect of the Light of the Creator is awakened in us and in the world as a whole. Watch this video to learn how to use the Zohar as a tool to transform your life.

Regardless of where you are in your Zohar studies, there are five essential levels of connecting to the Zohar.

Owning the Zohar

The first level of Zohar connection is, very simply, having one. Whether you own a twenty-three volume set or a single volume Zohar, and regardless of which translation, you will be blessed with tremendous energy of protection and great potential for miracles in your life.

It is advisable to place at least one volume of Zohar in both your home and office, and you can keep it in any room you like except the bathroom. Many students also travel with a pocket-size edition of the Zohar. This small but powerful tool provides its carriers with healing and protection anywhere they go.

Learn more about the various editions of the Zohar

Scanning the Zohar

The eye truly is the window to the soul. As such, it reads much more than mere letters on a page. By scanning the Aramaic words of the Zohar—from right to left—our eyes gather the energy of the divine and we begin to change the very frequency at which our souls operate.

The Zohar scanning chart offers a comprehensive guide on the two ways that we can scan the Zohar. The first is according to time. Each week of the year arrives with a specific gift of spiritual energy. Every portion of the Zohar corresponds to one of these weeks. Connecting to the designated weekly section draws to our lives the cosmic benefits available to us during those seven days, as well as providing us with a spiritual vaccination against negativity.

The second way to scan the Zohar is for a particular blessing you wish to draw to your life or to the lives of your loved ones. At the end of the Zohar scanning chart, you’ll find an index that tells you which parts of the Zohar connect to a particular kind of energy. Whether you are seeking healing for a family member or trying to attract a soul mate for yourself, the Zohar offers a section that will suit any given need.

וַיְדַבֵּר יְיָ' אֶל מֹשֶׁה לֵאמֹר, פִּנְחָס בֶּן אֶלְעָזָר וְגוֹ', רִבִּי אֶלְעָזָר פָּתַח וְאָמַר, שְׁמַע בְּנִי מוּסַר אָבִיךָ וְאַל תִּטּוֹשׁ תּוֹרַת אִמֶּךָ. שְׁמַע בְּנִי מוּסַר אָבִיךָ, דָּא קוּדְשָׁא בְּרִיךְ הוּא. וְאַל תִּטּוֹשׁ תּוֹרַת אִמֶּךָ, דָּא כְּנֶסֶת יִשְׂרָאֵל. מַאי מוּסַר אָבִיךָ, מוּסַר, דָּא אוֹרַיְיתָא, דְּאִית בָּהּ כַּמָּה תּוֹכָחִין, כַּמָּה עוֹנָשִׁין. כד"א, מוּסַר יְיָ' בְּנִי אַל תִּמְאָס וְאַל תָּקוֹץ בְּתוֹכַחְתּוֹ.

Reading the Zohar

The kabbalists teach that every time we utter a word from the Zohar, it helps to remove some negativity from our being and replace it with blessings in a kind of soul transfusion. After scanning the Zohar portion in Aramaic, read the words aloud to awaken greater miracles.

If you comprehend and are able to read in Hebrew, then you should read directly from the Aramaic. If you can’t read Hebrew, then use the English translation to bolster your comprehension. If you’re new to Hebrew and are only able to scan the Aramaic, try to learn the names of the letters and be able to identify them.

The Hebrew glossary at the beginning of each volume will help you to learn some key kabbalistic concepts and enable you to make a deeper connection to Zohar by speaking some of its passages. While the translations may sound like a foreign language too, repeated study coupled with in-person and online classes, taken over the years, will clarify and deepen your understanding.

Studying the Zohar

The more you bring the Zohar into your life, the stronger your connection to the Light becomes. Connecting with a spiritual teacher to study the wisdom contained within the Zohar is a hugely beneficial next step in connecting to its spiritual energy and one that you can take at any time.

There are many ways to study the Zohar—through books, live classes in Kabbalah Centre locations near you, personal study in audio or video format, one-on-one with a teacher, online through Online Courses, or webinars. To find out which of these methods is best for you, we offer complimentary advisors who can help you chart a personal plan of study that is tailored to your specific needs, interests, and schedule, learn more about creating a study path here.

While the teachings of the Zohar were once considered secrets to which only a few had access, today millions of people around the world are transforming their lives through the study of this ancient wisdom. The only prerequisite for opening the Zohar and learning its secrets is a pure heart and a genuine desire to receive and share its blessings with all.

Sharing the Zohar

According to ancient kabbalists, the Zohar is the greatest gift possible to give or receive in this world. When you share the wisdom and energy of the Zohar with friends and family, you help to bring and strengthen the energy of blessings and protection in your life and in the world as a whole.

The greatest sages of Kabbalah have all taught that sharing the Zohar is the key to removing pain and suffering in the world. Engaging the Zohar on your own will help to accomplish that, but encouraging others to study with do so much more. Consider that while a single candle can pierce the blackest night, many candles lit all at once have the power to completely overpower the darkness and light up the entire world.

One of the most powerful ways that you can help to share the Zohar is by making a contribution to the Zohar Project: our grassroots movement to bring the Zohar and its spiritual wisdom to every corner of the world. There are many ways to support the Zohar Project, whether by joining a volunteer team or making a donation. Learn more about the Zohar Project and how you can get involved, here.