Quotes
Till a man can judge whether they be truths or not, his understanding is but little improved, and thus men of much reading, though greatly learned, but may be little knowing. John Locke (1632 - 1704)
| Did R. Shimon Bar Yohai Write the Zohar? |
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| Wednesday, 21 September 2011 13:05 |
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Did R. Shimon Bar Yohai Write the Zohar?
Question Dear Kavod HaRav, Shalom U'Brachot. What do you think about the Zohar's authenticity? Do you recognize it as the Holy Zohar/ Zohar HaKadosh or do you reject the claim that it comes from the Tanna Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai? Response 1. The Zohar literature, which includes the Zohar, Zohar Hadash, Midrash HaNe'elam, Tiqune Zohar and several other works, was written, almost certainly by different authors, in 13th century Spain. None of it was written during Mishnaic or even Talmudic times. Much has been written on the subject, including the seminal work of the Ya'abess (R. Ya'aqov Emden) z'l, Mittpahath S’pharim (http://hebrewbooks.org/33319), written some 250 years ago, in which he adduces copious and convincing proof that the Zohar was written in Spain during the period of the Rishonim. Certain parties have endeavoured, with no small success, to make this book unavailable; this should tell you something about the book’s power. For those familiar with the works of the Ya’abess this will come as no surprise. A new edition was printed by HaRav Ben-Ssiyon Kohen z’l of Jerusalem about 15 years ago. 2. I will mention just one example of such proof. According to the Zohar (Sh’moth 48b) the T’kheleth dye was produced from the Hilazon (sea snail) that is found in the Kinereth. In the first place this contradicts Hazal who state (TB Shabath 26a) that the Hilazon is to be found along the Mediterranean coast. Secondly, it contradicts what was common knowledge in the ancient Mediterranean basin regarding the source of this and similar dyes, as described in Greek (Aristotle) and Roman (Pliny the Elder, Natural History, 9: 60-65) sources. Thirdly, no such creature does or can exist in the Kinereth or any body of fresh water, a fact mentioned by Pliny. Fourthly, only a Jewish mystic living and dreaming in 13th century Spain could have been so ignorant of what was common knowledge in Eress Yisrael in the days of Hazal. 3. For those whose perception and understanding of Tora is based upon misinformation, this truth is a bitter pill to swallow. To a person who has invested years, perhaps a lifetime, pursuing a phantom, this will come as a great shock. This is only to be expected. If you discuss this matter with such people and sense their inability to deal with the matter rationally, you might consider changing the subject. 4. The teachings of the Zohar range from profound to inane, from insightful and enlightening to misleading and even heretical. It should only be studied by those of superior intellect who have dedicated themselves for many years to the in-depth study of Tora based on the primary sources. The capacity for critical thought and caution are essential. The masses are to be discouraged from studying it. Rabbi David Bar-Hayim |
| Last Updated on Wednesday, 15 February 2012 19:29 |
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I clarify my position in my second response on the subject.
It never occurred to me to forbid learning the Zoharic literature outright because:
a) It is part of our history; it will not go away. Intelligent people wishing to understand the issues will naturally wish to see and analyse the sources for themselves. This is as it should be. Keep in mind that the Zohar has been studied and quoted for centuries. To presume to ban it now is ludicrous. What can be done is to open people's eyes to the truth and its ramifications.
b) I stated clearly that not all people should delve into the Zohar. This has been the traditional position of Hakhme Yisrael - see Shulhan 'Arukh YD 246:4, and Shakh ad loc (6).
c) There are many profound insights to be found in the Zohar. While this does not alter the facts regarding its authenticity, it does mean that it is unwise to paint it with too broad a brush. Certain people will gain from reading the Zoharic and other Qabalistic literature which is anyhow available.
We must always strive for a balanced and reasoned approach to issues such as these.
I did read that book some time ago and am familiar with those statements. I also don't have a problem with you or anyone else (trying) to defend the zohar, etc. It is perfectly good and great to be searching and clarifying what is the truth. The problem though arises where some (on the side of the "pro-zohar") accuse others of being heretics, etc. and defame and not debate. I know this from personal experience, where I emailed a certain "rav" about his insistence about Gilgulim and instead of proving his point honestly he accused me, Rav Bar Haim Shalitta, Rav Gafech, and others as being "Heritics". And said I can't be part of a minyan as long as I don't believe that Rashbi wrote the zohar. Soo I asked him what he would say to the Yaabetz (who'm he earlier said was "confused") and the Chattam Sofer and if he would also tell them that they can't be part of a minyan. His reply literally was - "Don't send me emails I don't read them anymore I am done with you for good ".
I am not writing his name here, but I ask myself and you should ask yourself as well, is this the type of leaders we want and need? OR Rabbis like Rav Bar Haim Shalitta who even if he would disagree would tell us his position and why it is the truth etc. And not resort to xtian scare tactics in dealing with these issues.- Believe _________ or burn in hell (or similar statements like that.
"there has always been some question as to the authenticity of the Zohar, especially amongst secular historians and opponents of the Kabbalah (notably he leaves out those like the Yavess who is beyond reproach in terms of their sincerity in the search for truth). Some even claim that Rabbi Moshe De Leon was it's actual author. He writes that he went to visit Rabbi Moshe to see the original manuscripts of the Zohar, but by the time he arrived, he found that Rabbi Moshe had passed away. He was informed that the manuscripts had never existed, and that Rabbi Moshe himself was the author of the Zohar."
Rabbi Kaplan goes on to attempt to deal with this story by casting doubts about how ignorant people often destroyed manuscripts and that Rabbi Yishak of Acco eventually accepted the authenticity of the Zohar unequivocally. I personally suggest that those who are truly interested in furthering their understanding about the controversy to look further into the matter.
Sent from my iPad
Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan very clearly stated regarding Rabbi Yitzchok deMin Acco who was a close friend of Rabbi Moshe de
Leon
"He openly, and clearly and unambiguously states that the Zohar was written by Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. This is something not known to historians, and this is the first time I am discussing it in a public forum. But the fact is that the one person who is historically known to have investigated the authenticity of the Zohar at the time it was first published, unambiguously came to the conclusion that it was an ancient work written by Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai."
see for refrence
(http://library.brandeis.edu/specialcollections/collections/mancoll3.html).
Perhaps Moshe de Leon, having written a book on what he knew of these subjects, added material of his own and attempted to give his work greater authenticity by attributing it to Rabbi Shimon ben Yochai.
Certainly, the unfortunate practice in some communities of deriving halakhot from the Zohar is wrong, but it would be wrong even if the Zohar is a faithful record of Maaseh Bereishit and Maaseh Merkavah.
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