The Zohar, meaning "Splendor," is the foundational text of Jewish mysticism (Kabbalàh), a complex book of spiritual insights, mystical interpretations of the Torah, cosmology, and divine secrets, written in imperfect Aramaic mixed with medieval Spanish expressions. Traditionally attributed to the 2nd-century sage Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, it was popularized by Moses de León in 13th-century Spain, though modern scholars debate its authorship, often viewing it as a medieval work. It serves as a guide to connecting with the divine through deeper spiritual meanings in Jewish law and scripture, influencing Jewish thought profoundly, especially after the Spanish exile. 

Key Aspects of the Zohar

• Content: A mystical commentary on the Torah, exploring God's nature, the universe's structure, the soul's journey, and hidden spiritual realities behind physical existence.
• Language: Written in rich, poetic, and complex (and faltering) Aramaic, with deeper meanings concealed by symbols and metaphors.
• Structure: Divided into volumes, with sections corresponding to the weekly Torah portions, presented as dialogues among spiritual masters.
• Purpose: To reveal profound spiritual truths, providing channels for divine energy and guiding mystics toward union with God through study, meditation, and practice.
• Influence: Became central to Kabbalàh, shaping later mystical traditions and impacting Jewish culture, offering solace and deeper understanding, especially after the 1492 expulsion from Spain. 

Authorship & History

• Traditional View: Attributed by its publisher (rabbi Moses de León) to Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai (the "RaSHBI) who lived in 2nd century Galilee. Orthodox Jews to this day defend this attribution.
• Scholarly View: Most scholars attribute its compilation in its current form to Moses de León (1240 – 1305, Spain) in the late 13th century, presumably incorporating older material. After Moses' demise, his widow stated he was indeed its author, and had attributed the work to the RaSHBI to lend it credibility.
  
  The best study of the Zohar was written by Professor Daniel Matt: The Zohar - The Pritzker Edition, Stanford University Press.