For very many Jews in the past half-millennium—and not only the Orthodox—the collection of mystical texts known as the Zohar (literally, “splendor”) has a near-canonical status, just behind the Bible, Talmud, and a handful of major rabbinic works. Since at least the 16th century, it was seen as the fundamental text of Kabbalah. The work’s origins have been a matter of dispute for almost as long. J.J. Kimche explains what the Zohar is and isn’t, its place in the broader history of Jewish thought, and the controversy over its authorship. (Interview by Benjamin Koren and Benzion Siouni. Video, 134 minutes. Audio is available in podcast form at the link below.)
Read more on Judaism Demystified: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-62-j-j-kimche-is-the-zohar-authentic/id1572203778?i=1000613823898