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Rabbi Shimeon Bar Yochai (Rashbi) - (80-160
CE)
"With this book (Zohar) of yours,
the people will be redeemed from exile with mercy"
(Zohar III, 124b)
“In the sixth century of the sixth millennium,
the gates of the supernal wisdom will be opened, as will the
springs of the earthly wisdom, preparing the world to be elevated
in the seventh millennium”
(Zohar I, 117a)
Rabbi Shimeon is the author of the classic Kabbalistic work,
the Holy Zohar (‘Book of Splendor’), first published
in 1558. Transcribed by his student R' Abba, the Zohar lays
out the foundations and core principles of mysticism and contains,
often in cryptic form, the deepest cosmic secrets. An extraordinary
scholar and miracle worker, Rabbi Shimeon was renowned for
his mastery of both the revealed and the hidden dimensions
of Torah.
Biographical Highlights:
~ 80CE: Born in Israel shortly after the destruction of
the Second Temple (67CE).
~As a young boy studies in the great academy of the scholars
of Yavneh, founded by Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai.
~ His principal teacher is Rabbi Akiva whose academy is in
B’nei Brak. Rabbi Akiva calls him “my son.”
~ Due to persecution against Jews led by the Roman Emperor
Hadrian, R’ Shimeon is sentenced to death for defying
the government. Forced to flee, he hides in a cave for thirteen
years together with his son, R’ Elazar, where they study
Torah day and night. A carob tree and a spring of fresh water
miraculously spring up at the entrance to the desert cave
and they are sustained until the Emperor dies and the decree
is annulled.
~ Establishes an academy in the town of Tekoa. The greatest
Torah scholars gather there including Rabbi Yehudah HaNassi
who compiled the Mishnah
~ 160CE: Passes away on 18th of Iyar in Meron,
a village near Sfat, Israel. On Lag B’Omer (the 33rd
day of the Omer count), the day of his passing, thousands
of Jews make a pilgrimage to his grave where they pray and
celebrate. There is also a tradition to light bonfires. At
R’ Shimeon’s request, Lag B’Omer is a day
of great celebration and an opportune time for miracles.
Published Writings:
Zohar
Sifre (Midrash)
Mechilta of Rashbi (Midrash)
Resources in English:
The Zohar, originally written in Aramaic, has been translated
into Hebrew and English (5 volumes. Soncino Press). A new
English edition has recently been released, published by Fiftieth
Gate Publications. It includes selections translated and annotated
by Moshe Miller.
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