Question: How should a person prepare themselves for reading The Book of Zohar? There were suggestions that one should prepare before going to sleep since what a person falls asleep with is what they wake up with in the morning. Is it acceptable to read just any Kabbalistic books before bed?

Answer: Yes, of course. However, it is preferable to read books that are thematically and stylistically closer to The Book of Zohar; otherwise, you might approach it with a slightly different focus.

The point is, you can read Kabbalistic articles related to philosophy, religion, our world, or our life. But what you need to read is the part of Kabbalah (this is a science with many sections) that specifically directs you toward the revelation of The Book of Zohar. That way, you can pass through it like a filter into that world.

Question: Can one, for example, read Shamati?

Answer: Shamati is also good, but I usually prefer to read a passage from The Zohar before going to sleep. It is The Zohar! And even though you read it without understanding anything, it tunes you correctly and elevates you to a certain level. With it, you fall asleep, wake up in the morning, and go to the lesson.

Before the lesson, I typically read, work on materials, or write, and only on the subject of the upcoming lesson. After all, I want to provide people with the most relevant material, and I need to prepare myself accordingly.

Question: So is it not necessary to read The Zohar? Is it enough to simply listen to it?

Answer: Yes, you can listen to it. The key is to be immersed in it. If our first lesson is The Zohar, this is especially important. But if it is something else, you should align yourself with that material. If it is Shamati, then we focus on articles from Shamati. If it is The Zohar, then The Zohar. If it is The Study of the Ten Sefirot, then The Study of the Ten Sefirot. It is essential to align oneself with a specific perspective on the universe as it varies.

Question: Generally, one should prepare for studying The Zohar throughout the day. Many people ask: “How do we do that?” Listening is not always an option for everyone at work. How can one remain connected to this thought?

Answer: Try whenever possible to listen or read in brief moments. Strive to see what connects you to this book, understanding that it is not systematic.

It is not The Study of the Ten Sefirot or a systematic, logically presented study. The Zohar is a very enigmatic book with a unique style. But the essence embedded in it provides a powerful light of correction. If a person respects this book and does not abandon it, they will literally begin to feel changes within a couple of weeks.

We see this within our group. Since we started studying The Book of Zohar, the group has become more inwardly focused.
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From KabTV’s “I Got A Call. Preparation for The Zohar,” 3/11/10

Related Material:
Preparation For Reading The Book of Zohar
Preparation For The Encounter With The Light
It Takes Preparation To Tune Into The Book Of Zohar

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