Why You Should Read the Zohar Even Without Understanding It

The Zohar is one of the most foundational works of Jewish mysticism and is traditionally attributed to Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. Written largely in Aramaic, it explores the inner, spiritual dimension of the Torah and reveals hidden layers of meaning beneath its words. For generations, the Zohar was studied mainly by great scholars. Yet Jewish tradition teaches that its holiness and spiritual influence extend even to those who read it simply, without full comprehension.

Many people hesitate to open the Zohar because they feel unqualified or worry they won’t understand a single word. Yet Jewish teachings offer a surprising and deeply encouraging message: even reading the Zohar without understanding has immense spiritual value.

Rabbi Eliezer Papo, author of the classic work Pele Yoetz, addresses this directly and offers reassurance to anyone who longs to connect to Torah but feels limited by their abilities.

Reading the Zohar Still Elevates the Soul

Rabbi Eliezer Papo writes that the study of the Zohar is exceptionally powerful for purifying and sanctifying the soul, even when the reader does not understand what they are reading and even makes mistakes while reading.

He explains that such learning is still precious before Hashem, as it says in Shir HaShirim (Song of Songs 2:4): “His banner over me is love.”

The Midrash explains this verse with a moving metaphor. It is like a small child who speaks nonsense and does not know how to express himself properly. His parents still smile, rejoice, and delight in his voice. In the same way, Heaven rejoices when a Jew wants to learn Torah and studies according to his ability, even without understanding. That desire itself brings joy to the Creator and earns great reward.

From here, Rabbi Eliezer Papo concludes that no one can claim they are unable to learn at all. Every person can learn something, according to their capacity, and that effort matters.

Why the Zohar Is Different

Rabbi Eliezer Papo notes that when it comes to studying Tanakh or Mishnah, there are opinions that understanding the subject is essential. However, Tehillim and the Zohar are different. Even without comprehension, reading them is meaningful, accepted, and spiritually effective.

This makes the Zohar especially accessible to those who yearn to grow but lack the tools or teachers to fully grasp its depth.

Establishing a Simple, Steady Routine

Rabbi Eliezer Papo strongly encourages every person to take upon themselves a regular study schedule that includes:

• A few chapters of Mishnah

• Tehillim

• The weekly portion of the Zohar

He explains that this structure helps protect a person from idleness, which the sages describe as spiritually dangerous. Even if time is limited, one should plan wisely and make up missed learning later, without rushing so much that the learning loses its value.

He emphasizes a timeless principle from Jewish law: it is better to do a little with focus and intention than to do a lot without heart or clarity.

Studying with Faith, Not Imagination

Rabbi Eliezer Papo also issues an important caution. When studying the Zohar, one must guard against imagining physical forms or images when encountering symbolic terms and descriptions of divine attributes.

These expressions are metaphors for profound spiritual concepts, not physical realities. A person should read them with simple faith, understanding that these are hidden lights and mysteries far beyond human comprehension.

Instead, the proper approach is humility: reading the words, trusting their holiness, and allowing their spiritual influence to elevate the soul.

The Zohar and the Future Redemption

The Shlah HaKadosh writes that the Zohar was destined to remain hidden until the final generations. Its revelation in our time is not accidental. Through engagement with the inner dimension of Torah, the world becomes filled with the knowledge of Hashem, paving the way for redemption.

Just as the Jewish people were redeemed from Egypt only after being sanctified, so too the final redemption will come through elevated holiness, and the Zohar plays a central role in that process.

A Gift Within Reach

The message is clear and hopeful. One does not need to be a scholar or mystic to benefit from the Zohar. The desire to learn, the effort to read, and the humility to accept what we do not understand are themselves powerful acts that open spiritual gates.

Even simple reading, done sincerely, brings joy to Heaven and light to the soul.