Zohar (5 Volume set)

This is a commentary on the initial 5 books of the OT, meaning the 5 books of Moses. All events and statements are interpreted allegorically using the sayings of ancient Jewish sages, which makes it very interesting as well as a unique approach. I did not notice anything that I would call Kabbalistic mysticism, but all was rather straightforward and down-to-earth. Of course, i could not understand all of it, since i am not fluent in the ancient Jewish sages, but it was worth the purchase and time to read.

These books look great on the shelf, the print is large enough for me to see, and the quality of the binding is good. The translation is clear and easy to understand. And that's it. They're nothing else to review. I won't offer an opinion on the subject of these books; it's for you to decide that for yourself. But if a good copy of the Zohar is what you've decided you need, this should work for you.One note: there are no dust jackets. They aren't missing, the books just don't come with them.

The books are Deep and Profound

This is exactly what I was looking for. There may be other English translations of the Zohar in it's entirety, some which are questionable, but what makes this one uniquely attractive is that it ONLY contains the "Commentary" portion of Zohar which covers the Tanakh, leaving out the Esoteric portions. Why this is important is not only for the obvious in depth study of Torah, but also for encouraging others to approach the Zohar without fear of the "unknown" depths of Jewish mysticism in Kabbalah. This edition of the Zohar, would hopefully steer people away from negative connotations associated with the pop culture "Practical Kabbalah" which has been brought into the limelight by celebrities. Much of their practice has only added to the bad reputation of Jewish mysticism as being associated with dark spiritual practices, magic, and necromancy. Publishing's such as the Soncino Zohar shed light to the truth of what is truly found in the wisdom of the Sages in Judaism, all having to do with the careful study of Torah and the exegesis of all the scriptures. This is a copy of the Zohar I would definitely recommend to both the English reader and to those who are just getting their "feet wet" with this side of Judaism.

Simple, straightforward English translation. Unless you have a personal teacher, I wouldn't recommend this set. I still rated it three stars because the Zohar is so complex that I use multiple translations to help me understand what the original text intended to say. Daniel C. Matt's translation and footnotes are critical, but this (and even the Kabbalah Centre translation - not their commentary, their translation) are very helpful.

This edition of the Zohar is not the complete text of the Zohar, however it is a complete translation of its commentary on the Pentateuch. The translators also note in the introduction that, "This edition of the Zohar represents a complete translation of what we may refer to as the Zohar proper...Two extra-Zoharic works that are often commonly grouped together with the Zohar - the Zohar Chadash and the Tikkunei Zohar - are not part of this edition." I find the books to be very good quality, and the translation very readable, while not being overly simplistic. And at less than $100, a bargain compared to the 23 volume Kabbalah Center version, and the now 6 volume out of a planned total of 12 volumes Pritzker edition. If you want the entire Zohar get one of those editions, but if you want the core of the Zohar's teachings, beyond what you can get in an introduction to Kabbalah book, then this is the perfect collection in my opinion.

I bought these as a gift. They are well made.

Not being a member of the Orthodox Jewish faith, I still feel drawn to the beauty of Jewish Mysticism. This collection is a must have, and must read, even if you are not "Jewish", and you want to be educated in the beauty of the oldest faith in the historicity of world monotheism.