Zohar Matok Midvash
A Monumental 23-Volume Work Covering the Entire Holy Zohar
Zohar Matok Midvash
Our generation has been privileged to experience something unparalleled in previous eras—the opening of the gates of the Zohar to every seeker among the Jewish people. This monumental accomplishment was made possible by the inspired efforts of the esteemed Tzadik and Kabbalist, Rabbi Daniel Frisch Zat'zal. Recognized by all who knew him as a man divinely assisted in his mission to spread Torah, he dedicated decades to publishing essential works that illuminated the path of Torah and instilled wisdom and reverence in countless students and scholars.
Above all, Rabbi Frisch undertook the sacred and weighty task of elucidating the teachings of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai. Through immense effort and heavenly assistance, he meticulously compiled explanations from various early commentators on the Zohar. After thorough review, he crafted his masterpiece, Matok Midvash, a comprehensive commentary on the entire Zohar, including Zohar Chadash and Tikkunei Zohar, presented in 23 volumes. His approach was guided by a clear vision: to create a commentary that is simple, accessible, and understandable, even when addressing the mystical and esoteric aspects of the Zohar.
A Vision Fulfilled
This achievement fulfills the sacred vision and prophetic words of the Chozeh of Lublin Zat'zal, as recorded in the introduction to Damasek Eliezer by Rabbi Eliezer Tzvi of Komarno Zat'zal:
"I heard from my father (the holy Rabbi Isaac of Komarno Zat'zal) that he heard from the holy mouth of Rabbeinu Yaakov Yitzchak of Lublin that his desire was for someone in the world to explain the words of the Holy Zohar according to a simple understanding wherever possible, so that all Jews could attach themselves to the words of the Zohar. This attachment to the Creator, in utter self-nullification and joy, comes primarily from studying the Zohar."
Indeed, this vision has materialized in our generation, heralding the approach of the final redemption.
The Sanctity of the Zohar
The renowned statement of the holy Tzadik, Rabbi Pinchas of Koretz Zat'zal, one of the greatest disciples of the Baal Shem Tov Zat'zal, is well known: He would give praise and thanks to Hashem daily for not being born in earlier generations before the revelation of the Zohar. Through studying this sacred work, he tasted the sweetness of the World to Come while still living in this world.
The Chida frequently mentions in his writings (Chaim Sha’al, vol. 1, §75; Moreh Be’etzba, §44; Shem HaGedolim, entry on Sefer HaBahir) that Rabbeinu the Ari Zat'zal prescribed a practice for a penitent to recite five pages of Zohar daily, even without understanding it. The Chida added in his golden language: "The study of the Zohar surpasses all other study, even if one does not comprehend its meaning or makes errors in reading. It is a great rectification for the soul. While all of Torah consists of the holy names of Hashem, much of it is clothed in stories. When one reads and understands the simple meaning of those stories, his focus remains on the plain narrative. But the Zohar is pure secrets revealed, and even though the reader does not grasp their depth, he knows they are sacred mysteries of Torah."
The esteemed author of Pele Yoetz reinforced this notion in his work (Pele Yoetz, entry on Zohar): "The study of the Zohar is exceedingly great in purifying and sanctifying the soul. Even if one does not understand what he reads and errs frequently, it is precious before Hashem… Anyone who studies it as he is able certainly brings great delight to his Creator and will be rewarded… No one is exempt from studying it, and ignorance is no excuse, for one can study it to the best of his ability."
A Sacred Battle
It is well known that our ancient sages extolled the benefits of studying the holy Zohar. As the Ramak writes in Or Yakar on Tikkunei Zohar: "Rabbi Shimon and his companions authored this work to heal the wound of exile… This composition is a sacred battle to strengthen the Shechinah and weaken the forces of evil (Sitra Achra)… It was written for future generations as a merit for the final redemption, to aid Israel in the depths of exile… The study of this wisdom brings great benefit, as it strengthens holiness, arouses mercy, and protects against decrees and destruction… The unique virtue of this work is that the one who studies it with love is drawn to Hashem, just as a magnet draws iron, bringing spiritual salvation and rectification for his soul."
These awe-inspiring words explain why the Zohar was revealed specifically in later generations, to serve as a remedy and protection during the long and bitter exile.
The Revealed Zohar
It must be said that a grave misconception has taken root—that the Zohar was intended only for the elite scholars of Kabbalah. However, the visible reality for anyone who opens and studies the Zohar proves otherwise. Large portions of the Zohar are comprehensible to anyone familiar with basic Torah study, as they contain explanations on the revealed aspects of Torah, ethics, and Halacha. As mentioned in the introduction to the Matok Midvash commentary (vol. 1 on Zohar), Rabbi Shlomo Bloch Zat'zal testified that he heard from his teacher, the Chafetz Chaim Zat'zal, that there are no restrictions on studying the Zohar, since much of it resembles Midrash. The Chafetz Chaim would urge everyone, even young students, to study the Zohar related to the weekly Torah portion every Shabbat.
Notably, Rabbi Tzvi of Ziditshov Zat'zal wrote in a letter to his teacher, Rabbi Avraham Yehoshua Heshel of Apt Zat'zal (Ohev Yisrael): "My soul clings to the holy Zohar, and my heart finds no rest without it. Truly, it is known and recognized that engaging in this holy book is a source of inspiration for all works on fear of Heaven and love of Hashem."
In his work Sur MeRa Va’aseh Tov, Rabbi Tzvi further wrote: "The entire Zohar is filled with fear of Heaven and ethical teachings, guiding every limb and fiber of one's being toward serving Hashem."
Similarly, the Pele Yoetz wrote regarding the revealed teachings of the Zohar: "Anyone who understands the simple meanings of the Zohar will find within it sweet and profound wisdom that draws the heart toward the Creator. Therefore, 'every person' should acquire a Zohar and read from it regularly."
This guidance was echoed by the great and righteous leaders of previous generations, including the Sfat Emet of Gur, the holy Rabbi of Ostrovtza, the Maharsham of Berezhan, Rabbi Chaim Meizlish, Rabbi Chaim Berlin Zat'zal, and many others. They encouraged the study of the revealed aspects of the Zohar, noting, as many contemporary Torah scholars affirm, that over half of the Zohar consists of teachings that are accessible and suitable for everyone.
“They Will Emerge from Exile with Mercy”
Engaging in the study of the Holy Zohar brings redemption with compassion. These illuminating and inspiring words are explicitly stated in the Holy Zohar, Parashat Naso (124b), in the Ra'aya Meheimna:
"And because Israel will, in the future, taste from the Tree of Life, which is this Book of the Zohar, they will be redeemed from exile through it, with mercy. And it will be fulfilled in them: 'Hashem alone will guide them, and there will be no strange god with them.'"
As explained in Matok Midvash: Since Israel has so far engaged in the straightforward study of Torah, but in the end of days, they too will taste from the Tree of Life—this Book of the Zohar—by delving into it until they experience its sanctity. Through this merit, they will be redeemed from exile with mercy and kindness, as it is written: "Hashem alone will guide them"—He will lead them out of exile with compassion, and "there will be no strange god with them"—there will be no further accusations against Israel.
May it be His will that this prophecy is fulfilled speedily in our days. Amen, Ken Yehi Ratzon.
