Texts of Judaism

Zohar: Genesis: Chapter XLVI. The Occultism of Sacrifices

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This is a passage from the Zohar, the central text of Jewish Kabbalah, presented in its characteristic form as a dialogue between rabbis and a mysterious stranger who imparts esoteric teaching. The central argument concerns the cosmic and mystical significance of the moon: its relationship to the sun mirrors the union of male and female principles, and its position relative to the left and right sides of the Sephirotic Tree (love vs. rigour/evil) determines whether divine blessing or corruption flows to Israel. A distinctive claim is that the Yom Kippur scapegoat ritual serves a specific cosmic function — occupying the "serpent" or Evil One so that the moon is freed from its malign influence and can protect Israel. The passage then links the lunar cycle to the liturgical calendar, arguing that the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) and its closing day (Shemini Atzeret) represent the moment of Israel's unique, intimate reception of heavenly blessing, illustrated by an allegory of a king who first entertains his governors with ordinary fare before feasting privately with his true friends. Throughout, the "as above, so below" principle is explicitly invoked as the governing law of Kabbalistic cosmology, treating celestial mechanics and earthly ritual as mutually reinforcing. Readers interested in Jewish mysticism, liturgical symbolism, or the esoteric dimensions of Jewish holiday practice will find this passage rich with interpretive content.

Zohar: Genesis: Chapter XLVI. The Occultism of Sacrifices

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