THIS BOOK is dedicated to the study of the various modes of reception of the Zohar and the impact it has had on Jewish culture over the centuries. Rather than presenting an exhaustive chronological description, it focuses on key aspects of its reception and impact, such as its literary formation and canonization, its dispersal and veneration, as well as criticisms of the Zohar and the polemics surrounding it.

The volume was first published in Hebrew by the Ben-Zvi Institute and the Bialik Institute. This English translation, diligently prepared by Yudith Nave, contains only minor differences from the Hebrew edition: some of the more detailed bibliographical discussions have been omitted, and references to new studies which appeared after the publication of the Hebrew volume have been added.

It is a great honour and pleasure for me to publish the English edition with the Littman Library of Jewish Civilization. I am very grateful to Connie Webber, the managing editor of the Littman Library, who accompanied the translation project from its beginning, for her efficiency, patience, and support. I thank Yudith Nave and her team for the efforts they put into translating the text. I would also like to thank Janet Moth for her editorial work. I am especially indebted to Agi Erdos, whose wisdom and knowledge much enhanced the final text.