Description:
The Zohar is the keystone of Kabbalah and a hidden gem of religious literature. Composed in Spain in the 13th century, it penetrates the Torah and reveals deeper layers of meaning. Among its concepts are Ein Sof (God as Infinity), Shekhinah (feminine aspect of God), and the notion that God is incomplete without ethical and spiritual action by humankind. This year we are celebrating the monumental completion of The Zohar: Pritzker Edition, one of the most important works in religious studies to appear in decades. The project spanned twenty years and produced an accessible translation of the entire Zohar into English, accompanied by the first running English commentary. Stanford University Press published the series in collaboration with Zohar Education Project, Inc. (ZEPI).
Our panel, Michael Fishbane, Bernard McGinn, and Michael Sells will discuss medieval mysticism in Jewish, Christian, and Muslim settings, with a response by Dr. Daniel C. Matt (translator of nine volumes on the Torah). Dr. Art Green will discuss the significance of the twelve-volume translation and how it makes the Zohar truly comprehensible to English readers. In addition, Daniel Matt will teach several selections of Zohar. A reception will follow.
Date:
Monday, October 16, 2017