Rating: 
Summary: not very impressed
Review: bought the book and read it. Was not very impressed with the authors knowledge on the subject. Smacks more of commercialsm than anything else. If one truly wants to learn more on this subject. I advise to read on Aryeh Kaplans writing or those of the Breslov reseach Center. You get something more designed to teach than to sell.
Rating: 
Summary: Fresh insights into Kabbalistic wisdom
Review: I enjoyed Berg's fresh perspective, which gave me a lot to think about. Definitely thinking outside the box.Commenting on Adam's fall, the feminine aspect of the Creator, Noah, the story of Jacob and Rachel, David's struggles, and much more; Berg delineates substantive Kabbalistic interpretations of sin, God in the world, desire, soulmates, and testing. The book is brimming over with fresh insights into Kabbalistic wisdom. Check out Berg's interpretation of the fear of God as a source of strength, the importance of the "as above, so below" dynamic in life, the encounter with every stranger as a possible catalytic moment for transformation, the ideal of judging all persons favorably, repentance as one of the most rewarding activities of the human heart, and midnight as the best time for study and prayer. At the core of the Zohar is the spiritual ideal of transformation. Berg writes: "Each of us came into this world to achieve specific spiritual goals that will culminate in our achieving oneness with God. In this endeavor, there is no such thing as failure. Our transformation is ordained and assured by the Creator. How long it takes depends entirely on us." This cogent and inspired overview of the essential Zohar is one of the best interpretations of Kabbalah available.
Rating:
Summary: An Essential Necessity
Review: I have been studying and researching the gnostic gospels for some time and have always been intrigued with the "mysteries" of God. I have also been completely vexed with what kabbala is and noone I asked could ever give me an answer- or nothing worth commenting on. Even a friend that had converted to judaism had a murky definition of what she thought kabbala was.. oh, she'd say the kabbala is the study of jewish mysticism. I would ofcourse ask- 'what, then, is jewish mysticism?' Again, no adequate answer.
After reading the Essential Zohar- I picked it up and couldn't put it down, actually, I discovered that the very questions that led me to research the gnostic gospels were the ones that kabbala, the study of, deals with. What I had once called the contradictions of the Bible and of God-even, I now understand to be the paradox that exposes my very own internal nature of good and bad, light and dark, earthly and spiritual. This was a big thing for me...
I responded to Rav Berg's writing style and understood all of his references and allegories. I felt that he gave an excellent view into what kabbala is and how it can be applied both in life and in humanity. He presented, in my opinion, a substantive and balanced introduction to the basic structure, scriptural citations, contemporary relevance, and application of the essential principles of Kabbala. Rav Berg constructs the material in an intuitive, comprehensive sequence. I felt the more I read the more I understood. It is intellectually stimulating and well written. It had moments of humor even.
I feel enlightened, having read this book, and will continue to learn more solely because of Rav Berg's presentation and delivery. I am excited, encouraged, and revived about my spiritual journey again. Superb. A must.
Rating:
Summary: Through reading I have looked for the Zohar's deeper meaning
Review: I have found it difficult to find those with like mind concerning the Zohar and Kabbalah. Through online courses and through books such as "The Essential Zohar", I have been able to look deeper in it's teaching to find deeper meaning. The Essential Zohar is a "Cliff's Note" version of the teachings found in Zohar, and has helped me tremendously by taking certain points and explaining them in a way that makes sense and is easily retained. I am now able to ask questions in forums and courses with a little bit more understanding when I phrase my questions. True, it is a small version of the Zohar itself, but I have found it easier to study one piece at a time and to gain a deep understanding.
Rating:
Summary: An Excellent Source Of Information
Review: If I could rate this title with 10 stars I would. This book is amazing. I've never felt the need to write a review before but I believe that this title is deserving of my first. The explanation of the tree of life alone, is reason enough to purchase this title. I own many different Kaballahs and I understand the material within them, but some of the concepts always seemed rather vauge until I read this book. This book has explained the material to me in a way that I didn't think was possible. It was as if the author took the time to hold the readers hand. Everything is explained in a clear and consise manner. This title is definatly worth a look.
Rating:
Summary: Reeks of commercialization in order to seduce masses
Review: It reads more like a self-help manual than a religious or near religious/sacred text.I felt like Dr. Phil should of wrote the foreword.
If one is truly interested in the Kabbalah and Jewish Mysticism, then one would know that this book is not the foundation to build it upon. They would also know that they should not just simply start with Kabbalah as the foundation for that journey.
I read the book, and naturally, it did inspire me. It inspired me to investigate Kabbalah further. And once I did research on the 'Essential Zohar' and it's author, the book completely lost it's meaning. This book contains contradictions in comparison to the actual Zohar. At many times, it only focuses on the positive things people will receive - and without much effort at that. To me, it appeared to pick apart the study of Kabbalah and all that it entails, in such away, that, it is no wonder that the masses are flocking to this easy way to become closer to G-d. It comes off as a very care-free and effortless journey.
I highly suggest that if you are interested in Kabbalah, research it first and * do not* rely on this book as your guide. Learn what actually accompanies getting to the point of studying Kabbalah and Jewish Mysticism. If one truly desires the knowledge, they will easily find where to begin.
On a personal note, I think they should offer a couple of free 'Red Strings' with the book. That way, when someone is done with it, they can tie one end around the book, the other around a cinder block and toss it into the sea.
Rating:
Summary: Now, it makes sense!
Review: Many times I've heard about the Zohar in my life, stories and contradicting concepts.
Reading the Rav Berg's book made so much sense to me and put all the pieces of the puzzle . Now I know that It's not only about the Bible and religious matters, it's much more th a n that, it's really all that is around us, It's the "Whys" that I personally had in life.
Rav Berg put it all in a language that everybody can understand and you the reader can decide how deep you want to go with it.
Rating:
Summary: An Excellent Source Of Information
Review: Rav Berg is the best teacher of spiritual concepts in a day to day language, and this book is the best simple explanation of passages of the Zohar yet. If one wants to really know what Kabbalah is about, this is a MUST.
Rating:
Summary: The Best
Review: Rav Berg is the best teacher of spiritual concepts in a day to day language, and this book is the best simple explanation of passages of the Zohar yet. If one wants to really know what Kabbalah is about, this is a MUST.
Rating:
Summary: Umistakably the most extraordinary spiritual book I've read
Review: Rav Berg offers an amazing look at the timeless wisdom of the Zohar and reveals the dire necessity of the Zohar's presence in our world today. If you are interested in understanding the deeper secrets of the universe and a penetrating look at the Bible's mysteries unveiled, this book is for you. After reading a number of books including the Zohar and others, I have to say that no other book has given me such a simple yet striking grasp of how Kabbalah works and has worked for almost 6000 years.
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