Rav Yehuda Ashlag was born in Warsaw, Poland, in 1884. From early childhood, he showed astonishing ability, originality, and commitment in the study of the Talmud, The Zohar, and other sacred works.

While in his 30s, Rav Ashlag made the acquaintance of a Warsaw merchant whose identity has never been revealed. Unbeknownst to anyone, this merchant was a great kabbalist who became Rav Ashlag’s teacher — until, as Rav Ashlag himself expressed it, “my arrogance caused a separation between us,” and the teacher disappeared. Some months later, Rav Ashlag reunited with his teacher and, after much pleading, convinced him to reveal an important kabbalistic secret.

The next day, the teacher died. His name, as well as the details of the secret he disclosed to Rav Ashlag, have since remained hidden.

Following the death of his teacher, Rav Ashlag lived most of his life in what is now Israel. There he began the fundamental transformation of Kabbalah from secret wisdom to a readily available body of teachings whose purpose was to revolutionize the world.

Drawing on the The Zohar, Rav Ashlag even designated the exact year — 1995 — that would mark the turning point in building a mass movement toward Kabbalah and spiritual transformation.

Rav Ashlag wrote and published two great works: Talmud Eser Sefirot (The Study of the Ten Sefirot) and his Sulam Commentary on The Zohar, part of which makes up the present volume. This phenomenal work, which earned him the name “Ba’al HaSulam” (literally, the “Master of the Ladder”), required ten years to complete, from 1943 to 1953. The work comprises a translation of The Zohar from Aramaic to Hebrew, as well as a detailed commentary and interpretation.

In addition to his writings, Rav Ashlag founded The Kabbalah Centre in 1922 in Israel. There he was the teacher and spiritual master of Rav Yehuda Brandwein, to whom leadership of the Centre was passed when Rav Ashlag left this world in 1956. Rav Brandwein, in turn, designated Rav Berg to lead the Centre when he passed on.

Rav Ashlag was the first kabbalist to bring The Zohar and the wisdom of Kabbalah to all the people of the world. As we continue Rav Ashlag’s work, he guides us every day on the path toward personal and global transformation.