15
Question
Shalom. I would like to study on the four layers of torah (pardes) how do I start and what text should I read apart from talmud ,zohar and midrash?
Answer
As most serious topics, it's logical to work your way up from the basics upward. I suggest starting with The Living Torah of Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan, and simultaneously learning basic Jewish halacha (Peninei Halacha of R. Eliezer Melamed has been translated into English), philosophy (Rambam and Kuzari) and ethics (Rambam's intro to Pirkei Avot, Path of the Just or Strive for Truth). Afterwards, as you wrote, the Talmud, Midrash and afterwards Kabbalah, which today is usually begun with Hassidut and Rav Kook- which is also philosophy and ethics and especially suited for the modern mindset (R. Kaplan has some very good gateways into the Zohar as well). That's in a nutshell.

When does the Jewish day begin?
Rabbi David Sperling | Nisan 10, 5775

What is the boy version of the female Chasia Dobrish?
Rabbi David Sperling | Kislev 19, 5785

Re how does God do terrible things to people
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Tevet 26, 5785

torah inheritance laws pt2
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Iyyar 12, 5782

Coffee on shabbat
Rabbi Chaim Tabasky | 8 Elul 5767

Do non-Jews or non-Noahides go to heaven?
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Cheshvan 7, 5779

Saying Tehillim for a sick person
Rabbi Elchanan Lewis | 16 Elul 5765

Attending Major Sports Events within Eruv on Shabbat
Rabbi Jonathan Blass | 7 Tishrei 5764

Bar Mitzva for adult who missed it
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Tevet 6, 5785

Re how does God do terrible things to people
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Tevet 26, 5785
