The Huntington Library in San Marino, California, stands as one of the world's most esteemed independent research libraries, boasting an expansive collection of over 11 million items spanning from the 11th to the 21st centuries. On October 4, 2023, in a specially designated library space, a momentous event is set to transpire: the presentation of a distinctive edition of Tikunei haZohar. This particular edition of the Kabbalistic text encapsulates mystical teachings and prayers centered on the inaugural word of the Torah. The honor of presenting this gift belongs to Sandra Gering, a notable philanthropist and art dealer hailing from New York.

My initial encounter with Ms. Gering occurred during my attendance as a guest alongside Vincent LeVien, Gary Krupp, and Meredith Krupp of the Pave the Way Foundation. This occasion took place on November 4, 2019, and marked the introduction of the Tikunei haZohar project to the Vatican Apostolic Library. The Tikunei haZohar, a collection of sacred Aramaic texts, has undergone translation by Rav Michael Berg and interpretation by scholar Yosef Yeshurun. Originally authored by Rav Yehuda Ashlag, the texts were elucidated by his student, Rav Brandwein.

The light encapsulated within the Tikunei haZohar holds a particularly vital significance in our current era. As articulated by Rav Brandwein, "This light is most powerful to fix our world, and especially the darkest parts of our world." "As we look at all the darkness, pain, suffering, and death that permeates our world, we know that there has not been a more important time to reveal this great light in the world than now."

According to Ms. Gering, the Holy Light of the Zohar and the teachings of Kabbalah represent the most potent instruments for illuminating and transmuting our world. Kabbalistic wisdom maintains that the light contained within the Zohar will herald the Final Redemption—a time when suffering, pain, and death will be eradicated from the world. This era will be characterized by the unity of all religions in Jerusalem, ushering in a period of profound jubilation.

What inspired you to create this fascinating project?

Sandra Gering: My teacher, David Ghiyam, asked if I would like to publish the Tikunei haZohar in English. It would be published in three volumes. I would tithe to publish these volumes; it took me 13 years. I dedicated these volumes to women around the world of every race, religion, and creed.

I asked my teacher if I could produce a conceptual artwork surrounding these 4000-year-old sacred texts, which were so relevant to bringing light to our world in the 21st century. I wanted art surrounding these texts produced by 21st-century technology. The beautiful Aramaic texts were printed on specially chosen silver paper, and the cover was wrapped in silver leather with the Tree of Life represented by 70 LED lights to depict the 70 corrections each soul must make before reaching Nirvana. The tablets surrounding the sacred texts give the illusion of Moses and the Ten Commandments. Within the pages of the Tikunei haZohar is a beautiful drawing of a mother and child, gifted to me.

Yes, it says in the Zohar that women will lead in the Age of Aquarius to show the leadership of the world. The scales of truth say that through unconditional love and judgment with mercy, unity in all parts of the world will come to fruition. With the energy of Moses, they shall come with weeping and with supplications assuredly to uphold the verse, "But with great compassion will I gather you." (Isaiah 54:7) This is my dream, and it would be an honor to have our mothers, daughters, nieces, and granddaughters carry on this work in their lifetimes.

It was a great honor to have met you when you presented your Tikunei haZohar in the Vatican Library and to have taken the time for this follow-up interview.