Zohar is considered to contain the very foundations of Kabbalah. It discusses all the doctrines and principles governing Kabbalah that is why it was believed to be an equivalent of the Oral Torah that was passed down to Moses.

Such claim has begun when Kabbalists have elaborated the different means of interpreting Torah using the different levels of analysis called Pardes. It is based on the mixture of different initial letters of each of these four ways, such as P for Peshat, R for Remez, D for Derash and S for Sod. These four methods are different in nature and characteristics. Each has its own way of interpreting and giving meaning to Torah as well as in return Kabbalah. Let us give you a description of each of these levels to make it easier for you to comprehend the origin of Kabbalah.

Peshat uses the literal meaning of a particular word, phrase, or concept. It is the plain explanations and interpretations of Torah. There is no need to use any artistic form of language or other means of giving meaning to an idea. On the other hand, Remez, make use of hints or clues in deciphering the real meaning behind passages in Torah. It deals with specific symbols or figurative story in order to perfectly complete the interpretations. It is also metaphoric in its real sense since it uses personifications as acted out by an animal or any mythical characters. Derash seek explanations from other texts and books by comparing the passages between or among them. It makes use of the different compilations and observes for any similarities with the Oral Torah, in this way, it would be easier to interpret Oral Torah.

The final level is called Sod and it means secret or mystery. This level is the one used to define the core and highest meaning of Kabbalah. The study of Torah has been passed down from one generation to another. All of its teachings are derived from the ones given by Moses himself and it was believed then that even Moses uses Kabbalah as means of delivering the message of his Creator to all Jewish community. It was then during this time that Kabbalah was widely practiced all over the lands of Israel.

However with the arrival of foreign colonizers, Kabbalists leaders have feared that Kabbalah might fall to the wrong hands that is why, they have completely hidden it from everybody. It was buried through the sands of time and waiting to return when the right time comes.

If you want to seek for information regarding Kabbalah and Pardes, then online internet can give you everything you will need to know in order to fully grasp the concept of Kabbalah.