"ו(לא) עלתה בידו": סיפור ראשיתו של אברהם בספר הזוהר

While the Zohar is a very essential part of Kabbalistic literature, it is also the latest stratum of the midrashic form. The article examines this work as a midrashic composition, by discussing the Zoharic narrative about Abraham's first steps toward recognizing God, before He was revealed to him (Gen. 12, 1). This point of view captures the distinctive spiritual orientation of the Zohar, as compared to that of earlier traditions and the medieval narratives. The article concludes that the Zoharic tradition about Abraham's emergence reflects a moderate attitude, in between the passivity suggested in the biblical story and the much more active role Abraham plays in the Maimonidean version, for instance. In addition to these differences, the article uncovers and stresses some literary connections and affinities between the Zohar, Bereshit-Rabba, and Philo's writings.