Like there's someone... or something... watching over you? Well, Jewish tradition has a fascinating answer for that feeling: guardian angels.
But these aren't the cherubic, winged figures we might imagine from Renaissance paintings. The concept of guardian angels in Jewish mysticism is far more nuanced, far more connected to our own choices and actions.
The idea is this: we each get a specific guardian angel. Not just any angel, but one perfectly tailored to us. According to Tree of Souls by Howard Schwartz, this angel isn't assigned arbitrarily. It's directly related to our character, our path in life.
Think about it. A truly righteous person, someone dedicated to truth and justice? They're assigned an angel who walks alongside them, reinforcing their commitment and helping them to speak truth even when it's difficult. This angel acts as a spiritual guide, almost a partner, on the path of righteousness. What a comfort!
And what about those who embrace suffering, who strive for a saintly existence? They, too, receive a special angel, one that helps them to accept hardship and find meaning in their trials. It's a powerful thought, isn't it? That even in our darkest moments, we're not alone; we have an angelic companion to strengthen us.
But here's where it gets interesting, and perhaps a little unsettling. What happens if, instead of choosing the path of righteousness, we stray towards wickedness? What if we embrace lying and deception? Sadly, the tradition suggests that we attract a different kind of angel. An angel who accompanies us down that darker path, leading us further into deceit. It's a chilling reminder that our choices have consequences, not just in this world, but perhaps in the spiritual realm as well.
Now, what about the rest of us? Those of us who aren't perfectly righteous, or perfectly wicked, but somewhere in between? Well, there's an angel for that too! According to the tradition, those who follow a middle path are assigned an angel who mirrors that same path. It's a comforting thought that no matter where we are on our spiritual journey, there's an angel accompanying us.
This idea is echoed in the words of Jeremiah 27:10, "Render to each man according to his way." It’s more than just a reward/punishment system. It’s a reflection of how our actions resonate throughout the cosmos, shaping our spiritual reality.
So, the next time you feel that sense of being watched over, remember the Jewish tradition of guardian angels. Remember that the angel assigned to you is a reflection of your own choices, your own path. It’s a powerful reminder that we are not passive observers in our own lives. We are active participants, shaping our own destinies, and even influencing the kind of angelic company we keep.