These aren't just any years; they're cosmic Shemittot. The word Shemittah might sound familiar – it's the same word used for the sabbatical year, when fields lie fallow, a time of rest and renewal. (Exod. 23:10-11; Lev. 25:1-7, 18-22; Deut. 15:1-11) But on this grand scale, it becomes a cosmic reset. According to Sha'arei Gan Eden, there will be seven of these gigantic eons. Seven Shemittot, each a chapter in the universe's story.
What were things like before this era, you might wonder? Well, according to Sefer ha-Temunah, in the eon before ours, there was no need for commandments! No reward, no punishment, just… a different kind of law. Hard to even fathom, right? Here, in our era, the commandments are a necessity, the framework within which we strive and grow.
But what about the future? Hold onto your hats, because it gets even wilder. The myth tells us that at the end of the sixth eon, right before the cosmic Sabbath begins, something incredible will happen: light will swallow death. Think about that for a moment. Light, all-consuming, banishing the very concept of death. Unclean spirits will be driven from the world, and everyone, "great and small," will know God through the light that emanates from the mystery of divine thought. It’s a powerful image.
And then… the cosmic Sabbath. A day of rest on a scale we can barely comprehend. What does that even mean for the universe? Well, the myth goes on to say that with the arrival of the cosmic Sabbath, a new Torah will emerge, a new cosmic law will prevail. Torah – the teachings, the wisdom, the very blueprint of existence – will be renewed. Wisdom and knowledge will increase among humankind.
Now, here’s where it gets really interesting. The letters of the Torah, the very building blocks of reality, will combine in new ways, taking on new meaning. But here's the kicker: not a single letter will be added or taken away! (Sefer ha-Temunah 62a) Think of it like rearranging the same musical notes into a completely new melody.
This idea, that the Torah is different in different eras, echoes the messianic idea that God will give a new Torah to Israel in the messianic era, different from the present one. It's the Torah of Divine Emanation, in contrast to our current Torah of Creation. This concept, that the Torah is not static, but rather a living, breathing entity that evolves with the cosmos, is both challenging and deeply inspiring.
Now, there’s a fascinating counterpoint to this idea. There's another myth about the twenty-third letter of the Hebrew alphabet – an invisible letter that has existed from the beginning. It will only be revealed in the messianic era, and that will be the genesis of the new Torah, given through the Messiah, just as the original Torah was given to Moses at Mount Sinai.
So, what does all this mean for us, here and now? Perhaps it's a reminder that we are part of something far larger than ourselves, a cosmic drama unfolding across vast stretches of time. Our actions, our choices, ripple outwards, influencing not just our own lives but the very fabric of reality. And maybe, just maybe, we're all playing a part in bringing about that future era of light, knowledge, and cosmic Sabbath.