It’s a question that might sound irreverent, but Jewish mystical tradition actually gives us a fascinating answer, one deeply intertwined with our own actions and the fate of the world.
We're talking about the Shekhinah, often understood as the Divine Presence, the feminine aspect of God that dwells among us. And according to some beautiful and complex myths, the Shekhinah has many garments.
These aren't just any clothes. They're woven from holy angels above and, remarkably, from the people of Israel below. Think about that for a moment. Our deeds, our actions, actually contribute to the very fabric of the Divine! The tradition tells us that from these garments, God created the Throne of Glory, as well as heaven and earth and all the creatures within them. That’s quite the closet!
The robe of the Shekhinah, we learn, is made of light. Not just any light, but the light of the very first day of Creation. Think of that primordial burst of energy, the “Let there be light!” moment. According to the myths, that light is reflected in the Shekhinah's robe. And get this: the Shekhinah wears that radiant robe whenever Israel shines its own light through good deeds. When we act with kindness, justice, and compassion, we’re not just improving the world, we're clothing the Divine in light!
But what happens when we stumble? What happens when we, as individuals or as a community, fall short?
Here’s where the story takes a darker turn. When Israel does evil, the Shekhinah is said to be garbed in the black garments of Lilith. Yes, that Lilith, the figure often associated with the dark feminine, the rebellious first wife of Adam. And the Shekhinah is forced to wear these garments until Israel repents.
It's a stark image, isn't it? The Divine Presence, usually depicted as a radiant bride, forced to wear the clothes of darkness. It highlights the profound connection between our actions and the well-being of the Divine.
Some interpretations, found in texts like Tikkunei ha-Zohar 22 (65a), offer a slightly different nuance. They suggest that the Shekhinah puts on these harsh garments to protect Israel. It's a powerful image: the Divine taking on the darkness, shielding us from its full force.
But others see a more troubling implication. The Zohar and other Kabbalistic texts (like Zohar 3:273a) often portray Lilith and the Shekhinah as feminine polar opposites. So, if the Shekhinah is wearing Lilith's garments, does that mean the positive feminine aspect of God is somehow under the power of the dark feminine? It's a question that has sparked much debate and interpretation.
Ultimately, this myth, described by Rabbi Howard Schwartz in Tree of Souls, reminds us that we are not passive observers in the cosmic drama. Our actions have real consequences, affecting not only ourselves and the world around us, but even the very fabric of the Divine. So, what kind of garments are we helping to weave today? What light are we choosing to shine?