We often think of the Torah as a set of rules and stories, right? But what if I told you that those stories and rules are just the tip of the iceberg?
The great Kabbalist, Baal HaSulam, whose introduction to the Zohar is a cornerstone of understanding Kabbalah, warns us about a potential danger. What happens, he asks, if we only focus on the external, the practical, the "doing" of Judaism, and neglect the internal, the soul, the "being?"
Think about it. We can go through the motions of observing mitzvot (commandments), performing rituals, and studying the literal text. But if we ignore the deeper meaning, the connection to our souls, what happens then?
Baal HaSulam suggests that by neglecting the internal aspect of Torah – the secrets, the soul's structure, the reasons behind the commandments – we actually diminish the importance of the Jewish people and elevate the external forces in the world. He paints a stark picture: by relegating the study of these deeper mysteries to the margins – studying at times "that are neither day nor night," meaning giving it only minimal, insignificant attention – we inadvertently contribute to a world where the inner life, and by extension, the people of Israel, are seen as less valuable.
It's a powerful and unsettling thought. We become complicit in a worldview that prioritizes the superficial over the profound, the material over the spiritual. We inadvertently devalue ourselves.
Now, Baal HaSulam isn’t saying that the practical aspects of Judaism are unimportant. Far from it! But he’s emphasizing the crucial balance. We need both the external and the internal, the action and the intention, the deed and the meaning.
The Zohar, a central text of Kabbalah, delves into these very inner dimensions. It's a complex and often challenging work, but it offers profound insights into the nature of reality, the human soul, and our relationship with the Divine.
So, the next time you encounter a Jewish text, a ritual, or a teaching, ask yourself: What's the deeper meaning here? What's the soul behind the action? How can I connect to the internal dimension and elevate not only myself, but also the world around me? It's in that balance, that seeking of the inner light, that we truly honor the richness and depth of our tradition. And avoid, God forbid, the scenario Baal HaSulam warns us about.