And Jewish tradition has a framework for understanding why that might be.
According to Baal HaSulam, in his introduction to the Zohar, there’s this dynamic at play between the “internal” and the “external.” Think of it like the difference between the core of something and its outer shell. The “internal” represents what’s most refined, most spiritual, most connected to the Divine. The “external,” on the other hand, is the more superficial, materialistic, and potentially destructive aspect.
He argues that in times like these, the “external” elements within the Jewish people – he specifically calls out the "ignorant Jews" – unfortunately become stronger than the “internal” element, the great Torah scholars. It's a stark claim, but it highlights the idea that a lack of knowledge and spiritual awareness can lead to imbalance.
But it doesn't stop there. Baal HaSulam extends this concept to the entire world. He says the same dynamic plays out among the nations. The destructive sides of other nations – their "external" aspects – become stronger than their "internal" elements, which he identifies as the righteous among the gentiles.
And ultimately, the external elements of the entire world – the nations driven by destructive impulses – become stronger and overwhelm the Jewish people, who he sees as the “internal aspect of the world.” This idea, that Israel plays a central, almost microcosmic role in the world’s spiritual health, is a powerful one.
So what happens in a generation like this? Baal HaSulam says that all the destructive elements among the nations lift their heads. And their primary desire? To destroy and kill the Jewish people. Pretty heavy stuff, right?
This idea isn't new. The Sages themselves said, “Calamity befalls the world only due to the Jewish people” (Yevamot 63a). It sounds harsh, but it’s not about blaming Jews for the world's problems. Instead, it suggests that the way the Jewish people act, their connection (or disconnection) to their spiritual purpose, has profound repercussions for everyone.
The Tikkunei_Zohar" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="source-link">Tikkunei Zohar, a later commentary on the Zohar, expands on this, explaining that these calamities include poverty, war, theft, death, and even mass murder throughout the world. In other words, the consequences of this imbalance aren't limited to one group or region; they ripple outwards, affecting everyone.
So, what can we take away from all this? Perhaps it’s a call to action. A reminder that we all have a role to play in strengthening the “internal” – in cultivating knowledge, compassion, and a connection to something greater than ourselves. Maybe by focusing on that, we can help shift the balance and create a world where the loudest voices aren't always the most destructive.