Jewish tradition offers a powerful, layered answer, especially when we delve into the mystical teachings of the Zohar. And to understand the Zohar, we need a guide. Enter Baal HaSulam, Rabbi Yehuda Leib HaLevi Ashlag, whose introduction to the Zohar is like a masterclass in Kabbalistic thought.
He talks about these six thousand years, the lifespan of our world as we know it. During this time, humanity is split, almost down the middle, into two systems: the body and the soul. It’s a dualistic existence, a constant push and pull. Think of it as the ultimate balancing act.
And what's our job during this cosmic timeframe? To engage in the service of Torah and mitzvot, commandments. But it’s not just about following rules. It’s about transformation. Our mission, should we choose to accept it, is to transform our inherent desire to receive – our selfishness, if you will – into a desire to give, to bring satisfaction to our Creator, not for personal gain.
It's a radical concept, isn’t it? To actively work against our own self-interest. But that’s the core of it. During these six thousand years, Baal HaSulam explains, our bodies don’t actually get "fixed." Only our souls do. Meaning, the focus isn't on physical perfection, but on spiritual refinement.
The goal is to eliminate every trace of selfish receiving from our souls. That aspect of receiving? That's the "body" part. What we want to be left with is pure giving. Only then do we truly embody the form of the soul's desire.
Here's something else to ponder: even the souls of the righteous, those who live exemplary lives, can't fully enjoy the pleasures of Eden, Gan Eden, after death until their bodies have completely decomposed in the grave. It’s a stark reminder that this physical existence, this "body," holds us back, even after death. It's that final shedding of the self-centered shell that allows the soul to truly ascend.
So, what does this all mean for us, here and now? It means that every act of kindness, every moment of selflessness, every effort to connect with something larger than ourselves is a step towards that transformation. It's about actively choosing to give, to contribute, to make the world a little brighter, even when it's hard. Even when our bodies, our desires, scream for us to do otherwise. It's a lifelong journey, a constant process of refinement, of peeling away the layers of self until we reach the core of pure, selfless giving. And in that, perhaps, lies the true purpose of our existence.