Kabbalah, Jewish mysticism, grapples with these very questions. And within Kabbalah, the Zohar, a foundational text, is often seen as the most challenging – and rewarding – source. But where do you even begin?
That's where Baal HaSulam, Rabbi Yehuda Leib HaLevi Ashlag (1884-1954), comes in. He was a towering 20th-century Kabbalist, famed for his commentaries that made the Zohar accessible to a wider audience. He provided ladders, as it were, to ascend to its heights.
And one of those ladders is his "Introduction to the Zohar." In paragraph 49, Baal HaSulam delves into something profound: the "human [aspect] of holiness." What does that even mean?
He explains that this aspect is all about purifying the human part of ourselves, specifically within the context of our physical bodies. But it goes much further than just personal hygiene. It speaks to our capacity for empathy, for connection.
Think about it. The Divine, in a way, mirrors the structure of our world. Just as we have inanimate objects, plants, animals, and humans, so too does the Divine possess corresponding qualities. And within that framework, the human aspect of the Divine light reflects our capacity for compassion.
Baal HaSulam emphasizes that this spiritual human light is greater than the spiritual light associated with inanimate objects, plants, and animals. It's a hierarchy, reflecting the complexity and potential inherent in human existence.
He draws a direct parallel: the physical human aspect is undeniably "greater" than the physical inanimate, plant, and animal aspects. It's not about inherent superiority, but about the unique potential for consciousness, for moral reasoning, and, crucially, for empathy.
The Zohar, through Baal HaSulam’s lens, isn’t just some dusty old book. It's a roadmap for spiritual growth. It's a call to cultivate our capacity for empathy, to purify our human aspect, and to connect with the Divine light that resides within us and, indeed, all things. As Ginzberg retells in Legends of the Jews, the potential for humanity to elevate itself and the world is a constant theme in Jewish thought.
So, what does it mean to purify our human aspect? It's about striving to see the world through the eyes of others, to feel their pain, to celebrate their joys. It's about recognizing the spark of the Divine in every living being. It’s about embodying the concept of Tikkun Olam, repairing the world.
And that, perhaps, is the most human – and the most holy – thing we can do. According to Midrash Rabbah, even the smallest act of kindness can ripple outwards, transforming the world in ways we can't even imagine. So, how will you choose to shine your light today?