There's a fascinating idea tucked away in the writings of Baal HaSulam, in his preface to the Zohar, that kind of reminds me of that. It touches on how the Divine interacts with us, and the nature of the symbols we encounter in our spiritual journeys.
Baal HaSulam, a 20th-century Kabbalist, delves into this concept in his introduction to the 33rd section of the Zohar, a foundational text of Jewish mysticism. He points to a verse from Hosea (12:11), "and by the ministry of the prophets have I used symbols." Now, what's so special about symbols?
He suggests there's a profound secret hidden within that verse. These symbols, these images, these stories we find in our sacred texts, they operate primarily within our souls. Think about that for a moment. They aren't necessarily literal representations of events, but rather triggers, catalysts for something deeper inside us.
But here's the kicker: it's the Divine will that these symbols appear to our souls as if God, Himself, is participating in them.
Why?
To deepen our understanding, to stimulate our souls. Baal HaSulam uses the analogy of a father and son. Imagine a father putting on a show for his young child, feigning sadness or joy to elicit a response, to teach a lesson, to simply connect. The father isn't actually experiencing those emotions in that moment, but he's using them as a tool to engage with his child.
It's all about growth.
The father restrains himself. He shows his dear little son a suffering face or a contented face, even though there is nothing of either sadness or contentment within him. He does this only to stimulate his beloved son and deepen his understanding, in order to play with him.
As we mature, we begin to understand the nature of the game. Only when he grows up will he learn and realize that everything his father did was no more than simply playing with him.
So, what does this mean for us? Are the trials, tribulations, joys, and wonders we encounter in life, in the Torah, in the Zohar, simply a divine "game"? Perhaps not "game" in the sense of something frivolous, but rather a carefully orchestrated interaction designed to draw us closer, to awaken something within us. It asks us to consider the possibility that the Divine is constantly communicating with us through symbols, stories, and experiences, even when it seems like something else entirely.
It’s a powerful idea, isn't it? That the universe, in all its complexity and mystery, might be a divine father, playing with us, guiding us, and patiently waiting for us to grow into a deeper understanding. And maybe, just maybe, the point isn’t to solve the riddle, but to enjoy the game, to learn from the symbols, and to grow closer to the source of it all.