Here, we're talking about Zeir Anpin, which literally means "Small Face." In Kabbalah, Zeir Anpin is a complex concept, often seen as representing the emotional attributes of God, and also connected to the soul. And, believe it or not, its face is particularly important.
The text describes the "lit-up face of Zeir Anpin," saying that its two fleshy parts – think of the cheeks, perhaps – are "like two offerings of spices that emit a goodly scent." What does that even mean? Well, this "scent" represents the upward illumination of Chochmah, or Wisdom. It’s a radiant energy, a divine fragrance, if you will. This idea, that wisdom makes your face shine, isn't just a Kabbalistic notion. Think about Proverbs (Kohelet 8:1): "a man's wisdom makes his face to shine.” There's something deeply intuitive about that, right?
But it gets more specific. The text says that these "offerings of spices," which are white and red, bear witness to Aba and Ima – Father and Mother. In Kabbalah, Aba (Father) represents Chochmah (Wisdom), and Ima (Mother) represents Binah (Understanding). So, the face of Zeir Anpin reflects the influence and inheritance it receives from these higher spiritual forces. The brains of Chochmah and Binah in Aba and Ima shine onto the face of Zeir Anpin.
And how do we know this? According to the Idra Zuta, the whole identification of a face depends on… the face! Seems obvious, but there’s a deeper point. The text emphasizes the importance of the entire shape of the face, particularly the forehead and the nose. "Identification can only be established upon seeing the face with the nose on," it states, referencing Tractate Yevamot 16. It's a reminder that seeing the whole picture, paying attention to every detail, is crucial to understanding someone—or something—fully.
These white and red "spices," representing Chochmah and Binah, are called "testimony" (edut) after Eden, which is also associated with Chochmah. They bear witness to the inheritance that Zeir Anpin receives from Aba and Ima, and holds onto. These two brain lobes of Chochmah and Binah are considered the inheritance of Aba and Ima, as we see elaborated on in other parts of the Zohar.
The text even touches on the relationship between these colors, saying that while there are distances between white and red, they are ultimately included in Zeir Anpin as one, under the control of white, which represents Chesed, or Loving-Kindness. In other words, even the seeming contradictions and complexities within us are ultimately unified by love.
So, what does all this mean for us? Is it just esoteric mumbo-jumbo? Maybe. But it also invites us to consider the deeper meaning behind appearances. Our faces, according to this ancient wisdom, are not just masks, but reflections of our inner selves, influenced by the divine energies of wisdom, understanding, and love. Maybe the next time you look in the mirror, you'll see a little more than just your reflection. Maybe you'll see a spark of the infinite.