Today, let's explore just a tiny sliver of its wisdom, a passage that speaks of the unknowable, of hidden lights and the power of divine will. Are you ready?
The text begins with the "unknowable head," a concept that immediately throws us into the deep end. We're talking about something so far beyond our human understanding that language itself struggles to grasp it. This "unknowable head" extends a single "sway" – a movement, a gesture – that’s somehow contained within the forehead. Think of it as a ripple effect, originating from a source we can barely perceive.
This concealed, unknowable head is associated with Atika, which means "ancient." Atika is considered the "first head," the most primordial aspect of the divine. Now, this sway, this initial movement, is "prepared to shine." It's pregnant with potential, ready to unleash light.
Then, something happens that might sound a bit violent, but bear with me. The sway "strikes" the brain, specifically the concealed Chochmah of Arich Anpin. Chochmah is often translated as "wisdom," and Arich Anpin refers to the "long face" or "long suffering," a patient and forgiving aspect of the divine. So, we have this initial impulse striking the hidden wisdom within the divine patience.
But what does it mean to "strike"? The text explains that it means the wisdom is "reduced to the phase of immaturity." It's as if the initial force needs to break something down, to make it receptive. Then, it receives maturity through that same sway. It's a process of breaking and rebuilding, of refinement and growth. It then scintillates with many lights, both with Chassadim (acts of loving kindness) and Chochmah (wisdom).
This process produces illumination that marks a conclusion on the forehead. Another light, described as "will," is also marked on the forehead. And this "will" isn't static; it spreads. The text tells us it spreads down the thirteen features of the beard of Arich Anpin, eventually settling in the beard described as supreme Chesed.
Here, we arrive at something tangible. This supreme Chesed, this ultimate loving kindness, is identified as the attribute of "keeping troth" (Chesed), as mentioned in Exodus 34:7. It's the eighth of the thirteen features of the beard. In other words, the divine will, originating from the unknowable head, ultimately manifests as unwavering loyalty and loving kindness.
And here's the kicker: when this will is revealed through this attribute of loving kindness, "judgment bearers behold it and surrender." Think about that for a moment. When we encounter genuine, unwavering love and compassion, even the harshest judgments begin to crumble.
What does this mean for us? Maybe it's a reminder that even the smallest act of kindness, born from a place of genuine will, can have profound and far-reaching consequences. That even a glimpse into the unknowable can illuminate our path, leading us towards a deeper understanding of love, compassion, and the power of divine will.