The Idra Zuta, a profound section of the Zohar, offers a breathtaking answer.

It all begins with Atika Kadisha, the "Ancient Holy One," a term for the most hidden and supreme aspect of the Divine. Think of it like the ultimate candle, the source from which all other lights derive. But here's the mind-bender: when we gaze at those other lights, we're not actually seeing Atika in its entirety. We only perceive that hidden, highest spark that remains concealed. It’s like glimpsing the sun through a pinhole – a hint of its immensity, but not the whole blazing glory.

Now, things get even more intriguing. The Idra Zuta speaks of "true candles" clothed in "precious garments, garments of truth, perfection of truth and luminaries of truth." What are these garments? They represent the sefirot, the ten emanations through which God manifests in the world. Specifically, we're talking about the perfections of the King’s throne, which is Binah – Understanding. Binah, in this context, is called righteousness and justice.

And then there's Zeir Anpin – the "Small Face," often associated with the six emotive attributes – which is called justice. And finally, Malchut – Kingship, the final sefirah – which is called righteousness. These three – Binah, Zeir Anpin, and Malchut – represent the beginning and completion of our entire faith. Righteousness, Tzedek, is the beginning, the seed. And justice is the manifestation of its completion, the fruit.

According to the Idra Zuta, all judgments, both on high and below, are crowned with these attributes. Everything is hidden within justice, Zeir Anpin. And righteousness, Tzedek – which is Malchut – is sustained by this justice.

There's even a fascinating allusion to Melchizedek, king of Shalem, in Genesis 14:18. The text hints that Malchut is sometimes referred to as Melchizedek, connecting the earthly realm with the divine. This is not to be taken literally, but it is a mystical interpretation.

So, what does all this mean for us? It suggests that the light we see in the world, the justice we strive for, the righteousness we embody, are all reflections of that ultimate, hidden source – Atika Kadisha. They're interconnected, a chain of light descending from the highest realms to illuminate our lives. And maybe, just maybe, by striving for justice and righteousness, we can catch a glimpse of that hidden light ourselves.