In Kabbalah, the ancient Jewish mystical tradition, the answer lies in understanding the delicate interplay between different types of light, especially the lights of giving and wisdom. We're going to be talking about the sefirot (divine emanations), specifically Ze’er Anpin. Now, Ze’er Anpin, sometimes understood as synonymous with the sefira of Tiferet (beauty), is a complex concept, but for our purposes, think of it as a critical stage in the unfolding of divine light. According to the Introduction to the Sulam Commentary, Ze’er Anpin, at its source in the ten sefirot of direct light, is fundamentally about giving. It's about outflow, about sharing.
But here's the crucial part: this light of giving is illuminated by the light of Ḥokhma (wisdom). Think of it like this: giving without wisdom can be aimless, even destructive. But wisdom without giving? Well, that can become cold and sterile. They need each other. As explained in Talmud Eser HaSefirot (vol. 1, 1:50), the light of Ḥokhma needs to illuminate the light of giving for true radiance.
This is especially true when we talk about the seven lower sefirot. Why? Because, in all seven lower sefirot, Ḥokhma can't illuminate without the light of giving being present. If it tries, something essential is missing. The seven lower sefirot would lack their main core, the very element needed to bear the illumination of Ḥokhma itself! The structures of partzufim (divine faces/configurations) under discussion involve the dynamics of returning light interacting with direct supernal light. All forms of light are contained in sets of sefirot, the five sefirot (also referred to as “ten”) mentioned here. The structures of the sefirot containing the direct light serve as templates for all structures of sefirot at every level of existence. Hence, the level of Ze'er Anpin, synonymous with the sefira of Tiferet, always must have the light of giving as its core, with an illumination of the light of Ḥokhma.
So, we can derive a rule: Ḥokhma can illuminate the first three sefirot without the light of giving, but in the seven lower sefirot, which are considered Ze’er Anpin in any context, Ḥokhma simply cannot shine without it. The light of giving is the very core of their essence.
What happens if we try to force it? What if Ḥokhma is present in the seven lower sefirot but lacks the light of giving? According to the Sulam Commentary, it’s not light at all. It’s darkness. Profound. It makes you think, doesn't it? About the kind of light we're putting out into the world. Is it a light of giving, illuminated by wisdom? Or is it something else entirely? Perhaps a light that, lacking generosity and compassion, ultimately casts a shadow instead.