Jewish mysticism has a concept for that—a space of in-between, a stage of becoming.
Let's dive into something from the Kalach Pitchei Chokhmah, a profound Kabbalistic text. It discusses the spiritual journey of Zeir Anpin, often understood as the "Small Face" or the "Son," representing the emotional attributes of God.
Now, picture Zeir Anpin needing to achieve something crucial: internalizing the encompassing level of the Lamed (ל), a Hebrew letter brimming with symbolism. Why? The Kalach Pitchei Chokhmah tells us it's so that Zeir Anpin can attain the "Mental Powers" conferred by Abba and Imma, the divine Father and Mother, representing Wisdom (Chochmah) and Understanding (Binah) respectively. These powers are absolutely essential for growth and realization.
But here's the catch. Even as the Mental Powers are coming, the transition isn’t instantaneous. According to the text, until Zeir Anpin actually attains these powers, he can't be said to have fully emerged from the "First Maturity."
Think of it like this: You're baking a cake. You've mixed all the ingredients, you've put it in the oven, and you can smell it baking. The process is happening. But you wouldn't say the cake is finished until it's fully baked, right?
This interim period, this time of becoming, is likened to "Suckling," albeit with an "addition." It's a stage of nourishment, a period where Zeir Anpin is actively receiving and absorbing, but hasn't yet fully integrated the gifts he’s being given. We see a similar concept when transitioning from Immaturity to Maturity. Even when the Mental Powers are in the process of arriving, Maturity is only truly achieved when they've fully entered. (See Opening 121 if you want to dig deeper on this point!)
What does this mean for us? Well, maybe it's a reminder that spiritual growth—or any kind of meaningful transformation—isn't always a light switch. There’s a period of gestation, of integration, where we're not quite what we were, but not yet what we will be. It’s in that in-between space, that "Suckling" period, that profound growth can occur. So embrace the process. Embrace the becoming. Because even when you feel like you're not quite "there" yet, you're still on the path.