It’s called "growth towards completion."
Think of it this way: A Partzuf, a divine configuration or "face" of God, isn't just static. It's dynamic. The Kalach Pitchei Chokhmah teaches us that when a Partzuf finally reaches the point where it can fully function and fulfill its purpose, that's when we say it’s complete. Before that? It was, in a sense, deficient. Reaching completion isn't just about arriving; it's about becoming fully capable.
But it doesn't stop there. There's also this idea of "ascent." What does that mean? It means rising above your intrinsic level, exceeding your perceived limitations. It's about striving for something more, reaching for the divine.
Now, these processes aren't random. They're structured. As the Kalach Pitchei Chokhmah notes, everything happens in stages, each level with its own unique arrangements. Think of it like climbing a ladder, each rung representing a different stage of development, a different arrangement of divine energy.
And here's where it gets even more fascinating. All these different states of the Partzufim, these divine faces, have consequences down here, in our world. The effects of a particular state are felt when it's "holding sway." That's why the holiness of Shabbat and the festivals feels so palpable on those specific days.
But it's more than just a momentary feeling. The holiness of Shabbat and festivals contribute to perfecting the overall governance of the world. They play a part in the unfolding of creation itself!
For example, we blow the Shofar, the ram's horn, on Rosh Hashanah. Why? Because, as explained in Maamar HaChochmah, Malchuyot Zichronot VeShofarot, it's meant to strengthen the repair that took place with the Giving of the Torah and to initiate what will be in the future. It’s an active participation in the divine plan!
The same source uses an evocative image to describe the meticulousness of the work. It's "like chopping away at a tree, striking blow after blow until one chops it down completely" (Ibid. Seder Leil Pesach).
It's all designed to ensure that the cycle will be complete, sufficient for everything destined to happen in the world. Until what? Until everything returns to complete perfection at the final end, in the future. It’s a long game, a cosmic dance of growth, ascent, and ultimately, redemption.
So, the next time you feel like you're striving, growing, or ascending, remember this: you're not just working on yourself. You're contributing to something far greater. You're participating in the ongoing perfection of the world. And isn't that a truly incredible thought?