In Jewish mystical thought, specifically within the Kabbalah, there's a concept that perfectly captures that feeling: "Back-to-Back."
It's a little technical, but stick with me. This idea, explored in the Kalach Pitchei Chokhmah, isn't just some abstract theory. It's a way of understanding the relationship between different aspects of the Divine, and, perhaps more importantly, the relationship between ourselves and the Divine.
So, what is "Back-to-Back"? Well, to get it, we need to remember that everything – even the most divine realms – has two aspects: a "Face" and a "Back." We touched on this earlier, in Opening 76. The "Face" is all about radiance, about the light that shines outward, bestowing blessings and kindness. Think of it as pure giving. The "Back," on the other hand, represents strength, judgment, and, well, a certain withholding of light. It's not necessarily negative, but it's definitely less...forthcoming.
The Kalach Pitchei Chokhmah focuses on Zeir Anpin and Nukva. Now, Zeir Anpin is often described as the "Small Face," representing the masculine principle of giving, while Nukva is the feminine principle of receiving. These aren't literal genders, mind you, but rather archetypal forces. They are the divine couple whose union is key to creation.
When Zeir Anpin and Nukva are "Back-to-Back," it means the aspects of them that don't shine are dominant. It means the qualities of strength and judgment are heightened. All that shines comes from the category of Chasadim (Kindnesses), while that which does not shine comes from the category of Gevurot (Strengths). This excitation of Gevurot in both Zeir Anpin and Nukva creates a state of tension and separation.
Think of it this way: have you ever tried to communicate with someone who's closed off, guarded? You're trying to connect, but they're radiating an energy of resistance, making real communication almost impossible. That's kind of what "Back-to-Back" is like on a cosmic level. The flow of divine energy is constricted. The light is dimmed.
Okay, that’s Part 1. But here’s the good news. The Kalach Pitchei Chokhmah doesn't just leave us in this state of separation. It goes on to discuss "the repair" – the process of bringing Zeir Anpin and Nukva "Face-to-Face." That's the journey, isn't it? To turn away from that which separates us and face the light, the connection, the divine flow. How that is done, well, that’s another story for another time.
But for now, consider this: What "Back-to-Back" situations are you experiencing in your own life? And what would it take to turn them "Face-to-Face"?