And its answer is surprisingly simple, yet profoundly deep.
According to this wisdom tradition, the first, most fundamental axiom – the unbreakable rule – is that absolutely everything, from the smallest grain of sand to the vastest galaxy, from the flutter of a butterfly’s wings to the rise and fall of empires, is under the dominion of One Master. Blessed be He.
God.
Only God makes and does all this. Only God governs everything. It’s not just a nice-sounding theological point. It’s the very basis of reality, according to this ancient wisdom.
So, what’s the point of exploring this wisdom then? If God is in charge, case closed. Not quite. Kalach Pitchei Chokhmah tells us that the purpose of this wisdom is to explain how God acts to make and govern creation. It’s about understanding the Divine choreography behind the cosmic dance. It's about understanding the unseen hand.
That means that the very first thing we need to understand, before we can even begin to grasp the universe, is the oneness of God. Yichud Hashem, the absolute unity of the Divine. This isn't just a religious belief; it's the foundational principle upon which all of creation rests.
Why?
Because if we can truly understand this oneness, we gain insight into the foundation of creation itself – its root, its purpose, its very raison d'être. It’s like finding the keystone in an arch; once you understand it, the whole structure makes sense. This understanding is the indispensable starting point.
Think of it like this: if you want to understand a painting, you need to understand the artist’s vision. If you want to understand a song, you need to understand the composer’s intent. And if you want to understand the universe… well, you need to understand the One who created it.
So, where do we go from here? If the oneness of God is so fundamental, how do we even begin to grasp it? That’s the journey we’re about to embark on.
Are you ready?