It tells us that what we perceive isn't always the full story of God's presence in the world.
In the Kalach Pitchei Chokhmah, a mystical text whose title translates roughly to "The 138 Openings of Wisdom," we find a fascinating distinction between concealment and perfection. It's a concept that speaks to our own lives, too.
The text explains that the way God interacts with us now isn't the ultimate expression of divine unity. Instead, it's a kind of… veiled version. It's not the "function of perfection," but rather the "function of concealment." But don't despair! Even in this concealment, there's still a spark of God's true unity. It's this spark that allows for the good times, the blessings, that come our way.
How does this concealment still contain unity? The Kalach Pitchei Chokhmah points to the "mystery of these mental powers." These powers—intellectual and spiritual forces—act as a bridge. They're the strongest, closest link to perfection, even when perfection itself seems distant. They allow us glimpses of unity even in times of difficulty.
Think of it like this: imagine a beautiful stained-glass window. Now, imagine it's covered with a slightly opaque cloth. You can still see the colors, the shapes, the overall design, but it's not as vibrant, as clear, as it could be. The "mental powers" are like the light filtering through that cloth, giving you a taste of the beauty behind it.
So, what about true perfection? When does that arrive? The text tells us that perfection will only fully function "in time to come." It references the prophet Isaiah (51:4), who says, "Torah will come forth from with Me." This, the text explains, means that a new level of Torah, a deeper understanding, will emanate from God.
As we find in Midrash Rabbah (Vayikra Rabbah 13:3), the Torah as we know it now is connected to the very structure of the universe, a radiation of God's unity that sustains existence. But, in the future, the Torah will be revealed from its "supreme Source," functioning in its true, unadulterated unity.
The implication? After this revelation, there will be no more flaws, no more deficiencies. Everything will be complete.
This idea challenges us. It asks us to recognize that what we experience today, with all its imperfections and hiddenness, isn't the final word. There's a future possibility of complete and unveiled unity. In the meantime, we can connect to that future by engaging with those "mental powers," seeking wisdom, and striving to see the sparks of unity even in the midst of concealment.
What does it mean to live in a world where perfection is a promise, not a present reality? How can we cultivate those "mental powers" to glimpse the unity that lies beneath the surface? These are questions worth pondering as we navigate our own journeys towards wholeness.