Jewish mysticism, particularly the Kabbalah, offers a fascinating, and frankly, pretty wild answer.

We're not talking about some abstract philosophical concept here. We're diving into a cosmic drama, a battle between light and darkness that plays out on, and within, every level of existence.

According to the Kalach Pitchei Chokhmah, a text delving into the secrets of wisdom, the very existence of what we might call "evil" – the "Other Side" (sometimes called the Sitrah Achra in Aramaic) – is intrinsically linked to the unfolding of the divine itself. this way: the Sefirot, those ten divine emanations that Kabbalists use to describe God's interaction with the world, are constantly extending downwards, like branches of a cosmic tree. But the Kalach Pitchei Chokhmah suggests that as the Sefirot extend, so too does… something else. A parallel, a shadow.

This "Other Side" emerges in direct response to the divine flow. It's like a negative image, a counterpoint to the holiness that's pouring into creation.

And it's not a one-time thing, either! The Kalach Pitchei Chokhmah frames this duality in relation to the verse, “God made also this one against this one.” (Ecclesiastes 7:14). This isn't some accidental afterthought, but an integral part of the cosmic design.

But here’s the kicker: it's not a perfect mirror image. The Kalach Pitchei Chokhmah emphasizes crucial differences. The holy and the unholy aren't equal opposites. The beginning of the "Other Side," its very foundation, is always lower than the end of the "Holy Side."

What does that mean?

Well, consider the verse from Genesis 1:4, "And God divided between the light and the darkness." The act of division implies a hierarchy, a separation. The light comes first, and the darkness is defined in relation to it.

The "Other Side" isn't some independent force, but a reaction to, and a consequence of, the divine light. It's like a parasite that depends on the host. It can't exist without the initial act of creation, without the flow of divine energy.

So, what do we take away from this? The existence of darkness doesn't negate the existence of light. Instead, it highlights it. The struggle, the tension between the two, is built into the very fabric of reality. And perhaps, understanding this dynamic is the first step towards navigating the complexities of our own world, a world where light and darkness are constantly vying for our attention, and for our souls.