According to Kabbalah, specifically the Kalach Pitchei Chokhmah, that feeling might stem from a disruption in the flow of divine blessing, especially within the lower seven Sefirot.
Now, what are Sefirot? Think of them as emanations of God's light, stages in the unfolding of creation. Kabbalistic texts often describe ten, each representing a different attribute or aspect of the divine. But it's the lower seven – the more "earthly" ones, if you will – that are most susceptible to flaws.
The text tells us that these flaws in the lower seven Sefirot don't attract goodness, but rather "drive them away." Ouch. This is described as a kind of "darkness" that develops when that vital flow of blessing is lacking. Imagine a plant deprived of sunlight – it withers, and the life it could have supported diminishes. This darkness arises in the seven lower Sefirot when they aren't properly nourished by the divine light.
But here's a glimmer of hope: the upper three Sefirot – those closest to the divine source – they endured! The Kalach Pitchei Chokhmah explains that "destruction is not applicable in their case."
Think of it like this: a delicate vase might shatter if dropped, but a diamond remains unscathed. The upper three Sefirot are like diamonds. They're so close to the source that breakage and destruction simply don't apply. The breaking of the vessels – a significant concept in Kabbalah referring to a cosmic catastrophe – happened to make room for destruction, but it wasn't needed in the realm of the upper three.
So, are the upper three Sefirot completely off the hook, then? Not quite. Even they have a role to play in this cosmic drama. The Kalach Pitchei Chokhmah points out that what exists within the upper three, specifically what's meant to serve the needs of the lower seven, "was not repaired."
Here's the crucial point: everything needs proper arrangement and repair to function properly. It's not enough for the upper three Sefirot to have the potential to influence the lower seven. That influence needs to be channeled, refined, and delivered in just the right measure – "neither less nor more than necessary." This careful calibration, this precise delivery system, is what was lacking. It's as if the upper three are a powerful generator, but the wiring to connect it to the lower seven is faulty.
So, what does this mean for us? Perhaps it's a reminder that divine influence, while always available, isn't always automatically received. We need to create the right conditions, the proper "wiring," to allow that flow of blessing to reach us and to reach those around us. It’s not just about having access to the source, but about ensuring that the connection is clear, strong, and properly calibrated. Are we creating those conditions in our lives? Are we open to receiving the divine flow, and are we ensuring that it can reach those who need it most?