And in the text Kalach Pitchei Chokhmah, we get a glimpse into a fascinating answer, one involving love, connection, and the readiness of creation itself.
The passage describes Imma, often translated as "Mother," entering into Zeir Anpin, which can be thought of as the "Lesser Countenance" or the son in the divine family. What does this "entering" actually mean? Well, it's described as Imma becoming "bone of his bones," through giving him her Netzach, Hod, and Yesod – these are Sefirot, divine emanations or attributes that represent eternity, splendor, and foundation, respectively. Think of it as Imma providing the essential building blocks, the very structure, for Zeir Anpin to flourish. But it's more than just construction.
This act, according to the text, is about fostering brotherly love among the Sefirot of Zeir Anpin. It's about Imma binding together the different aspects of the divine with "flashing excitement and joy." Sounds pretty wonderful, doesn't it?
So, how does this happen? Through Malchut, the final Sefirah, often associated with the Shechinah, the divine feminine presence. As it says in Yevamot 62b, "Whoever remains without a wife remains without joy." The text connects this to the mystery of Shabbat. The greatness of the Shechinah, the female aspect, lies in bringing completion to the male. Imma, we're told, doesn't rest upon Zeir Anpin unless the Nukva, the female aspect of Zeir Anpin, is present. This is echoed throughout the Zohar and Tikkuney Zohar.
Why is this so important? Because the Nukva is considered the root of all recipients of divine blessing. When the divine light desires to shine its blessings upon creation, everything is filled with joy and radiant excitement. "God will rejoice in His works," as we read in Psalms 104:31. It’s a beautiful image of divine pleasure in creation, a reciprocal relationship.
But here’s the kicker: this divine joy, this flow of blessing, depends on us, on the deeds of those in the lower realms. Our actions, our readiness, determine whether the Nukva, our root, is prepared to receive. When we are ready, the Nukva becomes a receiving vessel, and the lights flash with great power and joy, opening all the gates of blessing. Tzaddik, the righteous one, representing active influence, is blessed from Imma and filled with all good.
However, if we, in the lower realms, are not prepared, God forbid, the Nukva remains unready to receive. And what happens then? "It grieved Him in His heart," as we read in Genesis 6:6. All the lights become occluded. This, the text suggests, is the mystery behind the verse, "The waters are gone from the sea (=Nukva) and the river (=Zeir Anpin) is parched and dried up" (Job 14:11). The flow of abundance is restricted, the connection is weakened.
So, what does this all mean? It's a powerful reminder that our actions have cosmic consequences. Our readiness to receive, our striving for connection, directly impacts the flow of divine blessing. The joy of the divine, the very vibrancy of creation, is intertwined with our own spiritual work. It's a call to cultivate our inner vessels, to prepare ourselves to receive the abundant light that is always waiting to shine. What does it mean to you to be "ready to receive"?