That feeling – that’s a glimpse of something truly profound.

The Kalach Pitchei Chokhmah, an important kabbalistic text, touches upon just this. It speaks of a time when all souls are able to attach themselves to the Shechinah, the Divine Presence. Think of it as a moment of complete connection, when we're all tuned into the same frequency. When this happens, something magical occurs: love blossoms between each soul. We truly see each other, not as strangers, but as brothers and friends, all striving towards a single, shared goal.

And in that state of unity, Israel is called “one nation on earth” (Chronicles I, 17:21). It's not just a nice sentiment; it's a literal description of reality.

But what happens when that connection fades? When each of us becomes focused solely on our own needs and desires? The Kalach Pitchei Chokhmah doesn’t mince words: the result is nothing but hatred. Ouch. It's a stark reminder that our interconnectedness is vital.

So, when can such a bond of unity truly exist? According to the text, it’s during times of great tikkun, repair. A perfect example? The Giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. Remember the verse: “Israel encamped there facing the mountain” (Exodus 19:2)? Rashi, the great medieval commentator, points out that the singular form of "encamped" – vayichan – is significant. It highlights their incredible unity at that moment. They weren't just a crowd; they were a single entity, a collective soul ready to receive the Torah.

And the Kalach Pitchei Chokhmah offers a hopeful vision: it will be the same in the future. The potential for that profound unity, that connection to the Shechinah, isn't limited to a single moment in history. It's a possibility that exists for us, a future we can strive towards.

What does this mean for us, today? Perhaps it's a call to examine our own lives. Are we contributing to unity, or are we fostering division? Are we focused on our own one-sided gain, or are we reaching out to connect with others, to see them as brothers and sisters? The answer, perhaps, lies in striving for those moments of tikkun, those moments when we can truly say, "we are one."