And wrestling with that feeling – the interplay between our will and something greater – is at the heart of some pretty profound Jewish mystical thought.
Let's dive into Kalach Pitchei Chokhmah, a Kabbalistic text whose name translates roughly as "A Garland of Openings to Wisdom." It grapples with a deceptively simple question: If God is all-powerful, what about our own free will? Can we really choose our own path, or are we just puppets dancing to a divine tune?
The text addresses a potential objection, a dangerous thought, really: “Sure, all wills might originate from God. But once they exist, can't they defy God's will?" The answer, unequivocally, is NO.
Why? Because, according to Kalach Pitchei Chokhmah, God alone is in complete control. Nothing – absolutely nothing – can limit God's power. We're talking about the Supreme Will here, the only true Will. God wills according to His Will, and that's that.
It's a tough pill to swallow, isn't it? We pride ourselves on our independence, our ability to make choices. But the text insists that no other will is in complete control. Our wills, all our desires and intentions, are contingent – dependent – upon the Supreme Will. They're subordinate. Think of it like this: we might be individual instruments in an orchestra, each playing our own notes, but it's the conductor – God – who ultimately shapes the symphony.
Even though we call them “wills,” these human wills aren't in the same league as the Supreme Will. They derive from it, and because they come from God, they can't be equal to God. The moment we acknowledge their origin, we acknowledge their inherent limitation.
It's a humbling thought, isn't it? We are not completely autonomous. And while this might feel restrictive at first glance, there’s also something incredibly comforting in it. It suggests that even when we feel lost or powerless, we're still connected to something greater, something that guides us, even if we can't always see the path.
So, the next time you're wrestling with a difficult decision, or feeling like you're fighting against the tide, remember the teachings of Kalach Pitchei Chokhmah. Remember that even our strongest wills are ultimately part of a larger, more profound design.