The Zohar" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="source-link">Tikkunei_Zohar" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="source-link">Tikkunei Zohar, meaning "Rectifications of the Zohar," is a later addition to the Zohar, a central text of Kabbalah. It's a deep dive into the mysteries of creation and our role in mending the world.
The passage begins with Rabbi Shim’on, likely Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a central figure in the Zohar. He starts with a powerful verse from 1 Chronicles 29:11: "To You, Y”Y, is the greatness and the might..." He's setting the stage, acknowledging God's power and majesty. But then, the tone shifts.
"Hear O high-ones! Those sleepers of Hebron, and the Faithful Shepherd! Wake up from your slumber!"
Who are these sleepers of Hebron? The text is referring to the Patriarchs – Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob – who are buried in the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron. And the "Faithful Shepherd"? That's Moses. The text is calling out to these foundational figures of Judaism, urging them to awaken.
Why? What's so urgent?
The passage then quotes Isaiah 26:19: "...Wake up and rejoice! O dwellers of the dust..." According to this passage, these "dwellers of the dust" are the righteous. The text makes it clear: "These are the righteous-ones... And they are not dead." They're in a state of slumber, yes, but they're very much alive in some way.
It even references Song of Songs 5:2: "I am asleep, and my heart is awake..." This verse beautifully captures the paradox of being seemingly inactive, yet internally alert and aware. It's like being on the cusp of something, waiting for the right moment to act.
But what are they waiting for?
"Awake O Faithful Shepherd! Be aroused, you and the Patriarchs, for the arousal of the Shekhinah, Who is sleeping in exile, for until now the righteous have all been reposing, and slumber is in their nostrils."
The Shekhinah is the divine presence, often seen as the feminine aspect of God. Here, it's described as "sleeping in exile." Exile from what? From wholeness, from unity, from its proper place in the cosmos.
The idea is that the Patriarchs and Moses, the righteous ones, are holding back, in a sense. They're waiting for the right moment to awaken and help bring about the redemption of the Shekhinah, to restore balance and harmony to the world. Their slumber is directly linked to the exile of the Shekhinah.
Think about that for a moment.
The greatest figures in our tradition are, in this mystical understanding, in a state of waiting. Their actions are needed to help awaken the divine presence that is currently in exile. It's a powerful image of interconnectedness. The actions of the righteous, even in their slumber, have cosmic implications.
It suggests that we all have a role to play in this cosmic drama. Are we, too, slumbering in some way? Are we holding back from fully engaging in the work of tikkun olam (repairing the world)?
This passage from the Tikkunei Zohar isn't just about ancient figures and mystical concepts. It's a call to action. It's an invitation to awaken our own hearts and minds, and to join in the ongoing effort to bring healing and wholeness to the world. What will it take to awaken you? What small step can you take today to start that awakening?