The Tikkunei Zohar, a central work of Kabbalah, delves into this very feeling, exploring the idea of "time" and its significance in our relationship with the Divine.
It begins with a verse from Psalms (119:126): "It is time to act for Y"Y..." (Y"Y being a stand-in for the unpronounceable name of God). But what does it mean to say it's "time"? The Tikkunei Zohar points out that there are many "times," each unique and significant. Think about it: Ecclesiastes (3:4) tells us there's "...a time to laugh...etc." a whole array of contrasting moments. In fact, the text emphasizes the Hebrew word for "time" (eit) appears 28 times in the verse, a number linked to Ko-aḤ, which means "power."
This idea of specific, opportune times is crucial. As we read in Leviticus (16:2), the High Priest is instructed "...and he shall not come at just any time..." into the most sacred space, the Holy of Holies. Why? Because holiness demands precise timing, a readiness that aligns with the Divine will. The Tikkunei Zohar connects this to Jeremiah (2:3): "Holy is Israel to Y"Y." There's a parallel here; just as the Holy of Holies has a specific time, so too does Israel have a sacred relationship with the Divine.
But what happens when we feel distant? What happens when the Divine presence, the Shekhinah – often described as the feminine aspect of God – seems far away? The Tikkunei Zohar beautifully describes this. When the Shekhinah, referred to as zot, meaning "this," is with Israel – "And also even ‘this’ zot, when they are..." as it says in Leviticus (26:44). So what do we say to her?
We implore, we yearn, we ask: "Whence has your beloved gone, O beautiful among women? To where has your beloved turned, that we may seek Him with You?" (Song of Songs 6:1). It's a cry from the heart, a plea to be reunited, a desire to understand where the connection has gone.
And how do we seek to restore that connection? Through fervent prayer, with tzitzit (ritual fringes) and tefillin (phylacteries), by observing Sabbaths and festivals. These aren't just empty rituals; they're signs, reminders of the covenant between God and Israel. As Exodus (31:17) states, "Between Me and between the Children of Israel, it is an everlasting sign." The Tikkunei Zohar emphasizes these signs: the covenant of circumcision, the observance of Sabbath and festivals, and the wearing of tefillin. These physical acts become powerful expressions of our longing and commitment.
So, the next time you feel that pull, that sense of waiting for the right moment, remember the Tikkunei Zohar. Remember that "time" is multifaceted, sacred, and potent. And that even in moments of perceived distance, the path back is paved with intention, devotion, and the enduring signs of our covenant. What are the signs in your life that connect you to something bigger? What "times" are you waiting for, and how are you preparing to act when they arrive?