It might sound a little cryptic at first, but bear with me. We’re going to unpack it together.
The passage centers on the Hebrew letter Vav (ו), which the Zohar" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="source-link">Tikkunei_Zohar" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="source-link">Tikkunei Zohar describes as being "between Hei-Hei (ה־ה)." Now, Hei is the fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, and in Kabbalah, it often represents the feminine principle, or the vessel for receiving divine light. So, what’s going on with this Vav stuck in the middle?
The text tells us that this Vav is the "dimension of stature," and it's linked to the concept of an amah (אמה), a cubit. A cubit, in ancient terms, was a measurement roughly from the elbow to the tip of the fingers. It then says, "and amounts... through the letter Yod (י) to ten cubits.” The Yod, the smallest letter, is often seen as a spark of divine energy. The text goes on to quote Exodus 26:16, referencing the dimensions of the planks used in the Tabernacle: "ten cubits is the length of a plank, and a cubit and half a cubit is the width of one plank."
What does it all MEAN?!
Well, the Vav, numerically equivalent to six, symbolizes connection and balance. It's the "and" that joins things together. The image being painted is one of structure, of measured dimensions that create a sacred space. The Vav, representing connection, links the two Heis, creating something whole.
The text then links this Vav and Yod to the letter Zayin (ז). It says that it is "in the mystery of the letter Zayin, through which all ‘crownlets’ tagin (תָּגִין) are called." Tagin are the little crown-like adornments on certain Hebrew letters in Torah scrolls. Connection, represented by the Vav, is linked to these tiny crowns, elevating and adorning the sacred text.
The Tikkunei Zohar continues, referencing Exodus 28:7, which describes the shoulder pieces of the High Priest's garment: "...two shoulder pieces adjoining." These are described as "the higher shoulder" and "the lower shoulder," which correspond to "right and left" and are again associated with Hei-Hei. The edges of these shoulder pieces are Vav-Vav (ו־ו), and through them, the Heis are joined.
See the pattern emerging? The Hei-Hei represents duality, two sides of a concept, two aspects of the divine. And the Vav? It’s the bridge. It’s what connects, what unifies, what brings harmony to the seeming opposites. The text concludes that "...to its two ends, and it is joined." This reinforces the idea of connection and completion.
So, what’s the takeaway here? This passage from the Tikkunei Zohar isn't just about letters and measurements. It’s about the power of connection, the importance of balance, and the hidden unity within duality. It reminds us that even the smallest details, like the tagin on the letters, are significant and contribute to the overall sacredness. It suggests that by seeking out these connections, by bridging the gaps between seemingly disparate things, we can move closer to understanding the divine.