Jewish mystical thought, especially the Zohar and its companion works, wrestles with this very tension. And Tikkunei Zohar 85, specifically, offers a fascinating glimpse into a future where that balance shifts dramatically.
It speaks of a time "when that evil snake is removed from the sea, the holy snake rules." Now, what does that even MEAN?
The snake, or serpent, is a deeply symbolic figure in Jewish tradition. Often, it represents temptation, chaos, and the forces that pull us away from holiness. Think back to the Garden of Eden. In Kabbalah, the snake can represent the Sitra Achra, the "Other Side," the realm of negativity.
So, the removal of the "evil snake" suggests a purification, a cleansing of these negative forces from the world. But who, or what, is the "holy snake?" That's where things get really interesting. In some interpretations, it represents the Shekhinah, the Divine Presence, finally able to manifest fully in the world without the obstruction of the negative forces.
The text continues with a vision of the future, quoting Psalm 104:25: "...wherein is a swarming without number, small creatures with large ships shall travel confidently in the sea, for they will not sink." Imagine a world where even the smallest among us can navigate the vast ocean of life with confidence and safety. The Tikkunei Zohar connects this to the removal of "the dominion of the tempest wind...from the sea of the Torah."
Think about that. The "sea of Torah" can be seen as the vast and complex body of Jewish wisdom and teachings. Right now, it can feel turbulent, confusing, even overwhelming. But the promise here is that one day, that storm will subside. The obstacles to understanding, the conflicting interpretations, the doubts and uncertainties – all will be calmed.
And then comes another verse from Psalm 104 (verse 26): "There shall go ships, this Leviathan that you have created to play with. And He shall rejoice with them."
The Leviathan! One of the most awe-inspiring creatures in Jewish lore. This massive sea monster appears throughout the Bible and rabbinic literature, often representing the untamed power of creation. But here, the Tikkunei Zohar suggests a different take. Instead of a fearsome beast, the Leviathan is something God "created to play with." It's a symbol of joy, of divine delight in the world.
What a powerful image! A world where even the most formidable forces are ultimately harnessed for good, where the Divine Presence is fully revealed, and where even the smallest among us can navigate life's challenges with confidence.
So, what does this all mean for us today? Well, maybe it’s a reminder that even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty, there's always the potential for transformation. Perhaps it's an invitation to work towards a world where the "evil snake" is diminished, and the "holy snake" can reign. Perhaps it's a call to find joy and wonder, even in the face of the seemingly insurmountable. It is a reminder that ultimately, as we learn from the Tikkunei Zohar, the potential for a more balanced and harmonious world lies within us all.