The Zohar" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="source-link">Tikkunei_Zohar" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="source-link">Tikkunei Zohar, a central text of Kabbalah, might just have an answer for that feeling. It speaks of something truly special happening each week, a spiritual influx that touches us all, but especially resonates with those who delve into Torah.
The passage we're looking at from Tikkunei Zohar 91 focuses on the idea of tosephta (תוספתא), which means "addition." In this context, it refers to the Shekhinah – the divine presence, the feminine aspect of God – and how it relates to the Sabbath. It suggests that on Shabbat, the Shekhinah brings with it "many additions" that descend upon those engaged in study.
These "additions," incredibly, are referred to as neshamot yeteira (נשמות יתירה) — "extra souls." Think about that for a moment. Extra souls! It's a concept that hums with possibility.
These aren't entirely new souls, mind you. They're more like enhancements, spiritual boosts that amplify our understanding and connection to the divine. This idea is echoed in the Shabbat morning service, in the Nishmat prayer, where we say "the soul of all life shall bless Your Name."
So, who gets these "extra souls"? According to the Tikkunei Zohar, they are particularly "inherited by scholars." But what does that really mean? Does it mean only rabbis and academics experience this heightened state?
Perhaps not. Maybe it refers to anyone who dedicates time to learning and contemplation, anyone who seeks to deepen their understanding of Torah and Jewish wisdom. Anyone willing to open their heart and mind to receive.
The text goes on to say that these additions are "inherited by scholars on weekdays, and with them is the mundane made holy." Isn't that beautiful? The inspiration and insights gained on Shabbat aren't just for the day of rest; they carry over into the week, elevating our everyday actions and transforming the ordinary into something sacred.
These "additions" or tosaphot (תוספות), as the text calls them here, descend from the "Additional" or tosephta, because "surely the Shekhinah is a construct, of the body of the blessed Holy One." This is a powerful statement about the intimate relationship between the Shekhinah and God, and how this relationship is the source of the blessings we receive. It's a reminder that the divine presence isn't some distant, abstract concept, but an active force in our lives, especially during Shabbat.
Ultimately, this passage from the Tikkunei Zohar invites us to approach Shabbat with a sense of anticipation and openness. To recognize it as a time when we can receive a special spiritual gift, an "extra soul" that can enrich our lives and deepen our connection to the divine. So, as Shabbat approaches, let's ask ourselves: How can we best prepare ourselves to receive these "additions" and bring that light into the week ahead?