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, offers a unique perspective. It suggests that Jacob's encounter, his struggle and eventual reconciliation, played a crucial role in establishing the obligation of the evening prayer, or Ma'ariv. But how?
The Tikkunei Zohar tells us that Jacob, through his actions, drew "Her" near to "Her Master." Now, who are "Her" and "Her Master?" In Kabbalistic thought, these terms often refer to the Shekhinah, the Divine Presence, and God. Jacob, in essence, brought the Divine Presence closer to God through his profound spiritual encounter. This act, this drawing near, is what solidified the importance of evening prayer.
But the story doesn't end there. The Tikkunei Zohar then connects this to the rising sun, quoting Psalm 84:12: "For a sun and a shield is Y”Y ELQYM," a name of God. And then, Genesis 32:32: "...and the sun rose upon him..." This verse refers to Jacob after his wrestling match with the angel. The rising sun, a symbol of renewed light and divine presence, is directly linked to Jacob.
The text goes on to say that from that moment onward, Jacob bound "Her" to him. This binding is symbolized by the knot of the tefillin, the phylacteries, worn on the arm. Tefillin are those small leather boxes containing scrolls with biblical verses, worn by observant Jewish men during morning prayers. The Zohar is not talking about literal tefillin here, but of a metaphysical binding.
The tefillin of the hand, specifically those worn on the left arm, represent this connection. Why the left arm? Because the left side is often associated with gevurah, with strength and judgement. By binding the Shekhinah to his left arm, Jacob ensures that She would not move from him forever. It's a powerful image, a commitment to maintaining a constant connection with the Divine.
So, what can we take away from this? This passage from the Tikkunei Zohar offers a mystical interpretation of how our prayers, our actions, can draw us closer to the Divine. Jacob's story becomes a model for our own spiritual journeys. He teaches us that through struggle, through dedication, and through commitment, we can bind ourselves to the Divine Presence and ensure that it remains with us always. It makes you think about how deeply connected our traditions are, and how much meaning lies just beneath the surface of the texts we read.