That feeling, that tension, is something that the mystical tradition of Judaism has wrestled with for centuries. And it's right there in the Zohar" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="source-link">Tikkunei_Zohar" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="source-link">Tikkunei Zohar, specifically in section 109.
The Tikkunei Zohar, a later addition to the Zohar (the central text of Kabbalah), dives deep into the secrets of the Torah. It’s not always an easy read, but it’s incredibly rewarding if you're willing to grapple with its layers of symbolism.
So, what's this particular passage about? It speaks of a "day of revenge" nestled in God's heart, connected to the Middle Pillar. Now, in Kabbalistic thought, the Middle Pillar represents balance and harmony between opposing forces. And those opposing forces? They're linked to the commandments, the mitzvot.
Positive commandments—the things we should do—are seen as coming from the right side, a side often associated with kindness and giving. Negative commandments—the things we shouldn't do—are linked to the left, a side often associated with judgment and restriction. The text even uses the term "trei ta’amei"—two notes—to describe this duality, this tension. Think of it like a musical chord, where different notes create a richer sound, even if they sometimes clash.
Here’s where it gets even more interesting. The passage suggests that the positive commandments are like "foods" for the Holy One, blessed be He. They nourish the divine. But what about the negative commandments? Oof. Those, it says, are the sustenance of Samael.
Who is Samael? In some Jewish traditions, he's a powerful, even adversarial figure, often associated with the forces of negativity and temptation. So, when someone transgresses a negative commandment, it's like feeding Samael. It empowers that negative force in the world. It’s a pretty stark image, isn’t it?
Then the text shifts to the story of Esau and Isaac from the book of Genesis. Remember how Esau tricked his father, Isaac, into giving him the blessing that rightfully belonged to Jacob? The Tikkunei Zohar sees Samael as being involved in that deception, offering Esau to the "left side," giving God a taste of the sins of Esau. This is described as offering "bitter foods." It's a pretty harsh metaphor for the consequences of our actions, right?
And that brings us to the verse from Malachi: "And Esau I hated..." (Malachi 1:3). Now, that’s a strong statement! The text isn’t saying God literally hates Esau, but rather highlighting the consequences of Esau's actions, and the negativity they unleashed.
So, what does all this mean for us today? I think it's a powerful reminder of the impact of our choices. Every action, every decision, either nourishes the forces of good or, heaven forbid, strengthens the forces of negativity. It's a constant balancing act, a constant striving to choose the "right" food, the positive commandment, and avoid feeding the metaphorical Samael. It's about being mindful of the consequences of our actions and striving to bring more light and balance into the world. And honestly, isn't that something we could all use a little more of?