The Zohar" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="source-link">Tikkunei_Zohar" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="source-link">Tikkunei Zohar teaches that during Simchat Torah, a crown, a spiritual diadem, rests upon the head of every righteous person in the heavens. Think about that for a moment. A crown, a symbol of honor and completion. Where does this image come from? The Tikkunei Zohar directs us to the Song of Songs (3:11): "...with the crown with which his mother crowned him, on the day of his wedding, and on the day of his heart’s rejoicing."
But what does this verse really mean? The Tikkunei Zohar breaks it down. "The day of his wedding" refers to the Shekhinah, the Lower Shekhinah. Now, the Shekhinah is a complex concept, often understood as the divine feminine presence, God's immanent presence in the world. The Lower Shekhinah is seen as closer to our earthly realm, more accessible.
And "the day of his heart’s rejoicing?" That, my friends, is the Higher Shekhinah. Think of it as the more transcendent, elevated aspect of the Divine Presence. So, on Simchat Torah, we're connecting with both aspects of the Shekhinah. The earthly and the sublime.
It's all about connection, isn't it? Connecting with the Torah, connecting with God, connecting with each other.
The text goes on to say that Israel, the Jewish people, should be crowned in everything, with a crown upon their heads. It’s a powerful image, isn’t it? What does it mean to be "crowned in everything?" Perhaps it means carrying the wisdom and joy of the Torah with us, not just on Simchat Torah, but in every aspect of our lives.
It’s a reminder that the joy we experience on Simchat Torah isn't just a fleeting feeling. It's a potential, a possibility, a way of being that we can carry with us throughout the year. It’s about recognizing the crown that already rests upon our heads, the inherent dignity and potential for holiness within each of us.
So, the next time you’re dancing with the Torah on Simchat Torah, remember this teaching from the Tikkunei Zohar. Remember the crowns, the presence of the Shekhinah, and the invitation to carry that joy and connection with you always. Maybe, just maybe, you’ll catch a glimpse of that crown resting on your own head.