But what if I told you that this feeling, this longing, is actually a call to connect with the Shekhinah?
Now, the Shekhinah. What is that, exactly? In Kabbalah, it's often described as the feminine aspect of God, the divine presence that dwells among us. Think of it as the immanent, accessible face of the infinite. And according to the Zohar" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="source-link">Tikkunei_Zohar" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="source-link">Tikkunei Zohar, a central text of Kabbalistic thought, the Shekhinah is intrinsically linked to our festivals, our ḥagim.
The Tikkunei Zohar makes a fascinating claim: the Shekhinah is the Festival. It says that all our special times and holidays are actually opportunities to connect with Her. Think about the three pilgrimage festivals – Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot – when, in ancient times, Jews would travel to Jerusalem. The Torah tells us (Exodus 23:14), "Three pilgrimages you will celebrate for Me in the year..." But the Tikkunei Zohar sees something deeper here.
It links these pilgrimages to the commandment to "Remember" (zakhor) the Sabbath, which is associated with the male, and to "Observe" (shamor) the Sabbath, linked to the female. These aren't just abstract concepts. They are directions!
The text goes on to say that all those who go to "gaze at" – or, as some versions have it, "be included in" – the Shekhinah, should bring Her a gift, a dorona. This isn’t a literal gift, of course. It's about bringing our full selves, our attention, our intention, to the encounter. As Deuteronomy 16:16 tells us, "...and they will not be seen before Ha-Shem empty handed." We can't just show up and expect to receive without offering something of ourselves.
Think about it: what do you bring to your experience of the holidays? Is it just rote observance, or are you bringing your heart, your curiosity, your willingness to connect with the divine presence that the Shekhinah embodies? What gift are you offering?
So, the next time you find yourself caught up in the whirlwind of holiday preparations, take a moment to pause. Remember that the festival itself is an invitation, a doorway to connecting with the Shekhinah. And consider what gift you will bring to the encounter. Maybe it's a moment of gratitude, an act of kindness, or simply a willingness to be present. Whatever it is, offer it with a full heart.
What does it mean to approach something sacred with open hands, not empty ones? What does it mean to offer presence itself as a gift?