Jewish mysticism suggests that feeling might be more literal than you think.
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 (Jewish mysticism), explores the hidden meanings within the Torah and other sacred texts. In Tikkunei Zohar 118, we find a fascinating and somewhat unsettling idea: that our actions can actually impact the Shekhinah – the Divine Presence.
Think of the Shekhinah as the feminine aspect of God, the immanent presence that dwells within creation and accompanies us in our daily lives. The Tikkunei Zohar equates the Shekhinah to the "spoil of the poor" mentioned in Isaiah 3:14. But what does that mean?
It's about prayer, specifically prayer offered with true intention and devotion. The text warns against those who "steal prayer." How can you steal prayer? By rushing through it, by reciting the words without engaging your heart and soul. True prayer, the Tikkunei Zohar tells us, is like charity for the Tzaddik, the Righteous One – understood here as the life-force ("haiy") of the worlds, encompassing 18 blessings.
Imagine that: shortcutting your prayer, skipping the connection, is akin to stealing the very life force of the Divine! It’s as if you are stealing His life, which is the Shekhinah. The verse from Ecclesiastes (9:9), "See life with the woman you love," underscores this intimate connection.
And it doesn't stop there. The Tikkunei Zohar extends this idea to our observance of Shabbat.
The Sabbath, the day of rest and spiritual rejuvenation, is also associated with the Shekhinah, referred to as the "only daughter." So, what happens when we fail to find delight in Shabbat? When we treat it like just another day, rushing through the rituals or neglecting its spiritual significance?
According to the Tikkunei Zohar, we are, in essence, stealing from the Shekhinah. We are causing Her to be exiled, separated from us. This heartbreaking image is reflected in Isaiah 50:1: "...and in your sins, your mother was sent away." Our sins, our shortcomings, our lack of intention – they contribute to the exile of the Divine Presence.
This isn't just abstract theology. It's a call to action. A reminder that our actions have cosmic consequences. That how we approach prayer, how we observe Shabbat, how we live our lives – all of it affects our connection to the Divine.
So, the next time you pray, the next time Shabbat rolls around, ask yourself: Am I truly present? Am I engaging my heart and soul? Am I contributing to the presence of the Shekhinah in the world, or, Heaven forbid, contributing to Her exile? It's a powerful question, one that can transform the way we live, pray, and connect to something far greater than ourselves.