The Tikkunei Zohar, a central text of Kabbalah, the Jewish mystical tradition, invites us to do just that. To look beyond the obvious, especially when things seem dark.
It starts with a poignant image: God, or "the King," as the Tikkunei Zohar often calls the divine, is described as clothing the heavens in darkness. Why? Because the Shekhinah, the divine feminine presence, the aspect of God that dwells among us, is distant. She says, "Do not look at me, for I am blackened." (Song of Songs 1:6)
It's a powerful metaphor for exile, both personal and collective. When we feel separated from the divine, when the world feels shrouded in darkness, it's easy to get stuck on the surface, isn't it? The Tikkunei Zohar tells us that "people who are stupid look only at the garment, while others look at the body." In other words, some are caught up in superficial appearances, while others might delve a little deeper, but still miss the essential truth. But, the text emphasizes, "in exile everyone is stupid, yet the wise enlightened-one looks at the inside."
So, what does it mean to "look at the inside"? It means to seek the hidden light, even in the darkest of times. To recognize that even when the Shekhinah seems blackened, her essence remains. It means understanding that the darkness itself is a garment, a temporary covering.
And here's where the story takes a turn towards hope. The Tikkunei Zohar promises that when redemption comes, God will divest Himself of these "garments of darkness." And where will they go? They will be "thrown upon the nations of the world."
This might sound harsh, but it's crucial to understand the symbolism. The darkness isn't meant as a punishment for others, but as a contrast, a way to highlight the light that will shine for Israel. As it says in Exodus 10:22-23, "...and it was darkness—hoshekh, gloom etc... and for all the Children of Israel, there was light in their habitation."
That word, hoshekh, meaning darkness, is key. The very thing that obscures the truth for some becomes a backdrop against which the truth shines even brighter for others. It's a reminder that even in the midst of global challenges, personal struggles, and widespread uncertainty, there is always a spark of light waiting to be kindled.
The Tikkunei Zohar isn't just offering a historical or political prediction. It's offering a spiritual roadmap. It's urging us to cultivate the wisdom to see beyond the garments of darkness, to connect with the inner light, and to trust that even in the darkest of times, redemption is always possible. What if we all made it our mission to find that light, even when—especially when—the world feels covered in darkness?