Let’s dive into a fascinating passage from the Tikkunei Zohar, specifically Tikkun 120, and see what it reveals about universal praise and divine presence.
The passage opens with a powerful image, drawing from Psalm 148:7: "Praise Y”Y from the earth, great serpents and all the abysses..."
Think about that for a moment. Serpents…the abysses… It's not just the obviously "good" things doing the praising. It’s everything! The Tikkunei Zohar emphasizes that everything, from the highest heavens to the lowliest creature – "down to the smallest gnat" – participates in this cosmic chorus.
Why? Because, ultimately, everything reflects the Divine. The passage continues by quoting Isaiah 11:9: "And the earth shall be full of the knowing of Ha-Shem like waters covering the sea." Ha-Shem, literally "The Name," is a common way to refer to God. The idea here is that knowledge of God won't just be intellectual; it will permeate everything, as all-encompassing as the ocean. This reminds us that divinity isn't some far-off concept, but something immanent, present in every aspect of creation.
What happens when this divine knowledge fills the earth? The Tikkunei Zohar then references Zephaniah 3:9: "For then I shall transform the nations to a pure speech, for all of them to call in the Name of Y”Y etc." The implication is astounding: a unified, pure language emerges, allowing everyone to call upon God’s name together. It suggests a future where barriers of language and culture dissolve, replaced by a shared understanding and a unified voice in praising the Divine.
But it doesn't stop there. The ultimate goal, according to this passage, is the rebuilding of the Shekhinah’s house – "the House of Election." The Shekhinah is often understood as the feminine aspect of God, the Divine Presence that dwells among us. This house, this dwelling place, will be rebuilt by God Himself. And as Zechariah 2:9 states: "And I will be for it, says Y”Y, a wall of fire round about..."
A wall of fire. Protection. Presence. This isn't just about bricks and mortar; it's about establishing a renewed connection with the Divine, a safe and sacred space where the Shekhinah can reside.
So, what does it all mean? It’s a vision of a world transformed by divine knowledge, where all creation, even the serpents and the gnats, participates in praising God. A world where language unites instead of divides, and where the Divine Presence is palpable, protected by a wall of fire.
It's a powerful and hopeful vision, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, the potential for unity, knowledge, and divine connection remains. And that, perhaps, is something worth praising right now.