The Tikkunei Zohar, a central text of Kabbalah, offers a breathtaking image.
It begins with a single word: yasis. The text doesn't elaborate much on the word itself in this short passage. But the question it provokes is far more important. What does it mean to be a "hero"? Where is the heroism in the everyday?
The Tikkunei Zohar answers with a vision of cosmic proportions. Imagine twelve windows in the heavens, each guarded by celestial warriors, forces seemingly set against the Divine. These aren't just passive guardians, but adversaries! What could possibly overcome such opposition?
This is where the sun enters the stage – not as a mere ball of gas, but as a divine warrior. He wraps himself in the letters of the tefillin, the sacred phylacteries worn during prayer, and clothes himself in strength. As Isaiah 42:13 proclaims, "The Lord goes forth as a hero."
It’s a powerful image, right? The sun, embodying divine power, preparing for battle.
And what does this hero do? He "runs his course," bursting forth with eagerness. He opens all twelve heavenly windows, creating twelve pathways, much like Moses parting the Red Sea. Think about that for a moment. The sun, in its daily journey, is reenacting one of the most pivotal moments in Jewish history!
According to this passage, the sun first assumes an aspect of might, of gevurah. This explains why the rising sun is red. That fiery hue isn't just a trick of the atmosphere; it's a visual manifestation of the divine strength being unleashed.
So, the next time you see the sunrise, remember this: it's not just a beautiful sight. It's a daily act of cosmic heroism, a reminder of the power that overcomes adversity, and a mirror of the miracles that shape our history. It’s a potent reminder that even in the seemingly mundane, profound and powerful forces are at play. What if we, too, could wrap ourselves in divine purpose each day?