The Tikkunei Zohar, a mystical commentary on the Zohar, that foundational text of Kabbalah, speaks to just that feeling. In section 289, it uses a beautiful image: the eyes. Eyes that are illuminated by Torah.

It all starts with a verse from Psalms (145:15): "The eyes of all look to you expectantly, and you give them food when it is due." The Tikkunei Zohar takes this and runs with it, suggesting that we, as humans, need to delve into the Torah regularly. Morning, evening, and afternoon. Always.

Why? Because, in a way, God is looking into Her eyes – a fascinating feminine representation of the Divine Presence. As it says in Deuteronomy (11:12) regarding the Land of Israel, "The eyes of the Lord your God are always looking at her, from the beginning of the year until its end."

Do you see the connection being drawn here? The Tikkunei Zohar links these two verses, connecting our daily devotion to Torah with God's constant gaze upon the Land of Israel. It makes a link between tamid (תמיד), meaning "daily" or "always", and the idea of consistent attention. It's a powerful image, a constant flow of looking and being looked upon.

And then it gets even more practical. The daily sacrifice, the tamid offering in the Temple, was offered in the morning and the evening. Sound familiar? Like the recitation of the Shema prayer.

The Shema (שְׁמַע), for those unfamiliar, is a central Jewish prayer proclaiming the oneness of God: "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one." We recite it twice a day, morning and evening.

So, here's the kicker: The Tikkunei Zohar suggests that if you recite the Shema in the evening and the morning, it's as if you've fulfilled the commandment of continually studying Torah, day and night. As it says in Joshua (1:8), "Let not this Book of Torah cease from your lips, but recite it day and night."

Think about that for a moment. This isn't just about rote memorization or fulfilling an obligation. It's about creating a constant connection, a dialogue, a flow of energy between you, the Torah, and the Divine. The words of the Shema are not just words; they are a link, a gateway, a constant reminder of the presence that surrounds us.

So, the next time you recite the Shema, consider it more than just a prayer. Consider it an act of gazing, of being gazed upon, of participating in a continuous cycle of giving and receiving. A way to keep the "eyes" of your soul illuminated. Are you ready to meet that gaze?