The Tikkunei Zohar, a central text of Kabbalah, offers a beautiful and intriguing explanation. It speaks of souls, of guests, and of a very special kind of peace that descends upon us each week.
The verse "And they were completed" (Genesis 2:1) – va-ye-khulu in Hebrew – is the key. The Tikkunei Zohar plays with the numerical value of these words, revealing a hidden connection to the number seventy-two. And from this connection arises a fascinating idea: that seventy-two souls, are called "guests," and they visit us specifically on Shabbat.
These "guests," according to the Tikkunei Zohar, only dwell in Israel during the Sabbath. As soon as Shabbat ends, they return to wherever they came from. Think of it! A weekly infusion of spiritual energy, a special gathering of souls just for us.
But wait, there's more! The text goes on to distinguish between different kinds of souls. The souls that originate from the "Higher Shekhinah," the Divine Presence at its most elevated, are called "chicks." While the souls that come from the "Lower Shekhinah" are called "eggs."
What does this mean? It's a deeply symbolic way of describing the spectrum of divine influence. The Shekhinah itself is often understood as the feminine aspect of God, the immanent presence that dwells among us. So, these "chicks" and "eggs" represent different levels of connection to that divine feminine energy.
This brings us to the prayer we recite on Friday evenings: "Who spreads a tabernacle of peace over us." The Tikkunei Zohar reveals a powerful secret within these words. The "Higher Mother," another name for the Higher Shekhinah, is this "tabernacle of peace." She spreads over us, enveloping us in Her protective embrace.
And the "peace" itself? That’s no ordinary peace. It's the very covenant of peace that God promises, as we find in Numbers 25:12: "...behold I give to you my covenant of peace." This isn't just the absence of conflict; it’s a profound and active force, a divine promise of wholeness and harmony.
So, next Shabbat, as you light the candles and welcome the Sabbath Queen, remember these "guests," these "chicks," and these "eggs." Remember the Shekhinah, spreading Her tabernacle of peace over you. Perhaps you'll feel that extra bit of light, that extra bit of peace, knowing you're part of something ancient, something profound, something truly miraculous.
Is it possible that the joy and rest we experience on Shabbat are, in some way, connected to these visiting souls, to this divine embrace? The Tikkunei Zohar invites us to consider that very possibility. And maybe, just maybe, believing it makes it so.