A Redemptive String of Pearls

Hokhmah is the first revelatory function and action of the Neshamah. Thus, Hokhmah is the first thought on a subject and the first revelatory insight (first light of revelation knowledge) into a matter or subject being studied. Hokhmah is the first insight that beckons and calls for a particular study. Thus, the thought that enters the mind, saying, “I need to study such and such,” is the opening point of wisdom into the subject. This process is usually fast, like a fleeting moment whereupon the light shines on the brain, and we have an initial insight into the subject. This, in turn, is a call of wisdom.

Hokhmah is generally described as the first of G‑d’s revelatory faculties, corresponding in the human psyche to the first intimation of cognitive inspiration.

the initial disclosure of hokhmah is further equated with the genesis of redemption,

Thus, Hokhmah is the beginning of redemption. It is the first insight into the redemptive process. It is also the beginning of the process of the descent of the soul, Neshamah.

The telos, or ultimate object, of this disclosure, is marked by the final redemption of the messianic future-to-come (le-atid lavo).

In Kabbalistic terms, this telos is equated with the fundamental unification of hokhmah with all of the lower faculties (sephirot),

It is interesting the Rabbinic Scholars call Hokhmah the telos of the final redemption of Messiah. The Greek word telos means the completion or goal of a subject. Thus, the telos of redemption is the “le atid lavo” the goal of wisdom and the goal of G-d’s intention. Therefore, the telos of Hokhmah is also the immediate action of moving into Binah as a means of identifying itself.

On one level, Binah has a vision of seminal emissions. It sees all the data that Hokhmah emits. However, once this blinding vision has taken place, Binah immediately sees the point she wishes to discover or study. In some cases, there is a Hokhmah/Binah confusion, Which is a confused state of Binah. This is the point when Binah sees all the points of Hokhmah on a subject. Because the process is endless, near infinite, Binah enters a state of temporary insanity. Then Binah sees a single revelatory beam of light. However, in terms of a study of the revelatory light from Hokhmah on a subject, this Hokhmah/Binah will occur several times.  This, in part, is due to the fact that the inception of Hokhmah’s vision is transmitted in “Imagined Spiritual Symbolism.”

Thus the revelation of Shemot – Exodus 12:11 begins with a contextual כָּכָה kāḵāh: which here is a conceptual instruction followed by revelation of “Imagined Spiritual Symbolism.” The giving of specific instruction then binds the revelation to the prescribed manner of interpretation of through symbolic materials.

The hermeneutic is the conceptual line of inquiry, which is linked to a hermeneutical inquiry into the symbolic meaning of the verse. Or a questioning of the “Imagined Spiritual Symbolism.” The B’ne Yisrael cannot understand the process of redemption unless they understand the “Imagined Spiritual Symbolism” outlined in the cited verse. And consequently, the same truth befalls us.  And, by way of extension, we do not understand the final redemption unless we understand the “Imagined Spiritual Symbolism,” or the symbolized meaning of this verse, Shemot 12:11. So, where do we find the interpretative tools to understand the Hokhmah of this verse? Or are we simply to leave it to our Imagination?

Yeshayahu – Isaiah 52:12 For not with haste will you go forth and not in a flurry of flight will you go, for the Lord goes before you, and your rear guard is the God of Yisrael.

Here the “final redemption” is juxtaposed with the genesis of redemption marked by haste, which is no longer a feature of redemption’s final form.

Proverbs 31:17 She girds her loins with vigor and strengthens her arms.

And, here the “loins gird” are juxtaposed against the imagery of the “Eshet Chayil” “Woman of Valor”

Shir HaShirim – Song 7:2 How fair are your feet in sandals, O daughter of nobles! The curves of your thighs are like jewels, the handiwork of a craftsman.

And, here the “sandals on your feet” are juxtaposed against the imagery of the Shulammite Maiden.

B’resheet – Genesis 32:11 have become small from all the kindnesses and from all the truth that You have rendered Your servant, for with my staff I crossed this Yordan, and now I have become two camps.

These three associations, which derive from the kabbalistic commentary of Rabbi Menachem Recanti, are supplemented by the Zoharic designation of matzah as “bread of faith.”

Zohar 2:40b “Come and see: When Israel entered the Land, they entered circumcised and uncovered. What is written? Where you will eat bread without scarcity (Deuteronomy 8:9). What is scarcity? Bread of poverty. Why is it called bread of poverty? Because the moon was in a deficient state, not blessed by the sun nor illumined by the sun, as is said: Yes, כל (khol), all, that is in heaven and on earth (1 Chronicles 29:11), and she was not illumined by all. Why? Because they were not uncovered. But here, since the people of Israel were circumcised and uncovered, it is written: You will not lack כל (kol), all, in her (Deuteronomy, ibid.). So, where you will eat bread without scarcity. Why? Because you will not lack kol, all, in her—as you lacked in Egypt.

How are these verses connected with redemption? What is the connection between matzah and faithfulness (emunah)?

The Key Festival of the Festival is Shabbat

I have often stated that we do not understand the Festivals until we understand Shabbat. Therefore, we must understand that Shabbat is the prototype for all the Festivals. Thus, the fundamental parameters of Shabbat formulate the structure of the Festivals. Or, we could say that we keep the Festivals in a similar manner to keeping Shabbat.

The Shabbat of Hokhmah

According to traditional Jewish thought, Shabbat represents the elevation of the material world towards the divine realm, symbolized by the emanation of wisdom (hokhmah). It is a time when the spiritual essence of creation is most palpable, marking a profound connection with the divine source. The flow of divine wisdom transmitted from the Ein Sof serves as a transformative force, countering ignorance and spiritual discord. Thus, sacred wisdom acts as a healing balm, reconciling the divide between the spiritual and the material realms and fostering harmony and enlightenment. Through the observance of Shabbat and the study of Torah, individuals are able to realign themselves with the divine purpose and mend the fractures that separate them from the sacred essence of existence.

By using a consistent analytical framework, we can explore the spiritual significance of Shabbat, the observance of eating matzah during Passover, and the performance of various mitzvot associated with Sukkot. The objective extends beyond merely elucidating the spiritual meanings behind these commandments; rather, it seeks to unveil how their distinct attributes make them windows through which the essence of the Divine can be perceived. By delving into the unique features of these practices, we aim to reveal their capacity to bring individuals closer to the core of their Divine Existence, facilitating a deeper connection with the Divine Presence embedded within these rituals.

Hokhmah: A Day of Divine Wisdom

Imagine Hokhmah a day, not unlike Shabbat, but bathed in the radiant light of Hokhmah – wisdom. Here, joy takes a different form, not of boisterous celebrations, but of tranquil contemplation. Just as Shabbat demands both “guarding” and “remembering,” so too does Hokhmah call for a balanced approach.

Guarding the Gates of Perception:

Like the protective boundaries of Shabbat, Hokhmah requires guarding the gates of perception. We abstain from the mundane, not for mere rest, but to focus on the extraordinary. This day is not for the clatter of daily tasks, but for the quiet hum of the universe’s secrets.

Remembering the Divine Spark:

Just as Shabbat reminds us of the holiness woven into the fabric of time, Hokhmah asks us to remember the divine spark that ignites all creation. We actively cultivate an awareness of the deep well of wisdom that flows beneath the surface of existence.

Hokhmah’s Guiding Light:

The commandments of Shabbat, to “guard” and “remember,” become luminous expressions of Hokhmah. Guarding protects the day’s sacred essence, while remembering allows the wisdom to permeate every moment. By following these principles, we align ourselves with the rhythm of the cosmos and bathe in the light of divine knowledge.

Beyond Knowledge, to Experience:

Hokhmah transcends mere intellectual understanding. It’s a wisdom born from experience, from the fertile ground of meditation, prayer, and deep contemplation. Through these practices, we access profound revelations, peeling back the layers of reality to glimpse the divine mysteries.

A Gateway to the Divine:

Hokhmah illuminates the path of this sacred day, transforming Shabbat from a day of rest into a gateway to spiritual awakening. Just as Shabbat offers a pause from the everyday, Hokhmah beckons us to step beyond the veil, fostering a profound connection with the divine essence that pulses through all creation.

Hokhmah, then, is not just a concept; it’s a day, a sanctuary of wisdom where we shed the mundane and embrace the extraordinary. It’s a day to remember the whispers of the divine and a gateway to the very heart of existence.

Therefore, imagine a Sabbath unlike any other, where joyous celebrations fade into the ethereal glow of Hokhmah, the divine wisdom. Here, revelry transforms into a sacred stillness, a fertile ground for the seeds of contemplation to blossom. Just as Shabbat demands a dance between “guarding” and “remembering,” so too does Hokhmah call upon us to navigate a delicate path.

We become vigilant guardians at the gates of perception. We turn away from the clamor of the everyday, not for mere physical rest, but to create a sanctuary for the whispers of the unseen. This is not a day for the clatter of mundane tasks, but a sacred hush where the secrets of the universe hum in hushed reverence.

Hokhmah, unlike the fleeting spark of earthly knowledge, beckons us to remember the primordial flame that ignites all existence. It is an active remembrance, a turning of the inner eye towards the wellspring of wisdom that courses beneath the surface of reality. As we cultivate this awareness, the very fabric of the day becomes imbued with a luminous quality.

The commandments that frame Shabbat, to “guard” and “remember,” become luminous expressions of Hokhmah itself. Guarding becomes the act of protecting the day’s sacred essence, a shield against the intrusions of the profane. Remembering transforms into a state of being, where we allow the wisdom of Hokhmah to permeate every fiber of our experience. Through this sacred alignment, we become instruments attuned to the cosmic symphony, bathed in the light of divine knowledge.

But Hokhmah is not merely an intellectual pursuit; it is a wisdom born of experience. We till the fertile ground of our souls through meditation, prayer, and deep contemplation. These sacred practices are the alchemical fire that unlocks the chambers of revelation, allowing us to glimpse the divine mysteries that lie veiled beneath the surface of existence.

Hokhmah becomes the radiant gateway on this sacred day. It transforms Shabbat from a pause in the everyday to a portal into spiritual awakening. As we step beyond the veil of the mundane, we foster a profound connection with the divine essence that pulses through all creation. This is not simply a day of rest; it is a pilgrimage into the heart of the sacred, a day bathed in the transformative light of Hokhmah.

As the fiery sun descends, cloaking the world in twilight, a different kind of hush settles in. This is the twilight of Hokhmah, where vibrant earthly joy softens into the ethereal glow of divine wisdom. Here, the air thrums not with celebratory cheers, but with the expectant stillness of a hidden garden, waiting for the seeds of contemplation to bloom.

Imagine a celestial weaver, her loom an intricate dance of starlight and stardust. On this day, we become her apprentices, meticulously safeguarding the integrity of her creation. We guard not against physical trespassers, but against the cacophony of the profane that threatens to drown out the celestial whispers. This is not a day to toil in the earthly fields, but to hold our breath and listen to the cosmic symphony that resonates just beyond the veil of the everyday.

Hokhmah, unlike the flickering flame of earthly knowledge, beckons us to remember the primordial fire that ignited creation itself. It is a remembrance not of facts or figures, but a soul-stirring echo of the divine spark that slumbers within each of us. We turn inwards, not with the cold gaze of a scholar, but with the yearning of a lover seeking reunion with the beloved. As this remembrance deepens, the very air around us shimmers with an otherworldly light, imbuing the day with a sacred presence.

The commandments that frame Shabbat, to “guard” and “remember,” become living expressions of Hokhmah. To guard is to become a vigilant steward, protecting the day’s sanctity from the encroachment of the ordinary. It is to stand sentinel at the threshold of the sacred, ensuring only the purest intentions and most elevated thoughts cross that threshold. Remembering becomes a sacred dance, a continuous twirling around the divine essence at its center. With each pirouette, we allow Hokhmah to seep deeper into our being, transforming us into vessels overflowing with celestial wisdom.

Yet, Hokhmah is not a passive gift bestowed upon the chosen few. It is a pearl unearthed from the depths of our own souls. We become alchemists, tending the fires of meditation, prayer, and contemplation within. These are the crucibles where experience is transmuted into wisdom. Through these sacred practices, we unlock the hidden chambers of our being, allowing us to witness the divine mysteries that dance in the shadows.

Hokhmah becomes the celestial bridge on this sacred day. It transforms Shabbat from a respite from the ordinary into a portal to spiritual awakening. As we cross this bridge, leaving behind the familiar shores of the mundane, we forge a profound connection with the divine essence that animates all creation. This is not simply a day of rest; it is a pilgrimage to the heart of the sacred, a day where we bathe not in the golden light of the sun, but in the transformative radiance of Hokhmah.

The act of “remembering” on Shabbat resonates deeply with the mystical concept of remembering the exuberant joy of witnessing Hokhmah’s infinite light pierce through the tzimtzum. Both remembrances reach beyond simple recall; they are active awakenings of the soul.

On Shabbat, we traditionally “remember” the holiness of the day. This isn’t just a mental note; it’s a conscious cultivation of awareness. We step back from the everyday and attune ourselves to the subtle whispers of the divine woven into the fabric of time. It’s like remembering a forgotten melody, the tune resurfacing not just in our minds, but filling us with a sense of wholeness.

Similarly, remembering the exuberant joy of witnessing Hokhmah’s light penetrate the tzimtzum is an act of reawakening to a primordial state. The tzimtzum, in Kabbalah, signifies the divine self-contraction to create space for the universe. This remembrance isn’t about chronology, but about a profound sense of recognition. It’s like a spark igniting within us, a memory of the ecstatic union that existed before creation, before the separation caused by the tzimtzum.

The experience of receiving Hokhmah, then, becomes a remembrance of our inherent connection to the Divine Eternal God. Hokhmah’s light represents a return to that state of unity. As we receive this wisdom, it’s not just an intellectual acquisition; it’s a homecoming. It’s like a child, separated from its parent, suddenly catching a familiar scent, a flood of warmth and belonging washing over them.

This experience also sheds light on our constant experiences of personal tzimtzum. In our daily lives, we often feel disconnected from the divine source. We are clouded by ego, desires, and the limitations of our physical existence. Yet, the remembrance of receiving Hokhmah awakens us to the truth – the divine light is always there, ever-present within us. It’s like a seed buried beneath the soil. Receiving Hokhmah is like sunlight breaking through, nurturing the seed and reminding it of its potential to bloom into its full essence.

Therefore, “remembering” on Shabbat and the remembrance of Hokhmah’s light are not mere recollections. They are doorways to a deeper reality. They allow us to pierce the veil of our everyday experiences and reconnect with the divine spark that lies within, a spark that remembers its origin and yearns for reunion.