Beyond the Veil - Parsha Balak
Tracing the Lineage of Spiritual Wisdom from Ancient Prophets to Today
There is More to Reality Than Meets the Eye
In the natural world, countless phenomena exist beyond our sensory perception. Science has revealed that the electromagnetic spectrum includes a vast range of wavelengths, many of which are invisible to the human eye. For instance:
Ultraviolet and Infrared Light: We can only see a small portion of the electromagnetic spectrum known as visible light. Ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) light exist outside this visible range and play crucial roles in processes such as photosynthesis and thermal imaging.
Sound Waves: Humans' audible range is limited to frequencies between approximately 20 Hz and 20 kHz. However, animals like bats and dolphins can hear ultrasonic frequencies beyond our hearing capability, using these sounds for navigation and communication.
Radio Waves: Radio waves, which carry signals for television, radio, and mobile phones, are imperceptible to our senses, yet they enable instantaneous global communication.
These examples illustrate that the existence of phenomena outside our direct sensory perception is a well-established scientific fact. Just as these invisible aspects of the physical world exist and influence our lives, so too does the spiritual realm, which includes what is referred to in Kabbalistic tradition as Pardes, the realm of spiritual realities.
The Two Realms: Sitra d'Archa and Sitra d'Kedusah
The quest to understand realms beyond our tangible physical reality is as old as humanity itself. Throughout history, this curiosity has driven advancements in cellular biology, quantum physics, and spiritual practices, all pointing to the existence of something greater. Kabbalah, a branch of Jewish mysticism, delves deeply into this pursuit. It offers a rich tapestry of traditions and techniques designed to explore and comprehend the spiritual dimensions that coexist with our material world. Within Kabbalistic thought, this unseen reality is bifurcated into two distinct realms:
Sitra d'Archa (The Side of Impurity): This realm is associated with impurity, evil, and spiritual corruption. It represents forces that lead individuals away from divine will and ethical conduct. Practices such as sorcery, divination, and black magic are connected to this realm. The Zohar describes this realm extensively: "The sitra achra is a realm of impurity and evil, which opposes the holy realms of sitra d'kedusha. Those who engage in practices that align with the sitra achra draw upon the forces of darkness and corruption, while those who align themselves with sitra d'kedusha draw upon the forces of light and purity."
Sitra d'Kedusah (The Side of Holiness): In contrast, this realm is aligned with purity, goodness, and divine will. It includes the positive spiritual forces that guide individuals towards righteousness, ethical living, and a closer relationship with God. Prophecy, healing, and righteous actions are manifestations of this realm.
The sages teach that both realms are equally accessible to all human beings, regardless of their background. The key difference lies in the intentions and methods of accessing these spiritual dimensions. Engaging with the sitra d'kedushah requires a commitment to ethical living, spiritual purity, and alignment with divine will. In contrast, the sitra achra is accessed through practices that deviate from moral and spiritual integrity.
Proverbs 4:18-19 states:
"The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble."
The traditions of Kabbalah have long guided pious Jewish sages in navigating the complexities of the spiritual world. They offer valuable tools and insights to help them choose the path of righteousness, align with holiness, and avoid the pitfalls of impurity. To explore this topic, trace the historical roots of this tradition as far back as we can.
The House of Shem and Eber
According to Jewish tradition, the first house of study and prophecy was the House of Shem and Eber. This particular beit midrash (house of study) is considered the precursor to later prophetic schools in Israel and is significant in developing Jewish spirituality, prophecy, and mystical experiences.
Origins and Purpose: Shem, the son of Noah, and his great-grandson Eber are credited with founding this house of study. It was established to preserve and transmit the knowledge of God and His ways in a post-flood world rapidly descending into idolatry and immorality.
Torah Study and Prophecy: The House of Shem and Eber was a place where the study of divine wisdom and prophecy was cultivated. This institution served as a sanctuary of spiritual purity and divine insight amidst a world increasingly steeped in corruption.
Biblical References: The tradition of the House of Shem and Eber is explained in Jewish tradition, particularly through the stories of the patriarchs. For example, Jacob is said to have studied at the House of Shem and Eber for 14 years before his sojourn to Haran: "And Jacob went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran...and he abode in the house of Eber, and there he learnt the doctrines of the Torah, and kept them" (Pirkei de-Rabbi Eliezer 36).
Sources and Teachings: Pirkei de-Rabbi Eliezer details the House of Shem and Eber, describing how the institution served as a learning and spiritual guidance center. Rashi’s Commentary also alludes to the House of Shem and Eber in his commentary on Genesis, noting that Jacob’s time there was spent learning and preparing spiritually for the challenges he would face later in life.
The House of Shem and Eber is seen as a model for subsequent institutions of learning and prophecy in Jewish history. It emphasizes the importance of dedicated study, ethical conduct, and spiritual preparation in achieving divine insight and maintaining a connection with God. It laid the groundwork for later prophetic schools mentioned in the Bible, setting a precedent for the communal and structured approach to learning and spiritual development that would characterize the schools of Samuel, Elijah, and Elisha.
Schools of Prophecy and Sorcery
In ancient Israel, there were established schools of prophecy where aspiring prophets learned under the guidance of seasoned prophets. These schools, mentioned in texts such as 1 Samuel and 2 Kings, provided a structured environment for spiritual growth and training in prophetic practices.
Mentorship and Community: Young prophets were mentored by figures like Samuel, Elijah, and Elisha, who provided spiritual guidance and practical training. This community aspect was essential for nurturing the prophetic gift and ensuring it was used in alignment with divine will.
Schools of Sorcery: In contrast, schools of sorcery existed in various cultures, including ancient Egypt. Pharaoh’s magicians, who opposed Moses, are a prime example. These practitioners were trained in the occult arts, utilizing rituals and incantations to harness spiritual power for various purposes, often aligned with the sitra achra. Sorcery and divination were common in many ancient civilizations and used to manipulate natural and spiritual forces for personal gain or to influence political and social outcomes.
The Essenes and the Schools of the Prophets
The Essene movement, a Jewish sect in the Second Temple period, believed themselves to be the "Sons of Light." This self-designation is supported by texts such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, particularly the "War Scroll," which describes the Essenes as the "Sons of Light" in opposition to the "Sons of Darkness."
Continuation of Prophetic Traditions: Scholars suggest that the Essenes continued the traditions of the ancient prophetic schools. Similar to the prophetic communities of ancient Israel, they lived in communal settings, practiced strict ritual purity, and engaged in intense study and prayer. The Dead Sea Scrolls provide substantial evidence of their beliefs, practices, and self-perception as inheritors of the prophetic tradition.
The Story of Balaam
The narrative of Balaam vividly illustrates the dual realms of spiritual influence and the consequences of misusing prophetic gifts. Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, was known for his spiritual abilities and was sought by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse the Israelites.
Balaam's Prophetic Gift: Balaam possessed genuine prophetic abilities, recognized by God, as seen in Numbers 22:12: "You shall not go with them; you shall not curse the people, for they are blessed." However, unlike the prophets of Israel, who aligned their gifts with divine will, Balaam used his abilities for personal gain and was driven by greed and ambition. According to the Talmud, Balaam was a Gentile prophet with abilities comparable to Moses. Yet, the Talmud also criticizes him for his moral corruption and misuse of these gifts (Sanhedrin 105b).
Forsaking the Ways of Righteousness: Rabbinical sources emphasize that Balaam forsook the path of righteousness, choosing instead to align with the sitra achra. He engaged in sorcery and divination, practices condemned by the Torah and associated with impurity and evil. The Midrash states: "Balaam, who intended to curse Israel, sought to align himself with the forces of impurity and darkness, thus revealing his true nature" (Numbers Rabbah 20:7).
Divine Intervention: Despite Balaam’s intentions, God intervened, transforming his curses into blessings. This highlights the supremacy of the sitra d'kedusah, where divine will ultimately prevails over attempts to misuse spiritual power. The Torah recounts how God put words of blessing in Balaam’s mouth, thwarting his attempts to harm Israel (Numbers 23:8-12).
Spiritual Awakening: Balaam’s eventual ability to see the angel blocking his path symbolizes a forced spiritual awakening - akin to being ‘born again.’ Initially blind to the divine message, Balaam's eyes are opened by God to perceive the spiritual reality: "Then the Lord opened Balaam's eyes, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way with his drawn sword in his hand; and he bowed down and fell on his face" (Numbers 22:31). This moment illustrates that true spiritual sight is granted by God and aligns with the sitra d'kedusah.
Balaam's Legacy: Balaam's story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of misusing spiritual gifts for personal gain. His legacy is that of a prophet who chose the path of darkness over light, aligning himself with the forces of impurity rather than striving for righteousness. As the Sefer HaBahir emphasizes, every individual faces a choice between the paths of light and darkness, with Balaam exemplifying the consequences of choosing the latter.
Prophecy, Healing, and Righteous Actions
Both the sitra d'kedusha and the sitra d’achra can manifest phenomena that appear similar on the surface, such as prophecy, healing, and actions that seem righteous. The critical difference lies in the source and intention behind them.
Prophecy:
Sitra d'kedusha: True prophecy is a direct communication from God to the prophet, aimed at guiding people toward righteousness and divine will.
Sitra d'achra: False prophecy or divination can appear as prophecy but originates from impure sources, often leading individuals away from ethical conduct, Torah, and divine will.
Healing:
Sitra d'kedusha: Healing involves genuine miracles or medical insights that align with divine will and promote well-being in a righteous manner.
Sitra d'achra: Healing can also come from sources of impurity, such as sorcery or forbidden spiritual practices. While these may seem beneficial, they often have negative spiritual consequences or align with unethical practices.
Righteous Actions:
Sitra d'kedusha: True righteous actions align with divine commandments, ethical living, Torah, and genuine altruism, leading to spiritual growth and harmony.
Sitra d'achra: Actions that appear righteous but are motivated by selfishness, deceit, or impure intentions fall under this realm. They may bring about temporary good but ultimately lead to spiritual corruption.
Modern Practices
Today, the principles established by these historical precedents remain relevant. Ethical living, prayer, meditation, Torah observance, and study are still vital pathways to accessing the realms of holiness. Both Jews and Gentiles can engage in these practices to align with the sitra d'kedusah.
Awareness and Discernment
Awareness of Spiritual Dimensions: Just as scientific understanding allows us to perceive and navigate the physical world, spiritual awareness enables us to engage with the spiritual realms. Recognizing the existence of these realms and their influence on our lives is the first step toward responsible engagement.
Discernment Between Realms: It is crucial to discern between the realms of purity and impurity. This discernment requires ethical alignment, a commitment to righteousness, and a deep understanding of spiritual principles. By doing so, individuals can ensure that their spiritual pursuits are aligned with the sitra d'kedusah.
Conclusion
The spiritual realms of sitra d'kedusah and sitra d'achra are as alive and active today as they were in ancient times. The ancient wisdom of the House of Shem and Eber, the profound stories of Balaam, the disciplined schools of the prophets, and the ascetic practices of the Essenes all point to a continuous, unbroken thread of spiritual and ethical instruction that spans millennia.
Today, the call to explore and engage with these spiritual dimensions remains just as potent. Ethical living, prayer, meditation, Torah observance, and study are not mere relics of the past but vital practices that open pathways to the realms of holiness. The spiritual world around us teems with the same potential for divine connection and moral challenge as it did for our ancestors.
However, navigating these realms requires a discerning mind. The lines between the Sitra d'kedusah and the Sitra d'achra can be subtle, demanding careful, ethical alignment and deep spiritual insight. Just as a skilled navigator reads the stars to traverse the oceans, so too must we develop our spiritual awareness to discern the forces of purity from the forces of impurity. Thus, having a righteous guide is critical. The sages warn against attempting the journey on your own.
In a world filled with distractions and moral ambiguities, the challenge is to deliberately maintain this awareness and choose the path of righteousness. By doing so, we can align ourselves with the forces of purity and divine will, tapping into the profound spiritual heritage that has been handed down through generations. In this way, we not only honor the past but also contribute to a future where the spiritual dimensions continue to guide and illuminate our lives.
As Jesus said:
"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12)
"While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." (John 9:5)
Let us strive to walk in this light, to perceive the unseen, and to awaken to the spiritual truths that guide us toward a life of divine connection, moral integrity, and blessing.
Have a great day! Stay sharp. Pray. Be ready.
Ty
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Awesome post! "Proverbs 25:2
"It is the glory of God to conceal a matter,
But the glory of kings is to search out a matter."