by Ram ben Ze'ev
In the depths of Jewish mysticism, the Holy Zohar provides profound insights into the nature of spiritual awakening and connection with the Divine. One of these teachings is found in Bemidbar 4:39-40, where the text describes the transformative experience that occurs when a person gazes upon the "Supreme light"—the revelation of G-D’s presence. This mystical encounter, as explained in the Holy Zohar, is not merely a moment of intellectual understanding but a profound, soul-altering experience that leaves a person spiritually elevated and changed.
The Holy Zohar speaks metaphorically about the Supreme light, representing an intimate, direct experience with the Divine. It suggests that this is not something that can be achieved casually or through superficial means; rather, it is a deep, intentional act of seeking G-D’s presence. In Jewish tradition, such experiences can happen through prayer, Torah study, acts of loving-kindness, or moments of intense spiritual clarity.
When a person opens their heart and mind to this light, allowing G-D’s presence to shine upon them, the transformation that follows is inevitable. The Holy Zohar explains that once the Supreme light touches a person’s soul, they are forever changed. G-D’s light brings clarity and purification, dispelling the inner darkness—fears, doubts, and selfish tendencies—that can often cloud our spiritual vision.
This encounter with G-D’s light is not a fleeting moment but the beginning of a process of spiritual elevation. The Zohar emphasises that once a person has experienced the Divine light, they cannot return to their former state. Their spiritual awareness is expanded, and they begin to see the world in a new way, with heightened sensitivity to the spiritual realities underlying physical existence.
However, this transformation is not automatic or passive. The Holy Zohar urges us to actively hold onto the light and allow it to permeate our lives. This requires ongoing commitment—continuing to seek G-D in every aspect of life, whether through daily mitzvot (commandments), ethical living, or personal spiritual practices. The light must inspire us to live with greater compassion, justice, and awareness of G-D’s presence in the world.
The Holy Zohar teaches that this Divine light is not an external spectacle to be witnessed from afar. Rather, it is an internal illumination that fills the soul with understanding and connection to G-D. This illumination brings with it the realization that all of creation is interconnected, and that each of us has a role in reflecting G-D’s light into the world.
Once we have glimpsed the Supreme light, we are called to become vessels for that light, allowing it to guide our actions, thoughts, and interactions. In doing so, we help to spread the light to others, contributing to the ongoing spiritual elevation of the world.
In modern life, this teaching can serve as a reminder that spiritual growth is not a one-time event but a continual process. Each day presents opportunities to seek G-D’s light, whether through prayer, study, or acts of kindness. When faced with challenges or darkness in the world, we can remember that G-D’s light is always present, waiting to be revealed through our efforts.
The Holy Zohar’s teaching also emphasises the importance of intentionality in our spiritual lives. We must be active participants in our own transformation, seeking out ways to bring holiness into our daily routines. Whether it is through the way we treat others, the way we engage with sacred texts, or the way we approach challenges, we have the potential to reflect G-D’s light in all that we do.
The Holy Zohar’s discussion of the Supreme light in Bemidbar 4:39-40 offers a timeless message of spiritual transformation and elevation. By seeking G-D’s light and allowing it to transform us, we can rise above the distractions and challenges of the material world. This process is ongoing, calling us to continually strive for greater holiness and connection to G-D.
The concept of Tikkun Olam—the repair of the world—is deeply rooted in Jewish thought, but at its core, it begins with the individual. The Holy Zohar teaches that each of us is capable of becoming a vessel for the Divine light, and in doing so, we embark on a journey of personal transformation. This personal journey is not just for the sake of our own spiritual elevation, but it is directly tied to the greater cosmic purpose: the repair of the world.
Tikkun Olam is not a grand, external task that one completes by fixing others or large-scale systems. Instead, it starts within. Each person must focus on repairing themselves, refining their character, purifying their soul, and aligning their actions with G-D’s will. When we address our own imperfections, struggles, and inner darkness, we allow the Divine light to shine more brightly through us.
The Holy Zohar emphasises that as we heal and elevate ourselves, we naturally contribute to the healing and elevation of the world. The more each person becomes a bearer of this light, the more the world around them is illuminated. Just as a single candle can light up a dark room, an individual who is spiritually awakened can bring holiness and clarity to their surroundings.
This teaching reminds us that Tikkun Olam is a collective effort, but it starts with each individual taking responsibility for their own spiritual journey. As we each repair ourselves—our thoughts, our behaviors, our relationships with others—we create ripples of positive change. These ripples extend outward, contributing to the broader repair and redemption of the world.
In this sense, the Holy Zohar teaches that the ultimate fulfilment of Tikkun Olam is not about grandiose actions or monumental changes. It is about the quiet, daily work of refining our character, drawing closer to G-D, and letting that inner light shine. As more people engage in this personal transformation, the world itself is uplifted, and G-D’s presence becomes more fully revealed.
Thus, Tikkun Olam begins with the self. By repairing ourselves, we repair the world. It is through this internal work, multiplied across many individuals, that we bring about the ultimate redemption and fulfill our higher purpose as bearers of the Divine light.
This message resonates today as we navigate the complexities of modern life. By seeking the Supreme light and allowing G-D to guide us, we can live with greater spiritual awareness and bring more of G-D’s presence into the world around us.
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Bill White (Ram ben Ze'ev) is CEO of WireNews Limited, Mayside Partners Limited, MEADHANAN Agency, Kestrel Assets Limited, SpudsToGo Limited and Executive Director of Hebrew Synagogue