Tonight and tomorrow we celebrate 'Lag B'omer,' (the 33rd day in the counting of the Omer).
This special day is the yahrtzeit of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai (2nd century c.e.). Rabbi Shimon – author of the Zohar, Kabbalah’s foundational text - is in many ways the "Father of Jewish Spirituality.' While Jewish mysticism and spirituality are as old as the Torah itself, Rabbi Shimon dedicated his life to the pursuit of Mysticism, and its accessibility.
Lag B'Omer is thus a day for us to revisit - and enhance- our own spirituality. In a simple sense, the spiritual is something that is beyond the physical; it's 'of the spirit.'
But that definition is obviously insufficient. Jealousy is a sensation. Does that make it spiritual? How about satanism?
Here are a few thoughts about spirituality:
1. G-d created spirituality as a bridge between the Divine and our human reality. Spirituality is actually a conductor; a means through which G-d makes G-dliness accessible to our world.
2. Spirituality makes us feel good. But if that was it's only attribute, it would be just another [high-minded] stop on the road to self-satisfaction. Genuine Spirituality is a search for less ‘me’. It’s necessarily a bond with G-d; something beyond (yet deeper within) us. Spirituality is a path to losing the 'me' in the Transcendent.
3. There are generally two reasons we may not be able to see what’s around us. It may be dark and/or we may have our eyes closed.
By creating Spirituality, G-d 'turned on the lights' (to some extent) in the world. But we still need to 'open our eyes.’ Self-indulgence, anger and ego all have a dulling, darkening effect on our sensitivity receptors. They shade our soul’s eyes to a world illuminated by Divine light.
3. A spiritual perspective gives us depth of vision. When we’re in a spiritual mindset, we can see – in our mind's eye - beyond the shallow façade, and view everyone as a Divine creation with some valuable potential for the world. With a spiritual attitude, we start to see the world from the inside out, and we can envision the world as it's supposed to be.
Here’s some imagery that may be helpful: Think of life as a puzzle, with all the pieces scattered about. Jewish spirituality gives us a peek at the box top. We get a holistic perspective as to how the pieces can all fit together; how it can all make sense. We get a glimpse at a world where G-dliness and meaning are on full display, and where our eyes are wide open. A world of Moshiach.
Happy Lag B’omer.