Speech shows our consciousness, the outside wall separates from the Light, and darkness holds sparks to lift.
Weekly study · Monday to Friday
✦ All insights are drawn from articles by Michael Berg published on onehouse.kabbalah.com.
Proverbs says Ish lefi mahalalo. According to Rabbenu Yonah, a person's state of consciousness is seen in what they exalt when they speak. Michael Berg gives the example of someone who does hours of connections and, outside them, speaks only of money. What weighs is not what we do, but what we most value in mind and in words.
Whoever had tzara'at sat outside the camp. Michael Berg says that we are all outside, some more, some less. Each selfish action, in thought, word or deed, builds a wall that keeps us from feeling the whole Light of the Zohar and of Shabbat. That is why the same connection is felt so differently.
Spiritual work exists to lift the sparks handed over to the klipot, and they are in the darkness. Michael Berg teaches that when we fall, the sparks attach to our soul, and on reconnecting we lift all of them. That is why we must appreciate the moments of darkness too.
What someone exalts in words shows their consciousness more than what they study.
Everyday conversations say what is really important to us.
Each selfish action raises a wall between us and the Light of the Zohar and Shabbat.
It is in the darkness that the sparks we need to lift are found.
Whoever gives thanks for what they lived in the dark lifts the sparks on returning.
The portions Tazria and Metzora, read together, speak of things that seem negative: harmful speech, tzara'at, exile outside the camp. Michael Berg reads three teachings in them. The first, from Ish lefi mahalalo: what we exalt in words and thoughts is what we are. Whoever is not perfect, but holds connection to the Light as most important, is connected.
The second comes from the image of badad yeshev, sitting alone outside. We are all a little outside, and the reason is that each selfish action raises a barrier. That is why the Zohar does not let us feel the Light Rav Shimon felt. The way is to remember this before acting and to use the strength of Shabbat to bring the wall down.
The third answers the hardest question: why do we fall? Because the sparks still to be lifted are in the darkness, and when we fall they attach to us. When we reconnect, we lift the sparks with us, which together leads to the end of correction. That is why appreciation for the time of darkness is part of the work.
Notice what you exalt.
Today, observe your conversations. After each, ask: "What did I exalt: Light, kindness, or something else?"
Exalt what matters.
In one conversation today, steer the subject toward kindness or growth. Notice the reaction.
Pause before the selfish action.
When about to act only for yourself, pause for a second: "This pulls the Light from my next connection." Choose again.
Recognize the function of the fall.
Think of a recent low moment. Thank it and ask which sparks it left for you to lift. Reconnect.
Unite word, wall and spark.
Write what changed in your speech and your connection. Thank the Light and choose what you will exalt next week.
I exalt what brings me closer to the Light.
I bring down the wall and lift the sparks the darkness was keeping.
May this week of Tazria and Metzora help you exalt what matters and lift what has fallen. Shavua Tov!
The Words We Exalt, by Michael Berg
Sitting Outside the Camp, by Michael Berg
The Reason We Fall, by Michael Berg
If someone you love is in a dark phase, this portion speaks of what it may be holding.
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