Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur and Keter

Keter is the highest sfirot in the tree of life. But although it sits on the tree, so to speak, it is not really of the tree. Keter means crown. A crown is something that is worn on the head, but it is not part of the head. It sits atop as a regal presence and while in relationship with the head and body, they remain a separate thing. This is the first step towards understanding just what Keter is and how it functions in relationship to the rest of the sfirot, as well as how it relates to us, our spiritual practice and our relationship and understanding of the divine.

Keter was the first manifestation, the first spark and flow of life in the space that we know as our world. It was the beginning of the Divine Creator’s grace to us. The Creator’s first utterance towards our creation was a silent, ineffable nod of divine ‘ratzon’-will. The primordial vitality, this pure light of spirit is the animating, yet still unformed and undifferentiated crown that sits just above the tree. Keter is the spirit hole through which the other sfirot pass on their way to their own place on the tree. Keter is pure being. It is not contained or limited by form. To sense Keter, in even the most vague way is to come as close as we can to the infinite.

Just as a crown sits on the head, Keter sits on the top of and heads the energy of the holidays. The Zohar explains (Parshat Pinchas) that Rosh Hashana is the right column,Yom Kippur is the left column, Sukkot is the central column while Keter overlooks them. Keter illuminates the holidays and Shabbat. This is when its presence is the closest.

How can we work with, connect with something that is not manifest in this world. What is the mechanism by and through which we can even make an attempt. Keter is in between creation and the infinite. To be in that place means to be connected to both sides. We are in a similar place on Yom Kippur. We are in the physical world where we pray for all of our souls, ask forgiveness from each other and from our Creator. We fast and disavow our vows at the same time we are encompassed and bathed in the flow of the Divine’s love.

Keter Meditations

Kol Nidre-An angel stands in front of each of us as we chant the Kol Nidre. They come through the spirit hole to help us. Acknowledge your angel if even by a nod. Close your eyes and let an angel image form in your inner eye. You take the next step.

Fasting- Present yourself to the Creator in humbleness as a soul who is ready to give over what is holding back your life. Visualize the spirit hole above and feel the forgiveness and love as it flows into you and cleanses you. Present yourself again, but now as a brave heart who is happy to love and grow. It’s hard to be hungry and thirsty, but a little suffering for the right thing can lead to unexpected beauty and lessons especially when you are being so loved, cleansed and supported by the divine.