In Kabbalah, Or (אור) is the Hebrew word for “light,” and it holds a deeply symbolic and spiritual meaning. It refers to the divine light that emanates from God and is a fundamental concept in Kabbalistic thought. Or is often understood in various contexts, each of which contributes to the Kabbalistic understanding of creation, spiritual illumination, and the nature of the universe.
Divine Light (Or En Sof)
Or En Sof (אור אין סוף) literally means “The Light of the Infinite” and refers to the unbounded, infinite light that emanates from Ein Sof (אין סוף), the infinite and unknowable aspect of God. This light is the source of all creation. In Mormonism, this is known as the Light of Christ. In the Kabbalistic narrative of creation, Or En Sof is the initial divine energy that fills all of existence before the creation of the material world. According to the Kabbalistic view of creation, God first created Or as a pure, unmanifest light. The light, after being contracted, is perceived as the energy or force that sustains the world. All created things in the universe are said to contain a spark of this divine light. In a way, the entire cosmos is viewed as being imbued with Or—the divine light that flows through everything.
The Ten Sefirot
In the Tree of Life (the structure of the Sefirot in Kabbalah), Or flows through the ten Sefirot (divine emanations), which are channels or vessels for the divine light. These Sefirot, ranging from Keter (Crown) at the top to Malchut (Sovereignty) at the bottom—act as the vessels for divine energy. The light that flows through these Sefirot is a way to understand the manifestation of God’s will and how it interacts with creation. The interaction of Or with the vessels of the Sefirot can lead to harmony (when the vessels are properly aligned) or to brokenness (when the vessels shatter, a concept known as Shevirat ha-Kelim, the breaking of the vessels).
Or as Illumination and Knowledge
Or is not only physical light but also symbolizes spiritual illumination. In Kabbalah, the light represents knowledge, wisdom, and understanding that emanates from God and provides enlightenment to the soul. The process of spiritual growth in Kabbalah involves aligning oneself with the divine light and receiving the illumination that it brings. Or allows the soul to perceive the truth of God and reality. The more a person is receptive to Or, the closer they come to understanding the divine will.
Or Makif (Surrounding Light) and Or Pnimi (Inner Light)
Or Makif (אור מקיף) refers to the “surrounding light,” the external or transcendent light of God that surrounds the soul, but does not yet penetrate it. It can be seen as a protective or overarching influence. Or Pnimi (אור פנימי), on the other hand, is the “inner light,” which is the light that penetrates the soul and brings inner transformation. Or Pnimi is the light that permeates one’s inner being and consciousness, guiding the individual toward spiritual perfection.
Or and Redemption
The soul is also understood to be a vessel for divine light. In Kabbalah, the soul’s journey is to receive and reflect the Or it is given. The process of Tikkun (spiritual correction or restoration) involves purifying and refining the soul so that it can better receive the divine light and fulfill its purpose in the world. As the soul ascends spiritually, it comes closer to Or, allowing its divine spark to shine through. The ultimate aim in Kabbalistic teachings is for the soul to become fully united with Or, embodying divine wisdom and truth. The redemption of the individual and the world is often portrayed as the restoration of the Or that has been concealed or diminished. The arrival of the Messiah in Kabbalistic thought is seen as the event that will reveal the hidden Or, bringing about the restoration of the world to its ultimate divine perfection, when the light of God will shine openly and universally.
Summary
In Kabbalah, Or is a central concept that encompasses divine light, spiritual illumination, and the energy that sustains and creates the universe. The mystical path in Kabbalah involves seeking the divine Or through meditation, prayer, and spiritual practices. Or represents the divine presence that the mystic seeks to experience and integrate in their life. The seeker is encouraged to align with the divine light to gain greater insight into the workings of the universe and the secrets of the Torah. It is an expression of God’s will and presence in the world, and its flow through the Sefirot governs the unfolding of creation. As a metaphysical force, Or is what guides the soul toward enlightenment, and its ultimate revelation is linked to the redemption of the world. Or is integral to the mystical journey, as it represents both the light that permeates the world and the wisdom that leads the soul toward reunion with the divine.
