When Rituals Don’t Resonate
In the Zohar and the writings of the Ari, it is said that the visible customs and commandments are “garments” (levushim), like clothes for the soul. They are meant to give the soul a tangible vessel for its descent into this world.
But when a particular soul arrives already rectified in this aspect, or if its root is very high (a soul of Mashiach, a soul of Binah, a soul of Malchut in the final generation), it is sometimes not drawn at all to the external garment.
The generation of Mashiach rectifies not the actions, but the intentions.
What was primary in previous worlds (the deed, the custom, the physical commandment)
becomes secondary, and what was hidden (the intention, the consciousness, the internality of the heart)
becomes primary.
In the Tanya, it is explained that the soul descends into exile to clarify its portion in the infinite light.
There are souls that rectify specifically through physical action,
and there are souls that rectify through thought and inner dvekut (cleaving to God).
One who is not drawn to customs is not necessarily distancing themselves;
rather, sometimes they come from a place that seeks the root of the light without the garment.
The Ramchal writes (in Klach Pitchei Chochmah) that there is a level called Yesharim (“the Upright”),
where a person has no need for roundabout ways,
no need for external tools,
but aligns directly with the supernal will.
This is part of the tidings of Mashiach consciousness.
Moments of silence,
introspection,
a kind word to yourself,
speaking with love—
these are also garments,
just of a more subtle kind.
Reflect:
Have you ever felt guilt or confusion because certain external religious practices didn’t resonate with your soul?
What if your path of rectification is less about external actions and more about purifying your intentions, thoughts, and inner state?
Can you recognize the “subtle garments” you already wear—moments of silence, self-compassion, a kind word? What if these are your primary form of practice?
What lands for you?