Why Sages Keep the Customs
Why do Kabbalists who know the truth continue with the customs?
This is a point that confuses many people. If a Kabbalist lives the truth, the internality, why do they still continue with the same external customs—prayer, fasting, ceremonies?
Baal HaSulam explains this on several levels:
A Common Language with the People: The Kabbalist already lives in the world of internality, but the people still live mostly in externality. In order to speak with the people, to remain connected to them, and not to appear as a maverick who breaks down fences, they also remain in the customs. It is a “bridge” that allows for connection.
The Garment of the Light: The customs are like clothes. Even if the person within is already full of light, the garment allows them to appear in this world. Without the garment, their light would be too abstract and couldn’t be grasped.
Rectifying the Collective Vessel: A Kabbalist does not work only for themself. Even if they have already personally reached the completion of their rectification, they carry the collective. When a Kabbalist performs a commandment, it is not like when an “ordinary person” does.
The Continuity of the Ladder: The Kabbalists know that it is impossible to “skip over” externality before the internality is filled. Therefore, they also maintain the external framework so that future generations are not left having lost the tools completely.
The Zohar says, “The Torah and the customs were given for the sake of the internality,” but as long as not everyone has reached that internality, the Kabbalists also hold on to the external form so that the world has something to grasp.
Simply put:
A Kabbalist does not need the customs for themself—they are already connected to the light.
But they perform them for the sake of the collective, for the rectification of the generation, and so that there will be a thread connecting the root to the physical reality.
The Kabbalist and Mashiach
The Kabbalist is one who learns the internality of the Torah, opens gates, understands the secret of creation, and connects the external with the internal. They bring a light of personal attainment and thereby rectify their portion in the collective.
But Mashiach is a completely different level.
He is not another “person who has attained secrets.”
He is the complete consciousness of the final rectification.
Mashiach is not another illuminated individual, but the stature of a complete person, a collective soul in which all human beings are included.
Mashiach does not need “customs” or even “the study of Kabbalah” in the sense that we know it.
He is reality itself, when it is rectified.
The Kabbalists are emissaries who prepare the way.
Mashiach is the fulfillment itself.
The Ramchal says that Mashiach is the “end of creation”—the revelation of the purpose that was woven from the very beginning. Baal HaSulam describes Mashiach as the “power of pure bestowal” that will be revealed in humanity, not merely as a private person but as a collective consciousness.
Therefore, to say “Mashiach is not a Kabbalist but Mashiach” means:
He is not another teacher, sage, or opener of secret gates,
but the gate itself.
Not one who explains the light, but the light in its embodiment.
Not another individual who shows the way, but the way itself that has become life.
Fasting
In its essence, a fast is a rectification of a lack, of a fracture. It is an attempt by a person to subdue the ego, to break the desire, to make space for the light. As long as there is a gap between a person’s will and their ultimate purpose, there is a need for fasting.
But Mashiach is the revelation of a state in which there is no more lack.
In the state of Mashiach, there is no need for ascetic practices, not because they are “disdained,” but because the vessel is already whole. There is nothing to break—only a wholeness to reveal.
The Ramchal teaches that at the final rectification, “the judgments are transformed into mercy.” Meaning, all the fasts and afflictions that were necessary before are transformed into light and joy. The Zohar says that in the days of Mashiach, “the fasts will be turned into gladness and joy” (as stated by the prophet Zechariah). This is not an annulment, but a change of state. What worked as an affliction becomes joy, because the purpose has been revealed.
Mashiach does not fast, because he has nothing to “atone” for.
He lives the unity of the Creator in completeness,
and this is a place that cannot be touched by fasting.
Fasting belongs to the world of rectification.
Mashiach belongs to the world of perfection.
Reflect:
In your own spiritual life, what “bridges” or external practices do you maintain, perhaps for the sake of connection with others or to honor the path?
Can you feel the difference between someone who explains the light and the experience of the light itself?
Fasting is a tool for rectifying a sense of lack. Where in your life do you feel whole and complete, with nothing to “atone” for, only a wholeness to express?
I’d love to hear what this stirs in you.