Every generation faces a unique spiritual battle. For us, in these critical times, our Sages identify two central fronts: emunah and kedushah. This isn’t an abstract concept; it’s a direct struggle over the very nekudah—the essential point of holiness—within each and every one of us. As taught by our Tzadikim, these final tests of history play out precisely in the sefiros of Yesod (representing kedushah) and Malchus (representing emunah). These two sefiros correspond to the spiritual roles of Yosef and Dovid, respectively, embodying the concept of the תרין משיחין, two forms of a reality that becomes clear during this period of Bein HaMetzarim, as will be explained.
Shivah Asar B’Tammuz and Tishah B’Av are not isolated events; they work together to form one continuous time period known as The Three Weeks. This unity stems from their deep Kabbalistic roots: they represent Yesod and Malchus, two sefiros inherently destined to be bound together.
On the 17th of Tammuz, a foundational rupture occurred: the shattering of the Two Luchos, the Asares HaDibros, which represents Hashem’s essential bris with Klal Yisrael. This represented a p’gam habris, a breaking in the sefirah of Yesod.
Tisha B’Av marks the day the meraglim returned with their devastating report. This was a breaking of the sefirah of Malchus, a failure of emunah, of which Hashem Himself lamented: עַד אֲנָה לֹא יַאֲמִינוּ בִי, “How long will they not believe in Me?”
To understand this, we must look deeper into the nature of the Jewish soul. A Jewish neshamah doesn’t merely receive a command to believe; it is born a believer. The very first of the Asares HaDibros, “Anochi Hashem Elokecha,” is a profound statement of inherent identity, rather than a command: You are a ma’amin! As our Sages teach us, we are “ma’aminim bnei ma’aminim“—believers, children of believers.
Similarly with our kedushah — it is not merely an ideal we strive for; holiness is woven into the very fabric of our spiritual DNA.
Hence, to be a Jew is to be intrinsically connected to these two monumental pillars: emunah and kedushah. Our fundamental work is not to create these qualities, but to unveil what is already there.
The profound connection between these concepts is illuminated by the following gematria. The words נקודה טובה totals 187, The same sum as אמונה, which is 102, and מילה, (symbolizing kedushah), which is 85.
As we courageously navigate these powerful final tests before the coming of Moshiach, the awareness of our own nekudah tova, and our ability to see and affirm this spark in our fellow Jew—becomes our greatest spiritual strength. This profound recognition empowers us to transcend challenges and reveals the ultimate purpose of this special time in history. The entire cosmic journey of our generation is precisely about unveiling this very nekudah tova, our innermost, essential selves, connected to the ultimate revelation of Yosef and Dovid inside of each and every one of us. This inherent light, once fully revealed, will not only conquer all darkness but will illuminate the glorious times ahead of us, the coming of the תרין משיחין. May it be speedily in our days!
This article was found in Nekuda Tova Issue 46 Tisha B’av Edition.
