Shabbat part 10

The Friday night meal is over, the kids have been put to bed. This night is also known as "Mitzvah Night". The physical union of husband and wife, although mentioned in RAMBAM as being part of the command of "Oneg": Delight in Shabbat, is seen by Kabbalists, and has trickled down to most ordinary observant  Jews, as being very central to the Shabbat experience. I will preface that the fulfillment of the Mitzvah is subject to all the usual Biblical and Rabbinic laws regarding sexual relations. But if all considerations are taken care of, such as the menstrual laws (discussed elsewhere), as well as dealing with any medical or emotional factors, this is the very fulfillment of the central theme of Shabbat; unity of Masculine and Feminine below as above, as well as recognition of the "Image of G-d" expressed differently, yet so interdependently, in Man and Woman. Although marital relations can be performed almost any time, Friday night is described in the Talmud as "the time for Torah Scholars". It is independent of procreation; the Mitzvah is performed during times of pregnancy and nursing, as well as after menopause. If pregnancy is desired, this is the time that the holiest of souls are available to bestow upon one's progeny. The two must be of "one mind". If there is any tension, it must be resolved before the Mitzvah. There should be words of love exchanged. Two things are happening here. Husband and wife are reflecting "Yichud Kudsha Brich Hu U'Shechineteih", the Unity of G-d and His Shechinah; the Masculine and Feminine aspects of G-d. In addition, the Supernal Unity is BROUGHT ABOUT by this earthly unity as well. The couple is not only engaged in an act of love and tenderness but in a cosmic drama. The ARI z"l discusses the various aspects of this physical union (hugging, kissing, etc.) and how they reflect that which is above the physical. Can you imagine how different marriages would be if everyone viewed their spouse as a reflection of cosmic significance? The Baal Shem Tov was once asked why he gesticulates so wildly during prayer. He is purported to have said "that is how I make love to my wife": The act of love is in itself a form of worship! The two unite, but then go beyond themselves, melding into something far greater, that gives ultimate meaning to what for most people is a simple act of pleasure. I have mentioned previously that Friday night is the "Bride"; the Divine Feminine, while Shabbat morning is the Divine Masculine. The act of love is the bridge connecting the two. Kabbalistically, besides the possibility of creating new life, spiritual life is also created. It is well known in Hasidic literature that when not procreating, this union creates souls of the Gerim; the converts. I was thrilled to discover recently in a rather obscure part of the Writings of the ARI, not only this, but that even drops of semen that "go to waste" (i.e., come out of the woman's body after relations) are used by higher forces to create souls of Gerim! (Provided that the act of love is with holy intent). This most basic of human actions is thus a great cosmic drama, reminiscent of the drama of Creation itself! I have previously discussed how on Shabbat, the "permitted" becomes the "Holy". The Mitzvah is, in essence, the expression of life itself, and the G-dly drama behind it. We will go to Shabbat morning...next time.