Our Test: The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil
The Sages described these times we live in as 'great and terrible' - also remarking that they themselves would not want to be alive for the tests we face, implying that these tests provide a great opportunity for us.
The Biblical perspective of time is not linear but something closer to cyclical. As time spirals onward, we may sometimes recognize echoes of the past in current events. This is especially true of humanity's missteps.
In this way, the Creator provides us with opportunities, or 're-dos' on both the personal and collective dimensions, enabling us to view our lives within a framework of error and Tikkun (repair).
We see this in our personal lives as the same challenges, types of people, and tests resurface until we eventually learn the lesson.
Regarding our generation, we are in the time the Sages refer to as the "Footsteps (or 'heel') of Messiah"¹ where humanity will be immersed in a rapid refinement process. While this looks like a breakdown for some - and indeed is on one level - it provides many opportunities to amend past failings.
The Sin in the Garden
One of which humanity still feels the aftershocks that occurred through the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. In Genesis, Eve's desire for wisdom, and subsequent sin, brought disaster upon the world.
It is speculated the fruits of this tree would have been available to humanity in time had they only waited until they had reached the appropriate level of consciousness to withstand it. Too early, however–chaos.
Commentators have remarked that the nature of the Tree of Knowledge was related to human desire². The wording in Genesis 3:6 indicates that the tree was 'desirable' to Eve, and various Midrashim explore the themes of sinful intimacy and sexuality in this episode.
Of course, desire itself is not inherently evil - it is vital in marital relationships and even our connection to the Creator. However, desire can be a destructive human motivator when imbalanced and not applied within a proper G_Dly framework.
This is an important aspect to keep in mind for the moment.
Telling Time
Jewish tradition predicts that the times we live in will be 'great and terrible' - remarking that they themselves would not want to be alive for the tests we face!
In his book, "Talking About the End Days"³, Rabbi Pinchas Winston reveals a profound insight into our times, relating these concepts to the unique situation and opportunity we have been given.