The Mishkan, Sacred Space, and Access Codes

Julian Ungar-Sargon

We explore the last verse of the book of Exodus where the pillar of cloud returns finally to the Mishkan after having been absent ever since the Golden Calf episode.

Why was Moshe Rabeinu denied access when the cloud was present and how do we resolve the conflicting verses?
The midrash reveals the anxiety of the nation when the pillar of fire surrounded the tabernacle at night forcing us to reflect on the dual nature of day/night, cloud/fire conscious light and unconscious darkness and how we negotiate these alternative spiritual spaces both individually and , tragically on the geopolitical landscape.
These texts reveal a holographic image of access to the divine/mishkan/higher self as paradoxical and uncanny, so how do we learn to be skilled in crossing these boundaries?