Letters are the means by which G-dly energy enlivens existence. Not only the words and the font of the letters in Loshon HaKodesh, but also the ideas behind them. That means that, “May there be a sky,” includes all the details of what makes up a sky. Those particular ideas, which are subcategories of the general idea, are made of letters too. For example: the storehouse of snow, the grinders of mann for the tzaddikim, etc.
Letters are channels. At the beginning of this chapter we explained that life-force comes from G-d in the form of letters. Compared to Hashem’s middos, we can call them letters; but from our end we have to realize that these are 22 different types of expression from on High. The font of these is related to the way they channel the life-force (will be explained later on).
Here the Alter Rebbe explains that creative energy that Hashem creates the world with is channelled through “letters.” Just as an idea is expressed by limiting one’s thought and fitting it into words, so too, infinitely more so when it comes to Hashem. In order to reveal, there must be some form of concealment.
The sefiros are tools by which Hashem conducts, and created existence. Each sefira has its characteristic, and that characteristic, expresses itself in a different way. The atmosphere, which separates the higher waters from the lower waters is manifestation of g’vura.
The Alter Rebbe explains in the note, that it’s because of the tzimtzum that there can be qualities and descriptions to Hashem. Since Hashem is beyond infinite (and even that description doesn’t cut it), the only way for there to be parts or descriptions, is the tzimtzum. How Hashem is one with His qualities, sefiros, etc., is belief. It is beyond human comprehension how He can be one with things that are separate entities,
You can’t understand Hashem. Period. If a person says they can’t touch an deep idea with their hand would be laughed at; because you can’t touch ideas. Infinitely more so when it comes to Hashem’s qualities (which aren’t even Hashem!). Hashem is called “wise,” “kind,” “merciful,” etc. How? Because He is the source of these qualities (that are themselves infinitely greater than physicality).
Chochma, loosely translated as “wisdom,” is the loftiest capability and power in a person. Yet in the possuk, “Kulom b’chochma osisa,” (You made all of them with wisdom) we see that Hashem creates the world with Chochma. The concept: Just as the action is the lowest, most external capability of a person, Chochma is a lowly and external capability of Hashem, so to speak. So, the life-force in our physical action is nothing compared to the life-force of our chochma and our chochma…
Picture your average “chassidishe bocher”— smashed black hat— smaller, probably, than your average Litvishe yeshiva bocher— suit jacket, white shirt— untucked— dark casual to dressed pants, black sneakers or dress shoes. Dapper? Perhaps. Why? I’m not about to get into the whole history of how yeshivos decided they were going to create a dress code, mainly because I don’t know what happened. My opinion is it’s a bandaid— a quick superficial fix for bigger underlying issue— you are more than…