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).
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.
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).
Part Five: This Car Has Good Handling ה) וְזֶהוּ ״יְהִי הַוֲיֶ’ אֱלֹקֵינוּ עִמָּנוּ כַּאֲשֶׁר הָיָה עִם אֲבוֹתֵינוּ,״ This then is the meaning of, “May G-d, our G-d be with us just as He was with our forefathers.” דְּבֲּעַבוֹדַת הָאָבוֹת מּוּדְגָשִׁים שְׁנֵי עִנְיָנִים הַנִזְכָּרִים לְעֵיל The Forefathers’ service to G-d underscored the two types of humility we mentioned earlier (self-sacrifice as result of a decision vs. self-sacrifice as a result of being humbled by G-dliness). שֶׁקִיְימוּ כָּל הַתּוֹרָה עַד שֶׁלֹא נִיתְּנָה, דְבָּזֶה מוּדְגָשׁ שֶׁעַבוֹדָתָם הָיְתָה (לֹא מִפְּנֵי…
Part Four: Understanding the Language, Shedding Light on a Deeper Reality Translation and Integrated Translation of the Ma’amer ד) דְּהִנֵה לָשׁוֹן ״עִם״ שַׁיָיךְ כְּשְׁיֵשׁ דִמְיוֹן בֵּין שְׁנֵי הַדְבָרִים. כְּדְרָשַׁת רַבֹּתֵנוּ זִכְרוֹנָם לִבְרָכָה, עֲל הַפָּסוּק וְהִתְיַצְּבוּ שָׁם עִמָּךְ, עִמָּךְ בְּדוֹמִין לָךְ The use of the word “with” is relevant only when there is a relationship between the different elements at play. For example, on the verse where G-d tells Moshe Rabeinu (BeHa’alos’cho, 11:16), “…And have them [the seventy elders] stand there…
Part Three: Personal Relationship With the Divine. Humility and Self-Sacrifice “ג) דְהִינֵה הַטַעֲם עֲל זֶה שׁהַיִרְאָה בָּאָה בּעִיקָר עֲל-יְדֵי עֲבוֹדַת הָאָדָם, יֵשׁ לוֹמַר, כִּי יִרְאָה הִיא בִּיטוּל. וּבְּפְרַט יִרְאַת הַמֶלֶךְ, ״שֹוֹם תָּשִֹים עָלֶיךָ מֶלֶךְ״ שֶׁתְּהֵא אֵימָתוֹ עָלֶיךָ The reason why fear is specifically a result of our personal effort is, that fear is humility: especially the fear associated with a king. A possible reason why fear is humility can be understood by the following. Fear is, as defined in Chassidus, the…
Y’hi Hashem Elokeinu Imonu; Parshas Korach, Gimmel Tammuz, 5724 (1964) Historical Background to the Ma’amer: This ma’amer is based on the Frierdiker Rebbe’s sicha of 5687 (1927). The Frierdiker Rebbe delivered this sicha after being incarcerated for nineteen days at the Spalerno fortress, before being sent to exile in Kostroma. At the station, before boarding the train car, the Frierdiker Rebbe turned to the chassidim who had come to bid him farewell and delivered the sicha. (Days In Chabad, Kaminetzky & Cohen,…
Likkutei Torah Sh’lach Lecha Anoshim: First Ma’amer, First Os Conceptual Background to the Ma’amer: Please note that this is a small portion of the ideas covered in this ma’amer. For a fuller perspective on these and other ideas refer to Mystical Concepts in Chassidus, by J. Immanuel Shochet. Another indispensable tool is your local mafte’ach inyonim—the index of concepts—in the back of the Tanya or any other sefer Chassidus. I. The Scouts (Meraglim) Here’s a link to the verses with Rashi…