1. Atzilut is Private Providence It is written in The Study of the Ten Sefirot (Part 3, Chapter 3, Items 4-5) that in the world of Atzilut, it is the light itself. It seems to me that his intention is that this is not so with the light that shines …
The Striking of Thoughts upon Man
2. The Striking of Thoughts upon Man “Because of the striking of upper light, which strikes that curtain, lights sparkled from them and went through that Masach [screen]” (The Study of the Ten Sefirot, Part 3, Chapter 4, Item 6). We can interpret that striking is the thoughts that strike …
Against Your Will – 1
3. Against Your Will – 1 “Against your will you are born; against your will you live; and against your will you die.” Birth is as the verse, “A proselyte who converted is as a newly born child.” That is, each time we reacquire the quality of faith, it is …
If There Is a Virgin Maiden
4. If There Is a Virgin Maiden “If there is a virgin maiden engaged to a man, and a man finds her in town and lies with her.” We can interpret that the holy Shechina [Divinity] is called “maiden.” There are three states: available, engaged, and married. In the state …
The Meaning of Sins Becoming as Merits
5. The Meaning of Sins Becoming as Merits We can understand the meaning of sins becoming as merits, that if a person has a question, which is certainly a great iniquity because this question might cause him to fall into the Klipa [shell/peel] called “pondering the beginning.” If he repents …
A Gentile Who Observes the Sabbath Must Die
6. A Gentile Who Observes the Sabbath Must Die “A gentile who observes Shabbat [Sabbath] must die.” “Make your Shabbat a weekday and do not be needy of people.” “Welcoming the Shabbat should be while it is still day.” The curse of the serpent is that dust will be his …
The Correction of Lines
7. The Correction of Lines The correction of lines. The right line is the white of Abba [father]. Through the appearance of light of Hochma [wisdom] into the 320 sparks, the Malchut of each Melech [king] descends back to her place since there is a Tzimtzum [restriction] on the Aviut …
This Is the Path of Torah – 1
8. This Is the Path of Torah – 1 “This is the path of Torah: Lead a sorrowful life.” Because he works for the sake of the Creator, the body has no pleasure because it is not receiving anything. But when accustoming the body to work in bestowal, against its …
A Hedge for Wisdom – Silence - 1
9. A Hedge for Wisdom – Silence - 1 “A hedge for wisdom – silence.” That is, in order to be rewarded with Hochma [wisdom], one must first correct the Kelim [vessels] so they have the quality of bestowal. Hence, the correction is “silence,” meaning that in every matter, he …
For He Whom the Lord Loves He Admonishes - 1
10. For He Whom the Lord Loves He Admonishes - 1 “He whom the Lord loves He admonishes.” That is, the Creator sends suffering to those He loves, meaning that they will suffer that they are not walking on the path of the Creator. Conversely, one who does not feel …
The Fear of You and the Dread of You Shall Be upon All the Animals of the Earth - 1
11. The Fear of You and the Dread of You Shall Be upon All the Animals of the Earth - 1 “The fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon all the animals of the earth.” RASHI interprets that “as long as a day old infant is …
The Whole World Is Nourished by My Son Hanina – 1
12. The Whole World Is Nourished by My Son Hanina – 1 “The whole is nourished by my son Hanina, and Hanina my son suffices himself with 102 carobs [meager food] from one eve of Shabbat [Sabbath] to another.” In the work, we should interpret that one who walks on …
A Hand on the Throne of the Lord – 1
13. A Hand on the Throne of the Lord – 1 “And he said, ‘A hand on the throne of the Lord; the Lord has war against Amalek from generation to generation.’” RASHI interprets, “The Creator swore that His name will not be whole and His throne will not be …
Thus You Shall Say to the House of Jacob
14. Thus You Shall Say to the House of Jacob “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob” are the women; tell them the matters in general, for they can listen; “and tell the sons of Israel” are the men. He told him, “Tell them the precisions of the …
Ordinances
15. Ordinances It is written in Midrash Rabbah, “Another explanation: ‘These are the ordinances.’ Idol-worshippers have judges and Israel have judges, and you do not know the difference between them.” There is an allegory about a patient that a doctor came to see. He told his family, “Feed him anything …
The Numbered Things of the Tabernacle – 1
16. The Numbered Things of the Tabernacle – 1 “These are the numbered things of the tabernacle, the tabernacle of the testimony.” It is written in Midrash Rabbah, “Why does it write ‘tabernacle’ twice? Rabbi Shmuel said that it was mortgaged twice [“mortgage” and “tabernacle” have the same root in …
Concerning the Shechina [Divinity]
17. Concerning the Shechina [Divinity] The Shechina is the place where the Shochen [dweller] is revealed. It is written, “The whole earth is full of His glory,” “There is not a place vacant of Him,” yet there is concealment. Where there is revelation of His Godliness, that place is called …
The Garments of the Soul - 1
18. The Garments of the Soul - 1 Concerning the garments of the soul, “Rabbi Shimon says, ‘To the extent that a person exerts in observing Torah and Mitzvot [commandments], a garment is made for him above in that palace (the palace of the essence of heaven, Hod), to wear …
Beginning to Speak from the Connection with the Creator
19. Beginning to Speak from the Connection with the Creator According to the rule that we begin to speak only by actions, the connection between the Creator and the creatures, which is called Ein Sof [infinity/no end], which is the desire to do good to His creations and not before, …
Concerning the Will to Receive - 1
20. Concerning the Will to Receive - 1 We should understand concerning the matter that it is explained that the purpose of creation is for man to come to a state where he receives in order to bestow, and that this pleasure is permitted, while pleasure for oneself is forbidden. …
Sanctification of the Month
21. Sanctification of the Month “This month shall be the beginning of months for you” (Exodus 12). RASHI interpreted: “Moses was perplexed over the birth of the moon: To what extent should it be seen in order to be fit for sanctification? He showed him with the finger the moon …
And You, Israel
22. And You, Israel “And you, Israel, listen to the laws and the judgments... You shall not add to the matter that I command you, nor take away from it, to keep the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you.” We should understand what is a law …
Behold, I Am Setting Before You
23. Behold, I Am Setting Before You “Behold, I am setting before you.” He begins with singular form [in Hebrew] and ends in plural form. Also, we should understand the meaning of “Behold,” as in “seeing.” Singular form means that each one should be rewarded with seeing, as in, “And …
The Main Thing We Need
24. The Main Thing We Need The main thing we need, and for which we have no fuel for the work, is that we are lacking importance of the goal. That is, we do not know how to appreciate our service so as to know to whom we are bestowing. …
The Summoning for the Blessing on the Food
25. The Summoning for the Blessing on the Food When we summon for the blessing on the food, when we say, “Rabotai [great ones], let us bless,” it is as though we are preparing and summoning to bless over the food. Baal HaSulam said that we see that sometimes someone …
Who Will Not Lift Up the Face
26. Who Will Not Lift Up the Face In the verse, “who will not lift up the face or take a bribe,” we should understand the meaning of the words, “who will not take a bribe.” How can the Creator be bribed, for the verse tells us that He “will …
Three Lines – 1
27. Three Lines – 1 There are two lines, and there is a dispute between them: Each one wants to cancel the other. Three manners extend from this: 1) One cancels the other. 2) Each one wants to cancel but cannot cancel, so they remain disputed. 3) Peace is made …
The Earth Feared and Was Still
28. The Earth Feared and Was Still Rabbi Hizkiya said, “Why is it written, ‘You caused judgment to be heard from heaven; the earth feared and was still.’ If it feared, why was it still, and if it was still, why did it fear? Indeed, first it feared, and finally …
The Creator Observed Their Works
29. The Creator Observed Their Works “The Creator observed the works of the righteous and the works of the wicked, and did not know which the Creator wanted, whether their works”—when he says, “And the Lord saw the light, that it was good, and divided”—it means the works of the …
Turn Away from Evil and Do Good – 1
30. Turn Away from Evil and Do Good – 1 Man’s work begins with “Do good,” and then he can keep the “Turn away from evil,” since by education he cannot perceive the bad as bad. Rather, man yearns to satisfy his wishes because he feels great pleasure is satisfying …
How I Love Your Teaching
31. How I Love Your Teaching “How I love Your Torah [law/teaching], it is my conversation all day long. Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies.” There are many kinds of “What”: 1) “What is this work for you?” 2) “What does the Lord your God require of you?” …
Man’s Greatness Is According to His Work
32. Man’s Greatness Is According to His Work It is written that Rabbi Yosi says, “It is not man’s place that honors him; it is rather man who honors his place, for we find that on Mount Sinai, as long as the Shechina [Divinity] was on it, the Torah said, …
What Is Amalek, Whose Memory We Must Blot Out
33. What Is Amalek, Whose Memory We Must Blot Out “To the wicked, it seems like a hairsbreadth” (Sukkah 52). That is, they are shown that Amalek does not have so much power that he cannot be defeated. “To the righteous—as a high mountain,” since they are powerful in that …
TANTA [Taamim, Nekudot, Tagin, Otiot]
34. TANTA [Taamim, Nekudot, Tagin, Otiot] Taamim [flavors] means one who wants to taste a good taste in life should pay attention to his point in the heart. Every person has a point in the heart, except it does not shine. Rather, it is like a black dot. The point …
Find Favor and a Good Mind
35. Find Favor and a Good Mind “Find favor and a good mind in the eyes of God and man” (Proverbs 3). We should understand what it means to be favored by the Creator, meaning to do things by which man’s actions are approvable in the eyes of the Creator. …
Who Hears a Prayer
36. Who Hears a Prayer “Hears a prayer.” There is a question: Why is prayer written in singular form if the Creator hears prayers, as it is written, “For you hear the prayer of every mouth of Your people Israel with mercy”? We should interpret that we have only one …
Fish Means Worries
37. Fish Means Worries Dagim [fish] means Daagot [worries/concerns] about spirituality, meaning deficiencies. On Shabbat [Sabbath], when everything is corrected, the worries become food. In Egypt, the worries were for nothing, meaning without Mitzvot [commandments]. If the worries concern self-reception, the body is worried and we do not need to …
The Blessing of the Torah
38. The Blessing of the Torah “The blessing of the Torah” means that the body obligates him to bless. That is, the body that the Creator created with a nature that if he receives something good from someone, he blesses him, and this is called “the blessing of the food” …
Anyone with Whom the Spirit of the People Is Pleased – 1
39. Anyone with Whom the Spirit of the People Is Pleased – 1 “Anyone with whom the spirit of the people is pleased.” He asked, We find that the greatest and most renowned were disputed, so the spirit of the people is not pleased with him. He explained that that …
Concerning Two Witnesses
40. Concerning Two Witnesses SAM seeks to accuse Israel, so the Creator tells him to bring witnesses, so he brings with it the sun. He went to bring the moon, and he followed her. He went up to the place where he was told, “In that which is inconceivable to …
Raising the Hands
41. Raising the Hands It is written, “Raise your hands of holiness and bless the Lord.” Also, a prayer is by raising the hands, as it is written, “And it came to pass that when Moses lifted up his hands, Israel prevailed.” Raising the hands is regarded as “surrender,” since …
Serve the Creator with Joy
42. Serve the Creator with Joy The Zohar asks, It is written, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted.” A servant of the Creator, whose intention is to bestow, should be happy when he is serving the King. If he has no joy during this work, it is a sign …
The Discernments of “Woman” and “Sons” in the Torah
43. The Discernments of “Woman” and “Sons” in the Torah “A woman is only for beauty; a woman is only for sons; a woman is only for a woman’s adornments,” and RASHI interprets that adornments should be bought for her to make her beautiful (Ketubot 59b). Good days imply the …
Ruin by Elders—Construction; Construction by Youths—Ruin
44. Ruin by Elders—Construction; Construction by Youths—Ruin “Ruin by elders—construction; construction by youths—ruin” (Megillah 31b). Elders are those who are accustomed to the work of the Creator. Youths are those who are in the beginning of their work. “Ruin” means a descent or a fall, where previously they had some …
Sons of Wise Disciples
45. Sons of Wise Disciples Our sages said, “Why are the sons of wise disciples not wise disciples? It is because they did not bless in the Torah first” (Nedarim 81b). A wise disciple is one who learns Torah. “Their sons” are the offshoots born to them after the learning. …
This Moment and the Next Moment
46. This Moment and the Next Moment “This moment” is called Ohr Pnimi [Inner Light], and the “next moment” is called Ohr Makif [Surrounding Light]. A person who is dissatisfied with the present begins to think “When will the next moment come?” for then he will have satisfaction. In the …
Worse than Everyone
47. Worse than Everyone A person should feel that he is worse than everyone because he feels that no person has the faults that he has, although he sees that they engage in the work less than he does.
Right, Wholeness, and Truth
48. Right, Wholeness, and Truth If a person believes in the greatness and importance of the Creator, and believes that the Creator enjoys his observing His commandments because he is serving Him, this applies when a person feels that compared to the Creator, he is like a little one compared …
Our Faith in Books and Authors
49. Our Faith in Books and Authors The townspeople bought a diamond, and everyone were happy that they bought the diamond for so little money. But one of them asked if the diamond they had bought was real. However, none among the townspeople knew about diamonds, so they went to …
Man’s Sensation of Time
50. Man’s Sensation of Time When a person enjoys something, it extends from the Ohr Pnimi [Inner Light], when the light shines within the Kli [vessel]. When a person enjoys the past, he enjoys the Reshimot [recollections/memories] that remained from the Ohr Pnimi. When a person enjoys what illuminates for …
The State of Shabbat [Sabbath]
51. The State of Shabbat [Sabbath] A Shabbat addition: Good things are given additions before and after. But bad things remain as they are, meaning no additions are attached to them, and we choose the least bad. Since Shabbat is a good thing, there are additions to Shabbat before it …
God Made It so that He Would Be Feared
52. God Made It so that He Would Be Feared “God made it so that he would be feared,” for otherwise there is no demand to draw the lights. This is the meaning of the door that must be shut to prevent the entry of uninvited guests, but to make …
The Voice, the Voice of Jacob, but the Hands, the Hands of Esau
53. The Voice, the Voice of Jacob, but the Hands, the Hands of Esau Our sages said that Esau was going to receive Isaac’s blessing because Jacob did not have Kelim [vessels], but once Jacob received the hands of Esau, meaning Esau’s vessels of reception, and spoke with the voice …
Everlasting Salvation
54. Everlasting Salvation Everlasting salvation: This world is in the present, and the next world is in the future. Within reason is in the present. Above reason is called “in the future,” when he believes in what he will have later as though he has it now.
Delight Them with a Complete Structure – 1
55. Delight Them with a Complete Structure – 1 “Delight them with a complete structure.” We should understand the meaning of an incomplete structure. After all, an incomplete structure is unfit for anything. We should interpret that a time of Kedusha [holiness] is a structure, when a person builds in …
Questions in the Work
56. Questions in the Work How come after a whole year of corporeal work that a person does, he does not ask himself, What have I gained in this year? But in spirituality, a person does ask what he gained during this past year. Does the question about what he …
A Kli [vessel] that Holds a Blessing
57. A Kli [vessel] that Holds a Blessing Concerning a Kli that holds a blessing, a blessing is called “the light,” and “peace” means the Kli. Peace is made by wanting to bestow, and this comes through the light. Thus, who comes first, the light or the blessing? Answer: the …
Ani [I] and Ein [nothing/null]
58. Ani [I] and Ein [nothing/null] Ani is our desire. Ein is the annulment of our desire. Our desire is to receive, and it is called Nukva [Aramaic: female]. The Creator’s desire is to bestow. It follows that when one cancels the Ani, the Ani and Ein are conjoined. This …
Anyone Who Is Angry, It Is as though He Commits Idol-Worship
59. Anyone Who Is Angry, It Is as though He Commits Idol-Worship “Anyone who is angry, it is as though he commits idol-worship,” since in all the transgressions, there is only one transgression: lust. However, there is no pride in them because one is not proud about one’s inability to …
A Request for Help
60. A Request for Help When a person suffers from some corporeal affliction, he should be sorry that the Creator punished him, that he is afflicted. If he is not sorry, it is not a punishment, since a punishment is that which hurts a person and he cannot tolerate his …
Right and Left
61. Right and Left A Zivug [coupling] to sustain the worlds, a Zivug that does not stop, which is covered Hassadim. A Zivug for engendering souls, a Zivug that stops, and it is considered Hochma. On the right, it is possible to live but not to engender, but on the …
Reward and Punishment
62. Reward and Punishment In the work, we use reward and punishment in this world. In the next world, we do not use it although it exists. However, the general public uses reward and punishment primarily in the next world, and not reward and punishment in this world. “Reward” means …
You Stand Here Today – 1
63. You Stand Here Today – 1 “You stand here today all of you.” This means that he gathered them… to admit them into the covenant (RASHI). “All of you” means that everyone entered into the Arvut [mutual responsibility] (Ohr HaChaim). There is a question why he begins with plural …
All Is Done by His Word
64. All Is Done by His Word Concerning the blessing, “All is done by His word,” the rule is that if he had to stop, he must bless again. We should interpret that in the rest of blessings over delights, even though he had to stop, he can still bless, …
Turn Away from Evil and Do Good – 2
65. Turn Away from Evil and Do Good – 2 If a person wants to turn away from evil, he need not take any action in order to remove the evil from himself, since there is a rule in nature that a person cannot stand something bad about himself. Rather, …
Woe unto You Who Await the Day of the Lord
66. Woe unto You Who Await the Day of the Lord “‘Woe unto you who await the day of the Lord; it is darkness and not light.’ There is an allegory about a rooster and a bat, who both waited for the light of day. The rooster said to the …
What Is Truth?
67. What Is Truth? For the most part, beauty is determined by what the majority decides is beautiful or not beautiful when it comes to clothes and furniture. We see that each generation rejects the depiction of beauty of the previous generation. For example: In the previous generation, people knew …
The Order of the Work
68. The Order of the Work In the beginning, one must believe above reason that the Creator wanted to do good to His creations. For this reason, He created His creations and installed in them the desire and yearning to receive pleasure. The reason is that this is the only …
The Reward for Work in Spirituality
69. The Reward for Work in Spirituality Generally, there are three things in the world: 1) the Creator, 2) the created beings, 3) the delight and pleasure that the Creator gives to the created beings. In that sense, we discern the world of Ein Sof [infinity] filling all of reality. …
The Difference between Kedusha [holiness] and Sitra Achra [other side]
70. The Difference between Kedusha [holiness] and Sitra Achra [other side] The difference between the will to receive that is in Kedusha [holiness] and the will to receive that is in the Sitra Achra [other side] is that in Kedusha, we use only the part of the desire we can …
The Meaning of Exile
71. The Meaning of Exile “When Israel are in exile, the Shechina [Divinity] is with them.” This means that if one falls into a descent, spirituality is also in a descent for him. But according to the rule, “a Mitzva [commandment] induces a Mitzva,” why does he come into a …
Concealed and Revealed in His Providence
72. Concealed and Revealed in His Providence For the world in general, His Providence is concealed from the public. That is, the world does not believe that there is guidance over the world and thinks that everything is happening without any leader. Therefore, the Creator leads the world with revealed …
Flavors of Torah
73. Flavors of Torah We eat in order to have strength to work, and we work in order to have something to eat, then we eat in order to have strength to work, and so on. We should understand which is important and which is unimportant. It is simple: If …
Father and Mother
74. Father and Mother “Father gives the white.” The male brings down the vessels of reception of Behina Dalet [Fourth Phase], called “self-love.” “Mother gives the red.” The female gives the Kelim [vessels]. However, they are vessels of bestowal. It follows that it is impossible to obtain vessels of bestowal …
The Work of the Greatest in the Nation
75. The Work of the Greatest in the Nation Baal HaSulam made it so that if an ordinary person follows his way, he can achieve Dvekut [adhesion] with the Creator just like a dedicated wise disciple. Before him, one had to be a great wise disciple in order to be …
The Works Go Up
76. The Works Go Up When we walk on the path of bestowal, nothing of one’s good deeds remains with him. Instead, everything goes up, as it is written in The Zohar, the acts of fear and love fly to the world, go up. Conversely, an act in Lo Lishma …
Greeks Have Gathered Around Me
77. Greeks Have Gathered Around Me “Greeks have gathered around me, then in the days of the Hasmoneans.” The Greeks are the Klipa [shell/peel] opposite from the Kedusha [holiness]. Kedusha is the quality of faith above reason, and the Greeks go explicitly within reason. The Greeks come specifically in the …
The War of the Inclination
78. The War of the Inclination The war of the inclination is internal and external. It is like a boxing match, where each one wants the other to surrender. In other words, he does not want to kill the other. At that time, the war is without clothing, but a …
What Is Handsome In the Work?
79. What Is Handsome In the Work? The soul, which is a part of God above, is captive among the nations. That is, every person is a small world and consists of the seventy nations of the world, and they all govern his soul, which is called “a point in …
Man’s Receptions
80. Man’s Receptions We should distinguish seven manners in man’s receptions, and in each manner there are special conditions: 1) Reception of charity, 2) Reception of a gift, 3) Reception by acquisition with money, 4) Reception by exchange, 5) Reception of a salary for work, 6) Reception by a return …
Against Your Will You Live; Against Your Will You Die
81. Against Your Will You Live; Against Your Will You Die “Against your will you live.” If a person does not want to receive life for himself, then he is alive. “Against your will you die.” If a person does not want to die, as our sages said, “The wicked …
A Horse to Ride On
82. A Horse to Ride On The fathers are the Merkava [chariot/structure], as it is written, “And the Lord rose above Abraham.” The horse thinks that the owner gives it all its needs because he loves it like his sons. So why are the sons at home while it is …
A Prayer for Life and Nourishments
83. A Prayer for Life and Nourishments Our sages asked, “If we need life and nourishments, we should pray for nourishments because nourishments are given to those who are alive” (Taanit 8b). “Life” is called “necessity,” meaning faith. “Nourishments” are the flavors of Torah and Mitzvot [commandments], called “commandment of …
Touching the Tefillin [phylacteries]
84. Touching the Tefillin [phylacteries] “One should touch the Tefillin so as not to get distracted.” It seems as though it would be better for distraction if he looked at the Tefillin. However, distraction means that we should remember that the Tefillin are a Segula [remedy/power], and touching is called …
Observing Torah Only in the Land of Israel
85. Observing Torah Only in the Land of Israel The Torah in its entirety is found only in the land of Israel (The Zohar, Haazinu). There is the quality of “desert,” “settlement,” “world,” and “land of Israel.” This means that all the Mitzvot [commandments] can be observed even when one …
The Degree of “Wicked”
86. The Degree of “Wicked” “And to the wicked, God said, ‘Why do you need My book of laws?’” “The world was created only for the [complete] righteous … and the complete wicked.” To the complete wicked, when he feels, he is using the 613 Eitin [Aramaic: counsels], which are …
Jerusalem
87. Jerusalem Jeru-Salem: “Fear” means a lack, which is the reason for fear. “Complete fear” is one who has no fear. “Right” is called “whole.” “Left” is called “fear,” such as the “fear of Isaac.” Making the middle line is both together, meaning when they unite, it becomes joined—Jeru [from …
The War Against Amalek
88. The War Against Amalek “And it came to pass that when Moses raised his hands, Israel prevailed.” They asked, “Do Moses’ hands make war?” Answer: “When Israel look up, they prevail” (Rosh Hashanah 29a). Interpretation: “Looking up” means to bestow. “Looking” means seeing that the matter is fine, as …
Joy and Fear
89. Joy and Fear It is written, “Serve the Lord with gladness,” “Serve the Lord with fear.” When a person comes to pray for a lack of spirituality, he should be happy that now he realizes that what he needs is spirituality, for previously, he was as an unconscious patient. …
The Difference between Money and Honor
90. The Difference between Money and Honor Kesef [money/silver] comes from the lower one, who Kosef [yearns] and exerts to obtain what he wants. Honor does not depend on the lower one. Rather, it comes from outside of him, as in our world, when people understand that they should respect …
All Bitter Herb [Maror]
91. All Bitter Herb [Maror] At the time of redemption, one feels that the exile was all bitter. But before the redemption, we still cannot know that the exile is so bitter. This is the meaning of “As the advantage of the light from within the darkness.” When we see …
Old and New
92. Old and New Old Kelim [vessels] that were broken, if the cause of the shattering is vessels of reception, you will be careful next time, meaning you will receive new Kelim to work in order to bestow.
A King Who Breaks through a Fence
93. A King Who Breaks through a Fence “A king breaks through a fence and no one protests against him.” “A King” is the Creator. “Breaks through a fence” is that which separates between reception and bestowal. “No one protests against him” means that the body, called the “will to …
A Groom Is Akin to a King
94. A Groom Is Akin to a King A groom is akin to a king in that his iniquities are absolved. In that, he is akin to a king, meaning he has the power of bestowal. This is precisely when the groom feels that he is of inferior degree, and …
The Kingdom of Heaven Begins with Hesed
95. The Kingdom of Heaven Begins with Hesed “The kingdom of heaven begins with Hesed [mercy],” meaning covered Hassadim [mercies]. Memories are Gevura, when we know that the Creator remembers his son. Shofarot [pl. of Shofar, a ram’s horn] is the middle line. Shofar means Shapru [improve] your actions. If …
Affliction Precedes Mercy
96. Affliction Precedes Mercy “When preceding Torah to Mitzva [commandment], or wisdom to fear… likewise will be the redemption. If they are rewarded, they will come out with mercy… and if he does not precede mercy, they will come out in affliction, and it is good that he preceded affliction …
The Torah Must Be Received with Both Hands
97. The Torah Must Be Received with Both Hands It is said that we must receive the Torah with both hands. The verse says, “Long life on her right, and wealth and honor on her left.” Long life means that one should not stop the work of the Creator, but …
Midnight Correction
98. Midnight Correction “Midnight” is called “half and half,” meaning in the middle of the night. “Night” is called “darkness,” and in the middle there is darkness, called “half and half,” half good and half bad, meaning that the light of Kedusha [holiness] shines for him a little bit and …
Wholeness and Deficiency – 1
99. Wholeness and Deficiency – 1 In a place of deficiency, there is a grip to the Sitra Achra [other side]. Hence, when criticizing, a person is deficient, and then there is a grip to the Sitra Achra. At that time, although one does not feel it, he is nonetheless …
Faith and Reason
100. Faith and Reason Tel-Aviv, March 9, 1953 He asked, “Why must we draw Hochma [wisdom], which is knowledge, if all of our work is in faith above reason?” He answered, “If the righteous of the generation were not in the state of knowing, the whole of Israel would not …
Faith Above Reason
101. Faith Above Reason For example, we learned that below Tabur de AK there are ten Sefirot of the Sium. In other words, as long as he says that he does not want to receive because he cannot aim in order to bestow, he has light of Hassadim and illumination …
Good Deeds Are Called Sons
102. Good Deeds Are Called Sons Good deeds are called “sons.” Sons are also called “understanding” and “knowing.” Fathers are called the “reasons” that engender the understanding. Therefore, when we engage in Torah, we want to have understanding and knowledge by engaging in Torah and Mitzvot [commandments]. …This is not …
The Unification of ZON
103. The Unification of ZON “‘And Judah approached him.’ Rabbi Elazar started, ‘For You are our Father, though Abraham does not know us and Israel does not recognize us; You, Lord, are our Father, our Redeemer from of old is Your name.’ In the Sulam [Ladder commentary on The Zohar], …
The Prohibition to Teach a Gentile Torah
104. The Prohibition to Teach a Gentile Torah “It is forbidden to teach a gentile Torah, as was said, ‘He did not do so for any nation’” (Hagigah 13a). According to what Baal HaSulam interprets concerning prohibitions, wherever it is written “forbidden,” it means impossible. It follows that the prohibition …
Blessed Is Our God, Who Has Created Us for His Glory
105. Blessed Is Our God, Who Has Created Us for His Glory One thanks the Creator when the Creator gives him that feeling and he can work in this way, meaning that everything he does is to increase the glory of heaven, and not for his own sake.
The Ruin of Kedusha [Holiness]
106. The Ruin of Kedusha [Holiness] One should pray for the ruin of the Temple, that the Kedusha is ruined and in lowliness, and no one pays attention to this lowliness, that the Kedusha is placed in the earth and must be lifted from its lowliness. In other words, each …
And Golan in the Bashan
107. And Golan in the Bashan Adar 1, Tav-Shin-Zayin, February 21, 1947 Bashan comes from the word Busha [shame]. Golan comes from Geula [redemption]. That is, through the shame we are redeemed. “The Hermon and the Tavor will sing.” Tavor comes from the word Vatar, as in “the mountains of …
Man Determines
108. Man Determines It is man who determines the form, whether it is good or bad. That is, if the suffering comes to mitigate him, it is called “good.” But if he does not say this sincerely, he feels them as suffering.
The Reason Why People Go to the Graves of the Patriarchs
109. The Reason Why People Go to the Graves of the Patriarchs Once, Baal HaSulam went to Hebron before he moved to Tel-Aviv. When he returned from the Cave of Machpelah, he said why people go to the graves of the patriarchs: It is to say, “When will my deeds …
The Path of Torah
110. The Path of Torah The path of suffering is when a person suffers. The path of Torah is when he can depict to himself the suffering he experienced, and then his benefit is that he does not need new suffering.
Nothing New Under the Sun
111. Nothing New Under the Sun “There is nothing new under the sun.” “Novelty” means something new, which did not exist until now. “Under the sun” is not regarded as a novelty, since it is natural that one must work for one’s own sake. Above the sun, which is above …
Returning a Theft
112. Returning a Theft “He shall return the theft that he had robbed.” A “robbery” is when he receives by force, against the giver’s will. The upper one wants the lower one to receive only when he pays in return, meaning so the seller will enjoy. In corporeality, he gives …
The Old Man Looks for Fear of Heaven
113. The Old Man Looks for Fear of Heaven “Before I lose, I search.” That is, the old man who walks always looks at the ground, as though searching for something (Shabbat 152). We should understand what this comes to tell us. An old man is one who has acquired …
Three Partners
114. Three Partners “There are three partners in man: the Creator, his father, and his mother” (Kiddushin 30b). “Right” is called “father,” who gives the white. Man should give an awakening from below, since this is the Kli [vessel], meaning the lack. This is the meaning of “As the advantage …
The Meaning of “Torah Lishma [for Her sake]”
115. The Meaning of “Torah Lishma [for Her sake]” “If he is rewarded, the Torah Lishma [for Her sake] becomes to him a potion of life” (Yoma 72b). That is, he tastes the flavor of Torah, which is regarded as “life.” “If he is not rewarded, it becomes to him …
Who Are the Wicked?
116. Who Are the Wicked? The wicked are those who cannot say that they have an order of good and doing good.
The Light in It Reforms Him
117. The Light in It Reforms Him This means that when one engages in Torah and Mitzvot [commandments] and does not feel good, the light in it reforms him so he will feel good. That is, when he feels bad, he cannot thank the One who reforms him, so he …
Except for “Leave!”
118. Except for “Leave!” Man is but a guest, and the Creator is the Host. It is known that our sages said, “Anything that the landlord tells you, do,” for so is the custom, “except for ‘Leave!’” This is so because when one leaves the domain of the landlord, he …
From Lo Lishma to Lishma
119. From Lo Lishma to Lishma There must always be a beginning; otherwise, it is impossible to achieve Lishma [for Her sake]. That is, one must believe that in all the corporeal lusts, meaning eating, drinking, and the rest of the lusts, as well as in pleasures found in learning …
Joy that Comes from Dancing
120. Joy that Comes from Dancing In corporeality, we see that raising the feet off the ground implies vitality, for Raglayim [legs] imply Meraglim [spies], who went to tour the land. They went to see if it was worthwhile to make an effort to be rewarded with the land of …
Two Forces within Man
121. Two Forces within Man Man detects two forces in the world: 1) The rejecting force, so one will move from the state he is in. 2) The attracting force, which draws a person, for which reason he must move from the state he is in. The rejecting force is …
Being Rewarded with Life
122. Being Rewarded with Life “Rewarded” means that if a person says that he has a desire to learn Torah although he finds in it no flavor, still, he considers it a great privilege that he sits and delves in the book and was given a thought and desire to …
Without Hands and Without Legs
123. Without Hands and Without Legs It is possible to live without hands and not feel an absence, like birds. Also, it is possible to live without legs, like the snake, of whom it was said, “On your belly you shall walk.” “Hands” are the Kelim [vessels] that obtain positivity. …
To Serve Me
124. To Serve Me “The whole world was created only to serve me.” According to the interpretation of Baal HaSulam, it means that all the faults that a person sees in others, he believes that they are his. Therefore, he has what to correct. It follows that the whole world …
Definitions – 1
125. Definitions – 1 The “good side” is called “support.” He has what to count on, meaning he has a foundation. The “side of the harsh judgment” means that he has no foundation on which to build the structure of the kingdom of heaven. At that time, he is in …
Visiting the Sick
126. Visiting the Sick The Creator is above the sick person’s head. “Sick” means his head aches, meaning foreign thoughts, and sick in his abdomen means in the vessels of reception. Also, the Creator gives the awareness that one is sick.
Happy Is He
127. Happy Is He “Happy is he for whom the Creator does not attribute iniquity and whose spirit does not contain deceit” (The Zohar, Nasso, Item 1). That is, why should the Creator not attribute iniquity to him although he has iniquities? It is because there is no deceit in …
Exalt the Lord Our God
128. Exalt the Lord Our God “Exalt the Lord our God and bow before His holy mountain, for the Lord our God is holy.” “Exalt” means that if one wants to know the exaltedness and greatness of the Creator, we can obtain this only through Dvekut [adhesion] and equivalence of …
Knowledge and Faith
129. Knowledge and Faith Man works and toils in order to keep the laws of the nourishments of the body whether knowingly or unknowingly, since the reward and punishment are revealed. For this reason, even if a person does not feel the taste of eating or drinking, such as when …
The Testimony of the Creator
130. The Testimony of the Creator “The testimony of the Creator makes the unwise wise.” If a person knows that he is not wise, the Torah makes him wise. The meaning of “The teaching of the Lord is whole” is that sometimes a person learns Torah, but is the intention …
See a Life with a Woman that You Love
131. See a Life with a Woman that You Love This means that one should include life from the tree of life, which is Zeir Anpin, in this place, which is Malchut, who is called a “woman.” One without the other, Zeir Anpin without Malchut, does not work. One should …
Upper and Lower
132. Upper and Lower Kelim [vessels] of one who acquires, and Kelim of one who gives. The upper one is the one who gives, and the lower one is the one who acquires. The Masach [screen] of the lower one that he has in the Eynaim [eyes] is called “shutting …
It Is All Corrections
133. It Is All Corrections “All the illnesses that I had placed on Egypt, I will not place on you, for I the Lord am your healer” (Exodus 15:26). Our sages ask, “If I do not place the illness, what is the need for a healer?” (Sanhedrin 101a). We should …
Repentance Does Not Help in GAR
134. Repentance Does Not Help in GAR When the light shines in the Kelim [vessels], there is no difference between the light and the Kli [vessel]. When the light departs, the difference becomes apparent. Therefore, when rewarded with repentance from love, the sins become merits because the upper light shines …
Righteous Take by Force
135. Righteous Take by Force There are three manners in reception: 1) receiving charity, 2) receiving a gift, 3) receiving by force, meaning demanding because he deserves it. 1) In charity, one is ashamed when receiving charity, but a person demands although he is ashamed. 2) With a gift, it …
The Tying of Isaac
The Binding of Isaac The binding of Isaac, when Abraham, who is the right line, which is above reason, tied the left line, which is the mind that criticizes everything, it gave him a general picture of the situation he was in. He left all the “left” and took upon …
The Lack Is the Kli [Vessel]
137. The Lack Is the Kli [Vessel] The lack is the most important, and it is called a Kli [vessel] to receive the filling. The amount of the filling is measured by the size of the lack. It follows that if there is the exact same filling, not more and …
A Near Road and a Faraway Road
138. A Near Road and a Faraway Road Dvekut [adhesion] is called “life,” Kedusha [holiness]. “Separation,” meaning self-reception, is called “death,” separation from the Life of Lives. Also, separation from the Kedusha is regarded as Tuma’a [impurity]. The question, “Why are we removed?” concerns one who was impure in his …
A Foot and a Shoe
139. A Foot and a Shoe “How beautiful are your feet in shoes” (The Zohar, Hukat). A shoe is on one’s foot. We should discern between feet and shoes. In corporeality, the shoes keep the feet from harm. Otherwise, if there are no shoes on the feet when we step …
The Difference between Envy and Lust
140. The Difference between Envy and Lust The author of the book Resheet Hochma (in “Gate of Humbleness,” Chapter 7) brings an allegory: There is a story about one who was greedy (meaning he coveted everything he saw), and one who was jealous (who was always jealous of what others …
The Spirit of the Wise Is Displeased with Him
141. The Spirit of the Wise Is Displeased with Him Spirit is called “the spirit of the wise,” which shines in the Kelim [vessels] of above reason, called Hassadim [mercies]. Hence, when one should receive the spirit of the wise, it is displeased with him. That is, it is not …
The Sorrow of the Shechina [Divinity] – 1
142. The Sorrow of the Shechina [Divinity] – 1 The sorrow of the Shechina: a king who has a tower filled with abundance but no guests, like one who held a wedding for his son and ordered hundreds of courses, but now he has no guests, for no one wants …
The Need for Recognition of Evil
143. The Need for Recognition of Evil Why do we need recognition of evil, that we are submerged in the mud, unable to come out? This is the allegory. It is all because we must be very thankful. But there is a difference in how He helped him. To the …
Revealed and Concealed
144. Revealed and Concealed The Torah divides into two manners: The practice of Mitzvot [commandments], which are the revealed part, a visible act. And there is a part of the Torah that is called “hidden,” which is unseen. That part of the Torah belongs to the general public, but the …
Passion for Knowledge
145. Passion for Knowledge The passion for knowledge comes to those who act in order to know, who exert themselves and delve as much as they can. These actions give him the passion to know the Torah. By this, a Kli [vessel] forms within him, which is a desire and …
Suffering and Joy
146. Suffering and Joy Suffering is left line, when a person examines whether his actions are on the path of truth, in order to bestow. At that time, he sees all of his faults. This is called “suffering,” meaning that it pains him that he is so weak about bestowal. …
The Line of the Work
147. The Line of the Work One line is called “wholeness.” The general public follows the one line, meaning one way. That is, each one has a part in Torah and Mitzvot [commandments], and each one assumes how much labor he must do in order to feel that he has …
Faith Is Called “Action”
148. Faith Is Called “Action” Faith is called “action” and not “intellect.” And faith, when the body disagrees, it must go by force, which is above rhyme and reason, but only an act. This is similar to feeding a child and the parents make him see that it is to …
“Land” Is the Kingdom of Heaven
149. “Land” Is the Kingdom of Heaven “And I will also establish My covenant with them to give them the land of Canaan.” Because they were circumcised, they inherited the land, as it is written, “And Your people are all righteous, they will forever inherit the land” (The Zohar, Vaera, …
A Knife for Slaughter
150. A Knife for Slaughter A “knife” is that with which one slaughters. Devotion should be the reason that there will not be any flaw. For example, one who commits suicide is because of a flaw, since he has no point in living for several reasons, and therefore he commits …
The Desire to Bestow – 1
151. The Desire to Bestow – 1 A question: When we say that His desire is to do good to His creations, and when the creatures receive His benefit, this means that His desire is satisfied, meaning that He receives pleasure from bestowing. But we have a rule that the …
Walk Discreetly
152. Walk Discreetly “Walk discreetly” means that “making judgment and love of mercy” should lead one to an intention. “Intention” is called “Walk discreetly,” since one cannot see one’s neighbor’s aim.
Torah with the Manner of the Land
153. Torah with the Manner of the Land “It is good to have Torah with the manner of the land.” “Earth” is called Malchut. The way of Malchut is faith above reason. “It is good to have Torah with the manner of the land” means that if one has a …
Sitting in Corners
154. Sitting in Corners “Sitting in corners.” There are wise disciples: A “corner” is called “faith,” but they have not been rewarded with the Torah, since the Torah is called “profit,” and faith is called “capital” [Keren means both “corner” and “seed money” (capital)]. We must try to be rewarded …
You Have Chosen Us – 1
155. You Have Chosen Us – 1 Man should make the choice. However, when man makes the choice, the Creator chooses the choice that man has made and gives him the abundance pertaining to his choice, as is explained, “When a woman inseminates, she delivers a male child.”
Sanctification of the Moon
156. Sanctification of the Moon We should understand why we must sanctify specifically the moon. It is known that sun and moon imply Zeir Anpin and Malchut. With respect to branch and root, we pray during the sanctification of the moon, “May it please Him to fill the blemish in …
What Comes First—the Blessing or the Peace?
157. What Comes First—the Blessing or the Peace? The blessing comes first but it does not hold. Hence, the blessing departed from him. For this reason, he must use the blessing so there will be peace, meaning so there will not be disparity of form. Thus, each time he receives …
According to the Sorrow Is the Reward
158. According to the Sorrow Is the Reward Through the Torah and Mitzvot [commandments] that a person does, they bring upon him thoughts and desires to want to purify himself. This is called “He who comes to purify.” This is the time when he exerts in order to purify himself …
The Need and Importance of Teaching Faith
159. The Need and Importance of Teaching Faith “‘And choose life.’ Tanna Rabbi Ishmael, it is a craft. From here, sages said, One must teach his sons a craft. If he does not teach him, he must teach himself. What is the reason? So you will live, it is written’” …
And All the People Stand Over You
160. And All the People Stand Over You Yitro [Jethro], Beer Sheba, Tav-Shin-Chaf-Bet [1962] “And all the people stand over you from morning until evening.” Can this be said so? But any judge who judges in complete truth, even for one hour, the text regards him as though he engages …
Awakening – 1
161. Awakening – 1 Every religious person has a moment or a time in life when he has some awakening from above, where he feels vitality about being Jewish. In general, one is in several states where he has no grace of Kedusha [holiness], and sometimes altogether forgets that there …
Love of Others
162. Love of Others I look at one tiny dot, called “love of others,” and I think about it: What can I do in order to benefit people? As I look at the general public, I see the suffering of individuals, illnesses and pains, and the suffering of individuals inflicted …
Colors in the Work
163. Colors in the Work “Left” is called “red” color, which is illumination of Hochma, as in GAR de Hochma. That person is encircled by a black thread, which is the judgments of the Masach de Hirik that diminish it from GAR. Blacker than all blacks: Due to the inversion …
What to Ask of the Creator—to Be His Servant
164. What to Ask of the Creator—to Be His Servant When a person sees that he has disturbances in his work of the Creator and he wants to pray to the Creator to have the strength to work, what should he ask? There are two options: 1) That the Creator …
The Matter of Keeping
165. The Matter of Keeping In the tree of knowledge, there is the matter of keeping, meaning that one should know how to keep himself from foreign thoughts. Since the tree of knowledge is called “good and bad,” one must know how to keep oneself from the bad that is …
Which Repentance Helps?
166. Which Repentance Helps? Repentance helps only on Malchut that is sweetened in Bina, when there is a time of Katnut [smallness/infancy]. In Gadlut [greatness/adulthood], the AHP return to the degree. “Returning” means that they can be used in order to bestow. This is considered that repentance helps, meaning that …
Strict with Himself and Blesses
167. Strict with Himself and Blesses Obligatory blessing means that the body obligates him to bless. That is, the body that the Creator created with a nature that if he receives good things from another, he blesses him. This is called “The blessing for the food from the Torah.” It …
Blessed Is the Man Who Puts His Trust in the Lord
168. Blessed Is the Man Who Puts His Trust in the Lord Explanation: Blessed is a person in whose heart the Creator places the confidence that he will have confidence, for the quality of confidence requires that the Creator will give the confidence. However, there should be light and Kli …
The Meaning of the Bed
169. The Meaning of the Bed The legs of the bed that the Creator called them, when they would tie it to the legs of the bed. Mitah [bed] is called Matah [low] in importance, meaning faith. Our sages said that when they saw the angels carrying Moses’ bed, they …
Faith Within Reason
170. Faith Within Reason Faith within reason is called “A wicked strap with which to strike the wicked.” The reason is that through it, we are enslaved within the exile, for were it not for this they would immediately go free. It is just as Israel were in Egypt 216 …
How Good Are Your Tents, Jacob – 1
171. How Good Are Your Tents, Jacob – 1 “How good are your tents, Jacob.” Yaakov [Jacob] comes from the word Akevaim [heels] and “end.” That is, it is the worst state of lowliness that one feels, when he sees that there is nothing in the world from which he …
Man and the Torah
172. Man and the Torah When a person learns Torah, the person is called “low,” meaning he is concerned only with his own benefit, and he has no clue concerning Dvekut [adhesion] with the Creator, and the Torah that he is learning is from people who were in Dvekut with …
Tefillin
173. Tefillin The hand Tefillin are placed on the weaker hand, which is the left. There are seven bindings there, corresponding to the seven qualities. Each binding is regarded as ascents and descents, but at the same time they advance, meaning that in each wheel, as they go up, there …
The Commandments Are from the Mouth of the Creator
174. The Commandments Are from the Mouth of the Creator We were given Mitzvot [commandments] from the mouth of the Creator, which are from the Torah, as well as Mitzvot of our great sages, and customs of Israel by which we can delight the Creator. Afterward, the light that is …
Three Degrees of Man
175. Three Degrees of Man “Rabbi said, ‘I have learned much Torah from my teachers, more from my friends, and most from my disciples’” (Makkot 10a). A teacher to a student is in a manner of bestowal. “More from my friends”: A friend asks his friend to learn with him, …
Faith Is Regarded as Above Nature
176. Faith Is Regarded as Above Nature Faith is called “something that is not natural,” since it is above reason. Within reason is called “natural,” and it is imprinted within man that what he understands and feels, he can do. Moses is called “faith above reason,” and Korah is called …
The Fruit of Torah
177. The Fruit of Torah A Sage’s Fruit, Part 1 She has nothing of her own except that which others give her. Malchut, called “will to receive,” is forbidden to receive for herself, meaning into her own quality, due to the Tzimtzum [restriction]. By not wanting to receive, to extend …
Father Ejected Mother Because of Her Son
178. Father Ejected Mother Because of Her Son Father means “whole 1.” “Ejected mother” pertains to the intellect, outside of the degree, so as not to use the intellect. Why “because of her son”? It is so he can receive the understanding, the knowledge, without blemishing with his vessels of …
Ibur [Conception] – 1
179. Ibur [Conception] – 1 The broken and dead Kelim [vessels] arise with the sparks for an Ibur through the Reshimot [recollections] that received their light. For example, after the sin of Adam HaRishon, the creatures are regarded as broken and dead Kelim. That is, their Kelim are only in …
King David Has No Life
180. King David Has No Life Rabbi Shimon said that King David did not have a life at all, except that Adam HaRishon gave him seventy years of his own. Another interpretation: Each of the forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Joseph, gave him of their lives. Isaac did not give him …
The Quality of Adam HaRishon – 1
181. The Quality of Adam HaRishon – 1 The quality of Adam HaRishon is dust, as it is written, “And God created man from the dust of the earth.” “Dust” means that he is unfit for sowing. This means that in and of herself, Malchut, which is the will to …
Heresy Is the Punishment
182. Heresy Is the Punishment Heresy is a punishment, that he must look at another body, how it speaks against reason. We must feel sorry for it and evoke mercy on it that it will be reformed.
Work Is the Most Important
183. Work Is the Most Important Man’s work should be primarily in order to “raise the Shechina [Divinity] from the dust.” This means the matter of the kingdom of heaven, meaning to accept the burden of Malchut, which is faith in the Creator, is for the sake of the Creator …
The Time of Wearing the Tefillin [Phylacteries]
184. The Time of Wearing the Tefillin [Phylacteries] The time for wearing Tefillin is from the time he begins to see his friend in his four cubits. What does this imply to us in the work? His friend is the Creator, as it is written, “Your friend and the friend …
Concerning Shekalim – 1
185. Concerning Shekalim – 1 Shekalim: The meaning of Shekel is that a person Shokel [weighs/considers] what to do. “Half a Shekel” comes from the words, “A prayer makes half,” when he must pray that the Creator will complement His will.
Return, Israel – 1
186. Return, Israel – 1 “Return, Israel, unto the Lord your God.” Our sages said, “Great is repentance, for it reaches unto the throne, as was said ‘unto the Lord your God’” (Yoma 86a). Kisse [chair] is from the word Kissui [cover] and from the word Kisse (see in the …
The Greatness of the Creator Is His Humbleness
187. The Greatness of the Creator Is His Humbleness To the extent that a person appreciates the greatness of the Creator, to that very extent, he sees His humbleness. That is, the Creator is humble, for He turns to the person. If the Creator is not so great, then He …
Covering a Portion, Revealing Two Portions – 1
188. Covering a Portion, Revealing Two Portions – 1 We should ask why they revealed if afterward they concealed more. We should interpret that it means that to those who were worthy, they revealed a portion, and to those who were not worthy, so they would not see the truth, …
Concerning Learning the Wisdom of Kabbalah
189. Concerning Learning the Wisdom of Kabbalah In the introduction to the book Imrei Yosef by the ADMOR of Spinka, he writes there in the name of Rav Chaim Eliezer the meaning of the verse, “The glory of God is to conceal the matter and the glory of kings is …
The Place of Repentants
190. The Place of Repentants “Where repentants stand, complete righteous cannot stand” (Berachot 34b). When a person learns, he is called “complete righteous.” When he cannot learn, he is called “wicked.” If he overcomes, he is called “repentant.” The rule is “According to the sorrow is the reward.” Hence, the …
The Roles of Light of Wisdom
191. The Roles of Light of Wisdom There are two roles to the light of wisdom. When it shines, we come to the recognition of evil. Afterward, when one has the recognition of evil, he knows not to use the vessels of reception. Subsequently, it shines and gives strength to …
Foundations
192. Foundations “If He brought us near Mt. Sinai and did not give us the Torah, we would be content.” The interpreters asked, “Without the Torah, how can it be said that we would be content? After all, the Creator created the world for the Torah, as our sages said …
The Meaning of the Second Restriction
193. The Meaning of the Second Restriction Tzimtzum Bet [Second Restriction] in ZAT de Nekudim were separated because there was no correction of lines in them, which is called “connected.” In a place of lack, the abundance does not shine because there is a place of reception called “separation.” But …
Why Was David Punished?
194. Why Was David Punished? “Raba said, ‘Why was David punished? It is because he called the words of Torah ‘songs,’ as was said, ‘Your laws were songs to me in the house of my dwelling.’ The Creator said to him, ‘Words of Torah, of which it is written, ‘If …
The Association of the Quality of Judgment with Mercy
195. The Association of the Quality of Judgment with Mercy Concerning the association of the quality of judgment with mercy, by which the lower one became worthy of Mochin, and concerning the AHP of the upper that fell into the lower one. It is known that the main work is …
Devotion
196. Devotion Devotion means that one must sanctify the name of the Creator in public, meaning if the public forces him to commit a transgression that is regarded as “Be killed but do not transgress,” meaning if the aim of the public is to be idol-worshippers, then even on shoelaces …
Concerning Suffering – 1
197. Concerning Suffering – 1 In the work, suffering cleanses, as our sages said, “I place over you a king such as Haman, who will reform you against your will” (Berachot 5a). In other words, the nature of the will to receive is that it wants to enjoy life. When …
Hochma and Hassadim
198. Hochma and Hassadim The light of Hassadim [mercies] cannot shine in a place that was restricted. It is like a person who engages all day long in idle things, and when he comes to pray, he wants to pray with intention. And yet, we see that he is given …
Oral Torah
199. Oral Torah “Moses His servant” is called “faith in the sages.” Everything that the sages say is called “And they believed in the Lord and in His servant, Moses,” meaning that they believed that Moses received the Torah from the Creator and that the expansion of Moses is in …
Receiving Pleasure from Three Kelim [Vessels]
200. Receiving Pleasure from Three Kelim [Vessels] Man receives pleasure from three Kelim called “future,” “present,” and “past.” The greatest pleasure is from the future. For example, when one thinks that he will be invited to a wedding or to an important dinner, where although there are many people in …
Raising MAN – 1
201. Raising MAN – 1 Question: Raising MAN is regarded as raising a deficiency upward. Thus, why does he write that raising MAN is called Mitzvot [commandments] and good deeds? MAN is called “a deficiency.” But what does the lower one lack by which to add abundance in the worlds? …
Concerning Fear
202. Concerning Fear Fear should be that we will not be able to make the correction called “equivalence of form,” which is called “because He is great and ruling,” where one’s only aim is to bestow. Also, the created beings should have the same intention: to bestow. Conversely, the rest …
The Torah Is Acquired through Suffering
203. The Torah Is Acquired through Suffering Why these suffering? There is a rule, “There is no light without a Kli [vessel].” That is, there is no pleasure without a prior need for the pleasure, and the need is called “suffering,” when one aches at not having pleasure. For this …
Two Kinds of Repentance
204. Two Kinds of Repentance 1) Repentance in practice. This means that he tries to observe all the practices, meaning the practice of learning and engaging in Torah and Mitzvot [commandments] properly. Repenting means that before he repented, when he still did not observe all the Mitzvot as they should …
Action and Intention
205. Action and Intention An act simply means the things one does—whether he engages in reception, meaning to delight himself, or in bestowal, to bestow upon others. But there is the matter of intention. That is, when one performs an act of bestowal, such as charity and almsgiving, but one’s …
Three Things in the World
206. Three Things in the World There are three things: World, Torah, and man (The Zohar, Toldot¸ Item 2) The world means Malchut. The Torah is the light of Torah, which reforms a person. Man is placed under the Klipot [shells/peels] for thirteen years, and after thirteen years he enters …
For Your Crimes, Your Mother Was Sent Away
207. For Your Crimes, Your Mother Was Sent Away “For your crimes, your mother was sent away,” meaning repentance from both sides. The internality in Torah and Mitzvot [commandments] is called “your mother,” meaning she pours on us abundance, as is the nature of a mother who sustains her children. …
The Meaning of Dust
208. The Meaning of Dust “What profit is there in my blood if I go down to the pit? Will the dust thank You? Will it declare Your truthfulness? Hear, O Lord, and pardon me.” Concerning “dust,” it is when one is under the governance of the will to receive, …
A Groom and a Bride
209. A Groom and a Bride The meaning of the joy of a groom and a bride is the Creator and the Shechina [Divinity]. It is written in Ketubot “enjoying being a fool,” meaning that each one should pretend to be a fool, like the intellect that asserts that it …
Man’s Actions
210. Man’s Actions Without the body’s excitement, it is impossible to make a person do something. Thus, “If he sits and does not commit a transgression, it is though he did a Mitzva [commandment].” It cannot be said that this concerns a person who observes many “do not do” each …
Man
211. Man The Zohar, Beresheet Bet, Item 81 1) The face of man is from the Chazeh and above. 2) From the Chazeh and below there is no face of man, but only three faces, which are ox, eagle, and lion. 3) The souls of people are from the Chazeh …
A Palace
212. A Palace The Sulam [Ladder] Commentary on The Zohar, Pekudei, Item 821 The first palace is “The Sapphire Brick,” which is Yesod de Malchut (a Heichal [palace] is called Malchut). “A woman of valor” is Malchut of Atzilut. “A harlot woman” is Malchut of Tuma’a [impurity]. At that time, …
Darkness, Fire, and Shadow
213. Darkness, Fire, and Shadow The Sulam [Ladder] Commentary on The Zohar, Pekudei “Smoke is a mixture of fire and darkness.” “Fire” is regarded as “female judgments,” and darkness is “male judgments.” “Darkness” is those who cling to the left line before it connects to the right. They become dark, …
He Who Robs His Father and His Mother
214. He Who Robs His Father and His Mother “He who enjoys this world without a blessing, it was said about him, ‘He who robs his father and his mother and says, ‘There is no crime,’ is a friend of a man who destroys’” (Berachot 35b). In The Zohar, “Who …
Having Guests – 1
215. Having Guests – 1 A good guest is called “the good inclination,” which comes at thirteen years. “Great is having guests,” since the body does not let it in. “I was a stranger in a foreign land,” which means a foreign desire, the desire of a foreigner and not …
Concerning Women
216. Concerning Women “Women, how do they become worthy? … by watching over the men” (Berachot 17a). “Women” is the will to receive, which is regarded as Lo Lishma [not for Her sake]. What merit does one have if he is working Lo Lishma? The thing is, as our sages …
Run My Beloved
217. Run My Beloved First day of Passover, April 20, 1943, Jerusalem “Run my beloved, until the love of our wedlock wants.” Concerning running, that the Creator appears to us in a manner of running, it is in order to disclose the love. But why do we need the running …
Israel Are the Sons of Kings
218. Israel Are the Sons of Kings Israel are called “sons of kings” because anyone who crowns His name upon himself is called “a king’s son,” as it is written, “And sanctify yourselves and be holy, for I the Lord am holy,” for anyone who sanctifies himself is called “holy” …
Seek Peace and Pursue It
219. Seek Peace and Pursue It In the verse, “Turn away from evil and do good, seek peace and pursue it” (Psalms 34). There are two forces in the world that give man the motivating force that will compel him to revoke his rest force. That is, the force of …
Good Taste in Small, Corporeal Things
220. Good Taste in Small, Corporeal Things We were given a good taste in small, corporeal things so that when we grow up, we will know how to keep spiritual, important things. We see a small child playing with a game his parents bought for him. As long as he …
What Is Life?
221. What Is Life? Life means as long as there is a desire to receive pleasure, or he enjoys what he receives, or enjoys giving to others. If he loses this force, he is considered dead. Therefore, when a person is unconscious, it is considered that he fainted, meaning that …
Scrutinies in the Work
222. Scrutinies in the Work “Bruria found that disciple who was learning in a whisper. She kicked him and said to him, ‘Is it not written, ‘ordered in all things and kept’? If it is ordered in one’s 248 organs, it is kept.’ That disciple who was learning in secret, …
Entry into the Work
223. Entry into the Work The entry into the work must be in Lo Lishma [not for Her sake], meaning that by believing in the Creator he will have a life of pleasure. This means that if he does this action called “faith,” it will give him elation and superior …
The Reason for the Faith
224. The Reason for the Faith The reason for the faith is that there is no greater pleasure than to be rewarded with the revelation of Godliness and the instilling of the Shechina [Divinity]. In order for one to receive all this for the purpose of bestowal, there is a …
Names Are Given only According to the Lower One
225. Names Are Given only According to the Lower One Concerning names, which point to revelations of the actions of the Creator, the name relates to the instruction of the action. All the actions are revealed in the lower ones, specifically in the attaining individual. Nevertheless, the attained in itself …
The Ark Carries Its Carriers
226. The Ark Carries Its Carriers The tablets were placed inside the ark. The tablets are called Torah, and it is clothed inside the ark, meaning faith. Faith is a big and difficult task, which is not within our power to take upon ourselves. However, one must know that “The …
In Katnut, Gevurot Appear First
227. In Katnut, Gevurot Appear First In Katnut [smallness/infancy], Gevurot [judgments] appear first, and then Hassadim [mercies]. In Gadlut [greatness/adulthood], Hassadim appear first and then Gevurot. Katnut is called “the beginning of the work.” A person begins in Gevurot, meaning in Hitgabrut [overcoming], and then he is rewarded with Hassadim. …
Moses Is the Quality of Faith
228. Moses Is the Quality of Faith “Moses died” is the departure of faith. “Moses was born” is the appearance of faith, by which we see that there is lack of faith, which causes one to draw faith, and this is regarded as Moses being born in it.
She Opened Her Mouth with Wisdom
229. She Opened Her Mouth with Wisdom “Rabbi Elazar said, ‘Why is it written, ‘She opened her mouth with wisdom and the Torah [law] of mercy was on her tongue’? There is Torah of mercy and there is Torah that is not of mercy. Torah Lishma [for Her sake] is …
Am I In the Place of God?
230. Am I In the Place of God? “And he said, ‘Am I in the place of God, who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?’” RASHI interpreted, “You say that I should do as father; I am not as father. Father had no sons; I have sons …
Aza and Azael
231. Aza and Azael It is written in The Zohar (p 156 [in Hebrew]): The angels Aza and Azael are from the quality of Achoraim of Abba and Ima in which GAR de Hochma illuminated in the world of Nekudim. Prior to the sin, they were largely corrected, and after …
Bribing the Sitra Achra
232. Bribing the Sitra Achra We should understand the difference between Yenika [suction/nursing] to the Klipa [shell/peel] and Kedusha [holiness], which is the prohibition between the part that is given to the Sitra Achra [other side], which is permitted, such as a goat to Azazel [scapegoat], and so forth. It …
Concerning Yenika [suction/nursing]
233. Concerning Yenika [suction/nursing] We should discern two things: In Yenika [nursing], the infant cannot suck without the consent of the one who nurses. In other words, the one who nurses must agree to carry it out. This is unlike eating, where the food is already prepared but he must …
Reality and the Existence of Reality
234. Reality and the Existence of Reality Example: A living baby is alive. This is called “reality.” On the other hand, we see that his life depends entirely on nourishment. If the baby is not given the nourishment he needs, he will die. It follows that from the perspective of …
The Forms of the Light
235. The Forms of the Light The light that is clothed in the soul does not have the same form as the light before it clothes in the soul. The light is called “simple,” meaning one quality. But when the light is clothed in the will to receive, called a …
The Whole Earth Is Full of His Glory
236. The Whole Earth Is Full of His Glory The expansion of the upper light is clothed in the whole of reality and is called “the sustainer of reality.” It appears in all the dresses that exist in the world, meaning in every corporeal thing before us. Everything is the …
Mind and Heart
237. Mind and Heart The will to receive is expressed in mind and in heart. By correcting it to work in order to bestow, a person can receive the upper abundance. Let us explain the will to receive in the heart. The heart is called “desire and yearning for pleasures.” …
The Joy of the Groom and Bride
238. The Joy of the Groom and Bride We have gathered here to partake in the joy of the groom. A person must delight the groom, as our sages said, “He who enjoys a groom’s meal and does not delight him…” (Berachot 6b). In the Seven Blessings [said at a …
Widows
239. Widows “My anger will be kindled, and I will kill you with the sword, and your wives shall become widows and your children orphans” (Exodus 22:24). “Rabbi Elazar said, ‘From what was said, ‘My anger will be kindled and I will kill you,’ I know that their wives are …
Discernments in States
240. Discernments in States A “servant” is called a “giving force.” A “handmaid” is called a “receiving force.” A Zivug [coupling] is the force that connects the receiving force with the force of giving so it will be receiving in order to bestow. An “offshoot” is that by which one …
When Wicked Are Lost, There Is Singing
241. When Wicked Are Lost, There Is Singing “When wicked are lost, there is singing.” When one is rewarded with the wicked in him being lost, he should glorify the Creator, meaning believe that the Creator helped him achieve this.
As He is merciful, So You Are Merciful
242. As He is merciful, So You Are Merciful As there is joy above from bestowing downward, so the lower one should enjoy bestowing upward. This is called “equivalence of form.” Hence, if the lower one receives because he enjoys bestowing upward, it is called “equivalence of form,” where all …
Finding Grace
243. Finding Grace One should know that he should be rewarded with finding the grace of Kedusha [holiness]. Without finding grace, it is impossible to do anything not in order to receive reward, as was said, “How does one dance before the bride? The House of Shammai say, ‘The bride …
Repentance
244. Repentance Repentance refers to Adam HaRishon prior to the sin being adhered, but became removed because of the sin. Hence, each and every one, because he is a part of the soul of Adam HaRishon, must approach spirituality once more.
The Help of the Creator
245. The Help of the Creator Unless the Creator helps him, he will always remain in his lowliness, and the words, “Were it not for the Creator’s help, he would not overcome it,” will not come true in him, as in “The Lord will finish for me.” Instead, the whole …
Concerning Shekalim – 2
246. Concerning Shekalim – 2 Understanding the meaning of Shekalim, which is one of the things that perplexed Moses. RASHI writes, “He showed him a sort of ring made of fire whose weight was half a Shekel and said to him, ‘Such as this will be given.’” We need to …
He Who Is Meticulous about Turning His Gown
247. He Who Is Meticulous about Turning His Gown “Rabbi Yochanan said, ‘Who is the disciple to whom a lost item is returned by casting his eye on it? He who is meticulous about turning his gown’” (Shabbat 114a). We should understand why specifically for this merit is it returned …
He Who Delights the Shabbat
248. He Who Delights the Shabbat “Anyone who delights the Shabbat [Sabbath] inherits unbounded inheritance.” We should understand what is Shabbat, that we should delight it. That is, is the Shabbat a subject that can receive the delights that we must give? “Six days shall you work, and on the …
I Will Sin and Repent
249. I Will Sin and Repent “If one says, ‘I will sin and repent,’ he will not manage to repent” (Yoma 87). The question is, Why? We found that it is written about the Messiah, “And smell him with the fear of the Lord.” We should understand why the fear …
Anyone in Whom There Is Fear of Heaven – 1
250- Anyone in Whom There Is Fear of Heaven – 1 “Rabbi Helbo said, ‘Rabbi Huna said, ‘Anyone in whom there is fear of heaven, his words are heard,’ as was said, ‘In the end, all is heard, fear God and observe His commandments, for this is the whole of …
Concerning the Minyan [Ten in the synagogue]
Concerning the Minyan [Ten in the synagogue] “Rabbi Yochanan said, ‘When the Creator comes to the synagogue and does not find there ten, He immediately becomes angry, as was said, ‘Why have I come and there is no man, I called and no one answered?’’” (Berachot 6b). We should ask, …
A Broken Heart – 1
252. A Broken Heart – 1 “A broken and a stricken heart, O God, You will not despise,” “He heals the brokenhearted.” A broken heart means that his heart is not wholly with the Creator, as it is written in the “Introduction to The Study of the Ten Sefirot” (Item …
Do Not Eat the Bread of an Evil-Eyed Man
253. Do Not Eat the Bread of an Evil-Eyed Man “Rabbi Yehoshua Ben Levi said, ‘Anyone who delights the selfish breaks a commandment not to do, as was said, ‘Do not eat the bread of an evil-eyed man,’ for as he assumes so it is, he will tell you ‘Eat …
Work Means Faith
254. Work Means Faith Great is the work in which all the prophets engaged, for the Shechina [Divinity] was not present in Israel until they did “work” (Midrash Gadol ve Gedola, Chapter 14). We should interpret that “work” means faith (see the essay, “Great Is Work that Honors”).
Words of a Dead Man
255. Words of a Dead Man “Before the dead, only the words of the dead are said” (Berachot 3b). Interpretation: When the dead is lying before them, only things related to the matters of the dead man are said. RASHI interpreted that since everyone must speak of them, and the …
The Light that Was Created on the First Day - 1
256. The Light that Was Created on the First Day - 1 The light that was created on the first day, Adam saw in it from the end of the world… the Creator looked at the deeds of the generation of the flood and the generation of Babylon and saw …
Idol Worship
257. Idol Worship February 16, 1966 “Raba Bar Rav Yitzhak said to Rav Yehuda, ‘There is idol-worship in our place, and whenever the world is in need of rain, they appear to them in a dream, telling them, ‘Slay me a man and I will send rain.’’ They slayed a …
Who Is Rich?
258. Who Is Rich? March 1962 “Who is rich? Rabbi Yossi says, ‘Anyone who has a toilet next to his table’” (Shabbat 25b). A “table” means a meal. When one receives pleasure, it is regarded as a meal, that he is dining. Concerning having a toilet next to the table, …
Building the Temple
259. Building the Temple March 7, 1962 “Rabbi Shimon Ben Elazar says, ‘If children tell you ‘Build!’ and elders tell you ‘Break!’ heed the elders and do not heed the children, for children’s building is breaking, and elder’s breaking is building, and the sign of the matter is Rehoboam, son …
Great Is He Who Is Commanded and Does
260. Great Is He Who Is Commanded and Does “He who is commanded and does is greater than he who is not commanded and does” (Kidushin 31a). We should interpret that “commanded and does” means Lishma [for Her sake], and “not commanded and does” means Lo Lishma [not for Her …
Hear, My Son, Your Father's Ethics – 1
261. Hear, My Son, Your Father's Morals – 1 “Hear, my son, your father's morals and do not forsake your mother's teaching.” Musar [morals] comes from the verse, “Should one afflict [Yiser] his son,” meaning Yesurim [suffering/afflictions]. There is potential suffering and there is actual suffering. When one is made …
We Have Forgotten the Good
262. We Have Forgotten the Good “A certain man once gave his slave to his friend to teach him a thousand different ways of making pap (various foods), but he taught him eight hundred. So he summoned him to a lawsuit before the rabbi. The rabbi said, ‘Our fathers said, …
The Merit of the Bride
263. The Merit of the Bride “The reward of the bride—pressure” (Berachot 7). A “bride” means faith, and all the benefit is that when a person feels pressure in Torah and Mitzvot [commandments], he has a place to accept faith above reason. “The reward for hearing—understanding.” The reward of the …
Ascend in Degree, Choose a Bridesmaid
264. Ascend in Degree, Choose a Bridesmaid “Ascend in degree, choose a bridesmaid.” That is, accept a friend as greater than you. “Descend in degree, choose a wife” (Yevamot 63a). In other words, one who wants to connect to the Creator, meaning “Your friend and your father’s friend do not …
Inner Keys and Outer Keys
265. Inner Keys and Outer Keys “Raba Bar Rav Huna said, ‘Anyone in whom there is Torah but no fear of heaven is like a treasurer who was given the inner keys but was not given the outer keys. Can he come in?’ Rabbi Yannai declares, ‘It is a shame …
Anyone Who Is Settled in His Wine
266. Anyone Who Is Settled in His Wine March 28, 1962 “Rabbi Hiyya said, ‘Anyone who is settled in his wine has the knowledge of seventy elders. Wine was given in seventy letters, and a secret was given in seventy letters; when wine enters, a secret exits’” (Iruvin 65). RASHI …
Man Was Created in the Torah
267. Man Was Created in the Torah “Man was created in the Torah, as it is written, ‘And God said, ‘Let us make man.’’ The Creator said to the Torah, ‘I wish to create man.’ She said to Him, ‘This man will sin and vex you. If You are not …
One Learns Only Where One’s Heart Desires
268. One Learns Only Where One’s Heart Desires “One learns only where one’s heart desires” (Avoda Zarah 19). We should understand why one learns specifically where one’s heart desires. According to this rule, that one learns specifically where he wants, it follows that it is impossible to teach a person …
One Does Not Toil Over a Meal and Misses It
269. One Does Not Toil Over a Meal and Misses It “Be certain, one does not toil over a meal and misses it” (Ketubot 10). We should interpret that since one can only work Lo Lishma [not for Her sake], since his nature is the will to receive for himself, …
Anyone with Whom the Spirit of the People Is Pleased - 2
270. Anyone with Whom the Spirit of the People Is Pleased - 2 “All with whom the spirit of the people is content, the spirit of the Creator is content with him.” We need to understand, since there are many righteous people in the world with whom the spirit of …
Any Person Who Is Favored
271. Any Person Who Is Favored Any person who is favored, it is known that he has fear of heaven, as was said, “And the mercy of the Lord from the world onto the world is upon those who fear Him” (Sukkah 49). We should ask, for we see that …
Anyone Who Associates the Aim for the Creator with Another Thing
272. Anyone Who Associates the Aim for the Creator with Another Thing “Anyone who associates the aim for the Creator with another thing is uprooted from the world, as was said, ‘to the Lord alone’” (Sukkah 45). We should understand what it means that one associates another thing. Why is …
The Mightiest of the Mighty
273. The Mightiest of the Mighty “Who is the mightiest of the mighty? He who makes his foe his friend” (Avot de Rabbi Natan, Chapter 23). In ethics, we should interpret that “mighty” is “one who conquers his inclination” (Avot, Chapter 4). That is, he works with the good inclination …
Specifically through a Man and a Woman
274. Specifically through a Man and a Woman A newborn is born specifically through a man and a woman. From a male alone or from a female alone, there cannot be offspring. In ethics, the male is considered “the power of bestowal,” and the female is “the power of reception.” …
I Wish They Left Me and Kept My Law
275. I Wish They Left Me and Kept My Law “I wish they left Me and kept My Torah [law]” (Jerusalem Talmud, Hagigah, 6b). One should not think that if he sees tokens and signs from the Creator, he will be able to engage in Torah and Mitzvot [commandments]. Rather, …
If a Human Being Has on the Skin of His Flesh
276. If a Human Being Has on the Skin of His Flesh “If a human being has on the skin of his flesh a swelling or a scab or a bright spot, and it becomes an infection of leprosy, he shall be brought to Aaron the priest.” The interpreters asked …
When One of the Members of the Group Dies
277. When One of the Members of the Group Dies “When one of the members of the group dies, all the members of the group should be concerned” (Shabbat 106). When a person makes a daily schedule and divides the day into several parts, he connects himself to these arrangements. …
The Light Created on the First Day - 2
278. The Light that Was Created on the First Day - 2 The light that was created on the first day, Adam HaRishon was observing in it from the end of the world to its end. We should understand why he says, “from its end to its end,” and not …
Why Israel Are Compared to an Olive Tree
279. Why Israel Are Compared to an Olive Tree “Rabbi Yochanan said, ‘Why are Israel compared to an olive tree? It is to tell you that as the olive oozes its oil only by grinding, so Israel are reformed only by suffering’” (Minchot 53b). Concerning the suffering that reforms a …
This World and the Next World – 1
280. This World and the Next World – 1 “Her price is far above pearls,” etc., and “who are nicer than gold, than much fine gold.” It was said about this, “This world,” meaning the path of preparation, is only a transition where there is a life of sorrow. But …
Be Mindful with a Minor Commandment as with a Major One – 1
281. Be Mindful with a Minor Commandment as with a Major One – 1 “Be mindful with a minor Mitzva [commandment] as with a major one, for you do not know the reward given for them.” During the descent, when the Torah and Mitzvot [commandments] are minor in his eyes …
Be Mindful with a Minor Commandment as with a Major One – 2
282. Be Mindful with a Minor Commandment as with a Major One – 2 November 25, 1972 “Be mindful with a minor Mitzva [commandment] as with a major one, for you do not know the reward given for Mitzvot [commandments]” (Avot, Chapter 2). It is also written, “And it shall …
Be Mindful with a Minor Commandment as with a Major One – 3
283. Be Mindful with a Minor Commandment as with a Major One – 3 February 1962 Be mindful with a minor Mitzva [commandment] as with a major commandment. “A minor Mitzva” means that it seems to a person that this is something not very important, which is faith, since it …
I Have a Minor Mitzva [commandment], Whose Name Is Sukkah
284. I Have a Minor Mitzva [commandment], Whose Name Is Sukkah July 1962, Antwerp “I have a minor Mitzva, whose name is Sukkah [a Sukkot hut]” (Avoda Zarah 3). Why is it called “a minor Sukkah”? It is because there is no shortage of money in it. We should understand …
A Person Builds a Building
285. A Person Builds a Building Adar, Tav-Shin-Chaf-Bet, 1962 In this world, a person builds a building and another ruins it. But in the future, he will not build and another will dwell. This world is called Lo Lishma [not for Her sake], and the future is called Lishma [for …
Truth and Peace Loved
286. Truth and Peace Loved September 1962, Bnei Brak “Truth and peace loved.” We should understand what it means that particularly in matters where there is hatred between them we can speak of something new, meaning that they love each other. Yet, what hatred can be said between truth and …
Turning His Ear from Hearing Torah
287. Turning His Ear from Hearing Torah October 6, 1962, Bnei Brak “Rabbi Hanina Bar Papa said, ‘Anyone who turns his ear from hearing Torah, his prayer becomes loathsome, as was said, ‘He who turns his ear from hearing Torah, his prayer, too, is abomination’’” (Midrash Rabbah, Haazinu). We should …
With Me, from Lebanon, Bride
288. With Me, from Lebanon, Bride “‘With Me, from Lebanon, bride.’ Rabbi Levi said, ‘The conduct is to adorn the bride and perfume her, and then bring her to the Huppah [wedding canopy].’ But the Creator did not do so. Rather, He said to the assembly of Israel, ‘With Me, …
The Creator Is Meticulous with the Righteous
289. The Creator Is Meticulous with the Righteous June 11, 1962, Antwerp “The Creator is meticulous with the righteous as a hairsbreadth” (Yevamot 121b). When a person is in a state of “righteous,” when he is in ascent, He is meticulous with him that his aim will be for the …
A Righteous Shall Live by His Faith
290. A Righteous Shall Live by His Faith July 5, 1962, Antwerp “Habakuk came and based them all on one, ‘A righteous shall live by his faith’” (Makkot 24a). We should interpret “based them all on one,” meaning that the whole Torah is interpreted on one matter, which is faith. …
Man and His Role
291. Man and His Role Before we begin to speak of some matter, we must know who is speaking and to whom. In this, we have no doubt that we are called “created beings,” meaning that we are living in a world that was created existence from absence. Baal HaSulam …
One Who Restrains Himself in Strife
292. One Who Restrains Himself in Strife January 1972 “Rabbi Ila'a said, ‘The world exists only on account of him who restrains himself in strife, as it is said, ‘The earth hangs on nothing’’” (Hulin 89a). Understanding that the existence of the world depends on this—that if two people who …
Anyone Who Observes the Shabbat [Sabbath] Properly, Desecrates It
293. Anyone Who Observes the Shabbat [Sabbath] Properly, Desecrates It On the matter of observing Shabbat in the work, since there are six days of action, which are weekdays, and there is Shabbat, when it is forbidden to work, “weekday” means when a person feels that he is far from …
We Will Do and We Will Hear – 1
294. We Will Do and We Will Hear – 1 January 22, 1967, Bnei Brak “We will do and we will hear.” We must understand why it should be “We will do” and subsequently, “We will hear.” We see that a person is biased where he himself is concerned. Hence, …
Anyone Who Sanctifies the Seventh – 1
295. Anyone Who Sanctifies the Seventh – 1 December 4, 1971 It is written in the poem “Anyone Who Sanctifies,” “His reward is great, according to his work.” There is a famous question about saying, “His reward is great,” and then contradicting himself saying “according to his work,” meaning specifically …
The Core of Creation and the Correction of Creation
296. The Core of Creation and the Correction of Creation July 9, 1964 The core of creation and the correction of creation. It is known that the purpose of creation is to do good to His creations, meaning that the Creator wants to bestow abundance upon the lower ones. As …
He Raises the Poor from the Dust, Lifts the Indigent from the Trash
297. He Raises the Poor from the Dust, Lifts the Indigent from the Trash November 19, 1971 The difference between dust and trash is that dust is something natural that was made this way while trash is waste. Our sages said, “None are poorer than a dog and none richer …
Associating the Quality of Mercy with Judgment
298. Associating the Quality of Mercy with Judgment August 1973, Bnei Brak Since man is born out of Behina Dalet [Fourth Phase], which is from the vacant space, and her aim is to receive in order to receive, if he remained this way, only from this root, it would be …
Having a Clean Mind
299. Having a Clean Mind June 1, 1973 “Thus would the clean-minded in Jerusalem do: They would not come into a meal unless they knew who was dining with them” (Sanhedrin 23a). “Clean-minded” means people who are cleansed from reason, as our sages said, “So and so was cleansed of …
A Land Where You Will Eat Bread Without Scarcity
300. A Land Where You Will Eat Bread Without Scarcity January 18, 1973 “A land where you will eat bread without scarcity.” Eating bread refers to the upper abundance, as our sages said about Adam HaRishon, “By the sweat of your brow shall you eat bread” (Pesachim 111). Scarcity is …
The General Public and the Chosen Few
301. The General Public and the Chosen Few December 21, 1972 There is the general public, and there are the chosen few. Also, there is upbringing, and there are customs. And also, there is the fear of heaven. The general public is regarded as “upbringing.” That is, what obligates them …
For the Lord Chose Jacob for Himself
302. For the Lord Chose Jacob for Himself Hanukkah, December 4, 1972 “For the Lord chose Jacob for Himself.” Our sages asked, “Who chose whom? Did the Creator choose Jacob or did Jacob choose the Creator?” The thing is that on one hand, one must believe that the Creator chose …
Delight Them with a Complete Building – 2
303. Delight Them with a Complete Building – 2 October 21, 1972, after Shabbat “Delight them with a complete building; brighten them up with the light of Your face” (Shabbat [Sabbath] songs). We need to understand what is a “complete building” and what is an “incomplete building.” The thing is …
Fear and Love
304. Fear and Love October 21, 1972, after Shabbat Concerning love and fear, it is known that fear precedes love. The reason for this is in order for one to be able to observe Torah and Mitzvot [commandments] out of love, meaning that he will feel the taste of pleasure …
The Meaning of Evil
305. The Meaning of Evil Isru-Chag [the day after] Passover, 1972 The evil in a person is regarded as evil only when one feels that it is evil. That is, the extent that the evil prevents him from receiving abundance determines the measure of the evil. Normally, if one loses …
If the Rav Is Similar to an Angel of the Lord
306. If the Rav Is Similar to an Angel of the Lord February 15, 1972 “If the rav is similar to an angel of the Lord, let them seek Torah from his mouth.” An “angel” means he has no evil inclination, as our sages said, “When Moses rose to heaven, …
You Have Not a Blade of Grass Below
307. You Have Not a Blade of Grass Below At a beginning-of-the-month festive meal, February 15, 1972 “You have not a blade of grass below that does not have an angel that strikes and tells it, ‘Grow!’” We should ask why it needs to strike it or it does not …
You Have Chosen Us – 2
308. You Have Chosen Us – 2 February 12, 1972 Concerning “You have chosen us,” there is an explanation to the question: Our sages said that the Creator wooed all the nations of the world but they would not receive it. Only the people of Israel said, “We will do …
Concerning Walking in Secrecy
309. Concerning Walking in Secrecy February 12, 1972 “He has told you, ‘O man, what is good, and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk in secrecy with the Lord your God’” (Micah 6). “Walking in secrecy” means something that …
The Righteous Perishes and No One Notices
310. The Righteous Perishes and No One Notices “The righteous perishes and no one notices … for because of the evil, the righteous perishes” (Isaiah 57). The Zohar interprets that “When the Creator looks at the world, and the world is not worthy of existing, and judgment is in the …
The Tree from which Adam HaRishon Ate Was Wheat
311. The Tree from which Adam HaRishon Ate Was Wheat January 31, 1972 “Rabbi Yehuda said, ‘The tree from which Adam HaRishon ate was wheat, for the infant does not call out ‘Father and Mother’ before it tastes the taste of grain” (Sanhedrin 70b). We should ask, 1) Since there …
If You Go to War – 1
312. If You Go to War – 1 “If you go to war against your enemy.” RASHI interprets that this means optional war. We should understand that this implies that there are two types of war: 1) over actions, meaning doing Mitzvot [commandments] or transgressions, 2) over permission, meaning that …
When the Lord Rejoices Over You
313. When the Lord Rejoices Over You “And it came to pass when the Lord rejoiced over you to do you good, …so the Lord will delight over you to make you perish” (Deuteronomy 28). There is joy when a person achieves a goal or sees that he is approaching …
Smallness and Greatness
314. Smallness and Greatness “And I will give the reward of the light of seeing to Atik Yomin.” He interprets in the Sulam [Ladder commentary on The Zohar] that when raising MAN to receive Katnut [smallness/infancy] of Bina, called VAK, this is the reward of Atik Yomin (The Zohar, Idra …
Three Souls
315. Three Souls “Thus shall you say to the house Jacob, and tell the children of Israel.” In the Midrash, “‘Thus shall you say’ are the women, tell them the abstract [summary]. ‘And tell the children of Israel,’ tell them the details of the matter, since they can hear. And …
Adam HaRishon – 2
316. Adam HaRishon – 2 The root of Adam HaRishon is dust that is unfit for sowing, as it is written, “And the Lord God formed the man from dust of the earth.” This means that were it not for the correction of the Adama [earth], which is Bina, Adom …
Faith – 1
317. Faith – 1 1944 Faith is called “above reason,” and it is called Nukva [female] and “law.” Torah is called “within reason,” and it is called “sentence.” This is the meaning of saying in the Asher Yatzar [Who Formed] prayer, “and created in him holes over holes, hollows over …
Seeing and Hearing
318. Seeing and Hearing “Hearing” is called “faith,” that we must believe what we are hearing that we are being told—that it is true. “Seeing” is called “knowing,” when he does not have to believe if he sees for himself.
Anyone Who Is Proud, It Is as though He Commits Idol-Worship
319. Anyone Who Is Proud, It Is as though He Commits Idol-Worship August 1978, Jerusalem “Anyone who is proud, it is as though he commits idol-worship.” Pride means that a person does not feel his lowliness, meaning that it is of great importance to a person that he is serving …
It Is Not the Shy Who Learns
320. It Is Not the Shy Who Learns August 1978, Jerusalem “It is not the shy who learns,” and “Be careful with the honor of the Torah.” Why? It is because man must degrade himself and go study. If a person is careful with the honor of the Torah, meaning …
Eating from the Waste
321. Eating from the Waste On Shabbat [Sabbath], it is forbidden to sort out the waste from the food, but only the food from the waste. The body contains both, and on Shabbat we sort out only the food, only good deeds. On weekdays, we should sort out the waste, …
Concerning Choice
322. Concerning Choice 1978 How is it possible to speak of choice, since courthouses punish for transgressions “not to do,” and there are the “four deaths of the courthouse,” and whipping and flogging. Conversely, on choice there is a reward, meaning what reward he wants for the labor in Torah …
Discernments in a Spiritual Kli [vessel]
323. Discernments in a Spiritual Kli [vessel] End of Rosh Hashanah, September 30, 1981 Malchut of the upper one becomes a Keter to the lower one. The still, in itself, has wholeness. The vegetative must have a place in which to annul inside the still. Afterward, it can grow in …
The Preparation Period
324. The Preparation Period July 22, 1956, Jerusalem During the preparation period, a person can qualify himself in all the matters, meaning both on the right and on the left. In other words, he has ways by which to achieve the goal, and he has ways by which he already …
The Light of Hassadim on which There Was No Tzimtzum
325. The Light of Hassadim on which There Was No Tzimtzum The light of Hochma [wisdom] is called “attainment of the Torah and clear knowledge.” This is received in a Kli [vessel] of a desire to receive. Hence, if a person is not qualified to receive not for himself, for …
Man’s Work
326. Man’s Work Man’s nature is that he can relinquish a small pleasure in return for receiving a greater one. Hence, there is no matter of choice about this. This is not so with one who works in order to bestow, only because of the truth, meaning that the real …
The Merit of Having Guests
327. The Merit of Having Guests “Having guests is greater than welcoming the face of the Shechina [Divinity]” (Shabbat [Sabbath] 127a). The Shechina is regarded as Malchut, meaning Hochma [wisdom]. But having guests, which is Hassadim [mercies], is greater. In other words, once he has Hochma, he should look for …
Their Idols Are Silver and Gold, the Work of Man's Hands
328. Their Idols Are Silver and Gold, the Work of Man's Hands There is spirituality that a person makes for himself, meaning that he depicts to himself for what he is working, namely that it is worthwhile to work for this spirituality. This is called “the work of man’s hands.” …
Prayer
329. Prayer Concerning the prayer, it should be in the manner of “One should always establish the praise of the Creator and then pray.” We should ask, If a person establishes the praise of the Creator, that He is good and does good to the bad and to the good, …
Lowliness
330. Lowliness One should see one’s own lowliness, since there are many flavors in it. Lowliness is mainly to see the truth that his own benefit is more important to him than the benefit of the Creator. In other words, a person cannot see that which is outside his own …
The Voice Is Good for Perfumes
331. The Voice Is Good for Perfumes “Rabbi Natan says, ‘When he laughs he says, ‘Tighten well, tighten well, for the voice is good for perfumes.’’” “Perfumes” means a scent that ascends from below upward. This is the quality of Hochma [wisdom] that is received in Atzilut specifically in this …
Concerning Equivalence of Form
332. Concerning Equivalence of Form August 1979 Concerning equivalence of form, which is a correction to avoid the bread of shame, we can interpret in a literal manner, that since what is permitted about Him—the discernment of by-Your-actions-we-know-You—that He has contentment when He bestows upon the created beings, called “His …
He Who Begins a Mitzva [Commandment]
333. He Who Begins a Mitzva [Commandment] May-June 1982 “He who begins a Mitzva is told, ‘Finish it,’” as in “He who comes to purify is aided.” For this reason, he who begins a Mitzva, meaning comes to purify, is told from above, “Finish it,” meaning he is given power …
The Difference between Charity and a Gift
334. The Difference between Charity and a Gift Charity should be in concealment, as it is written, “A gift in secret subdues anger,” meaning that he does not know to whom he gives. A gift is to the contrary, as our sages said, “He who gives a gift to his …
A Messenger of the Public
335. A Messenger of the Public September 14, 1988 It is good for a cantor to have a nice and big congregation. At that time, he is a messenger of the public for a large and respectable crowd. Thus, the greatness of the cantor is measured by the size of …
He Who Cries over a Fitting Person
336. He Who Cries over a Fitting Person “Anyone who cries over a Kosher [fitting/worthy] person, all his iniquities are pardoned. Anyone who sheds tears over a fitting person, the Creator counts them and places them in His treasury” (Shabbat [Sabbath] 105b). We should understand why all his iniquities are …
Happy Is the Man
337. Happy Is the Man “Happy is the man whom the Lord afflicts.” We should ask, but is the purpose of creation not to do good to His creations? Thus, this is the opposite of the goal. We can interpret that it is known that every branch wants to resemble …
A Cure before the Blow
338. A Cure before the Blow Rosh Hashanah, September 1982 The Creator sends a cure before the blow. We should ask, If there is no blow, how can we speak of a cure? We should understand that we find with our sages that the Torah is called Tushia because it …
Let the Earth Put Forth Grass
339. Let the Earth Put Forth Grass Shabbat [Sabbath], October 19, 1957, Manchester “And God said, ‘Let the earth put forth grass… a fruit-tree.’” RASHI interpreted that the taste of the tree will be as the taste of the fruit. Yet, she did not do so, but rather, “And the …
In the Beginning [God] Created
340. In the Beginning [God] Created October 1977 “In the beginning.” RASHI interpreted, “Rabbi Yehuda said, ‘The Torah should have started from ‘This month is to you,’ which is the first Mitzva [commandment] that Israel were commanded. What is the reason it begins with ‘In the beginning’? Because He said …
And the Lord Saw
341. And the Lord Saw October 1977 “And the Lord saw… I will curse no more the earth because of man, for the inclination of a man's heart is evil from his youth, and I will strike no more every living thing, as I have done.” We should understand how …
Noah Was a Righteous Man
342. Noah Was a Righteous Man October 1979 “Noah was a righteous man.” Even Ezra interprets “righteous” in good deeds, “whole” in his heart, “in his generations,” some condemn and some praise. In generations of wicked ones, when the thoughts of the generation are that it is not worthwhile to …
Gopher Wood
343. Gopher Wood October 1981 “Make for yourself an ark of gopher wood, and cover with pitch inside and out.” The flood means “evil water.” When the “Who” question comes to a person, which is Pharaoh’s question, “Who is the Lord that I should obey His voice?” and also the …
Go Forth
344. Go Forth 1980 “Go forth from your land, from your kindred, and from your father's house, to the land that I will show you.” It is written in the Midrash, “Hear, daughter, and see and lend your ear, and forget your people and your father’s house, and the king …
Anyone with Whom the Spirit of the Creator Is Pleased
345. Anyone with Whom the Spirit of the Creator Is Pleased November 1981 “Anyone with whom the spirit of the Creator is pleased, the spirit of the people is pleased with him. And anyone with whom the spirit of the people is displeased, the spirit of the Creator is displeased …
Mind and Heart
346. Mind and Heart October 1982 Mind and heart. That is, a person enjoys and delights in the fact that the Creator has given him a place for faith. Also, he is happy that the Creator has given him a place of work in the heart. “When a man regrets, …
Passed By Your Servant
347. Passed By Your Servant November 1957 In the verse, “for you have passed by your servant,” RASHI interpreted, “for this I ask of you, since you passed by me, to honor me.” We should understand the words “to honor me.” Abraham said, “And I am dust and ashes,” and …
When the Creator Loves a Person
348. When the Creator Loves a Person November 1979 It is written in The Zohar (VaYera, Item 167): “When the Creator loves a person, He sends him a gift. And what is the gift? A poor person, by whom to be rewarded. And when he is rewarded by Him, the …
The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil
349. The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil January 15, 1972 It is written in The Zohar, “The tree of knowledge of good and evil, if they are rewarded—good, if they are not rewarded—bad.” It is explained in the Sulam [Ladder commentary on The Zohar] that if he is …
The Lord Appeared to Him by the Oaks of Mamre
350. The Lord Appeared to Him by the Oaks of Mamre November 1982 The Zohar asks about the verse, “The Lord Appeared to Him by the Oaks of Mamre,” why Mamre and not elsewhere? It is because he advised him about the circumcision. When the Creator told Abraham to circumcise …
How to Draw Near Him
351. How to Draw Near Him November 1982 Question: If there is no equivalence of form between two people, we can see that each one moves away from the other. Therefore, before a person corrects himself so that all his actions are for the sake of the Creator, meaning in …
Until I Was Circumcised – 1
352. Before I Was Circumcised – 1 Heshvan It is written in the Midrash, “Before I was circumcised, passersby would come to me. Now that I am circumcised, they do not come to me.” The Creator said to him, “Before you were circumcised, the uncircumcised would come to you. Now, …
Abraham Arose
353. Abraham Arose Heshvan, November 1979 “Abraham arose from before his dead, and spoke to the sons of Het, saying...” Baal HaTurim writes, “Ten times ‘sons of Het’ in the portion since one who scrutinizes the value of a wise disciple, it is as though he observed the Ten Commandments, …
Abraham Gave All that He Had
354. Abraham Gave All that He Had Heshvan A good lesson in the Midrash, in the portion “The Life of Sarah,” about the verse, “And Abraham gave all that he had to Isaac.” Rabbi Yehuda said, “This is Gevura [strength/judgment].” Rabbi Nehemiah says, “This is a blessing.” We should understand …
He Who Has No Sons
355. He Who Has No Sons The holy books write about “A son makes the father worthy,” meaning that what the father could not complete, the son makes him worthy by complementing his father’s part, and thereby completes it. For this reason, Abraham did not have sons, for both were …
A Son Makes the Father Worthy
356. A Son Makes the Father Worthy We need to understand what our sages said, “A son makes the father worthy, but the father does not make the son worthy.” King Ahaz, who was a complete wicked, has the next world thanks to his son, Hezekiah, who was righteous, but …
Abraham Begot Isaac
357. Abraham Begot Isaac November 1957 It is interpreted about the verse, “Abraham begot Isaac,” that Isaac’s features were similar to those of Abraham, and they all testified that Abraham begot Isaac. We should ask, since the writing says, “These are the generations of Isaac son of Abraham,” and it …
And Isaac Was Forty Years Old
358. And Isaac Was Forty Years Old November-December 1978 “And Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebecca, the daughter of Betuel.” The Zohar interprets that Betuel means Bat Bito Shel El [the daughter of God’s daughter]. We should interpret that it means that when a person is forty …
Isaac Sowed in That Land
359. Isaac Sowed in That Land November 1979 “And Isaac sowed in that land, and he found on that year one hundred gates, and the Lord blessed him.” We should ask why specifically “one hundred gates.” Why not one hundred and fifty, which is more important than one hundred? Also, …
I Did Not Find My Hands or Legs in the Seminary
360. I Did Not Find My Hands or Legs in the Seminary Hands and legs are two opposites. “Hands” means what we obtain, from the words, “for a hand obtains.” Raglaim [legs] are Meraglim [spies], meaning that we still do not know what is there and we are now going …
Your Good Treasure
361. Your Good Treasure “Open the gates of heaven, and open for us Your good treasure.” We should understand what is “Your good treasure.” Our sages said, “All that the Creator has in His world is the treasure of fear of heaven.” This is the good treasure—a treasure of fear …
Jacob Saw that There Was Grain
362. Jacob Saw that There Was Grain Shabbat [Sabbath], Hanukkah, December 25, 1965 It is written in Midrash Tanchuma, “And Jacob saw that there was grain,” as the writing says, “Happy is he who asks Jacob for help.” Why was it not said, “who asks Abraham,” or “asks Isaac,” but …
Four Angels
363. Four Angels December 1979 The Zohar writes that there were four kings, and what one asked, the other did not ask. David said, “I will pursue my enemies and catch them, and I will not return until they are consumed.” Asa was very frightened … he wanted to chase …
All Who Are Violent, Prevail – 1
364. All Who Are Violent, Prevail – 1 “All who are violent, prevail.” “If your wife is short, bend down and whisper to her” (Baba Metzia 59a). In the work of the Creator on the path of truth, when one comes to take upon himself the burden of the kingdom …
And Judah Approached Him – 1
365. And Judah Approached Him – 1 VaYigash, January 1982 It is interpreted in the Sulam [Ladder commentary on The Zohar], “‘And Judah approached him,’ for Judah is the Nukva [female] meaning a prayer, and Joseph is redemption.” The text tells us that they approached each other for a Zivug …
Hard on Himself and Easy on Others
366. Hard on Himself and Easy on Others December 1983 Hard on himself and easy on others. That is, what others do, regardless of how much Torah and how many Mitzvot [commandments], he understands that others did not have the same understanding that he does. Hence, whatever they do is …
To Benjamin He Gave Three Hundred Pieces of Silver
367. To Benjamin He Gave Three Hundred Pieces of Silver December 1983 “To Benjamin he gave three hundred pieces of silver and five changes of gowns.” In the work, we should discern: 1) “Wealth” means an act of Torah and Mitzvot [commandments], and on the act, there is nothing to …
And Behold, the Lord Stood Over Him
368. And Behold, the Lord Stood Over Him November 1979 “And behold, the Lord stood over him and said, ‘I am the Lord, God of your father Abraham… This land on which you lie, to you I will give it and to your descendants.’” RASHI interpreted about the question, Why …
Joy While Learning Torah
369. Joy While Learning Torah November 1982, Jerusalem Question: If a person does everything in order to receive, meaning that all he does is only with the aim for his own benefit, then what is the difference between enjoying corporeal things or deriving pleasure from words of Torah? We can …
The Way of the Land Preceded the Torah
370. The Way of the Land Preceded the Torah December 1981 “What is light? Rav Huna said, ‘light,’ and Rav Yehuda said ‘night’” (Rish Pesachim). “Jacob went out from Beer Sheba and went to Haran and arrived at the place.” “Jacob went out,” The Zohar says, from Beer Sheba, from …
A Ladder Set on the Earth
371. A Ladder Set on the Earth November 1982 “Behold, a ladder was set on the earth.” What is a ladder? It is a degree on which all other degrees depend, meaning the Nukva [female], which is the rest of the degrees (The Zohar, p 29, and in the Sulam …
It Came to Pass as That Day
372. It Came to Pass as That Day Hanukkah, December 16, 1971 It is written in The Zohar, VaYeshev (236), “‘And it came to pass as that day, and he came home to do his work…’ ‘It came to pass as that day,’ the day when the evil inclination rules …
He Saw that He Could Not Prevail Over Him
373. He Saw that He Could Not Prevail Over Him December 1981 “He saw that he could not prevail over him.” What did he do? He promptly “touched the hollow of his thigh,” he schemed against him. He said that since the supports of the Torah were broken, the Torah …
He Touched the Hollow of His Thigh
374. He Touched the Hollow of His Thigh December 1982 It is written in The Zohar (VaYishlach, Item 111) about the verse, “He touched the hollow of his thigh,” meaning the supporters of the Torah, that he schemed against him. He said, “Since the supports of the Torah were broken, …
Jacob Sent
375. Jacob Sent December 1979 “Jacob sent.” RASHI interprets, “real angels.” We should interpret the meaning of “real angels” that Jacob sent to Esau. According to what is interpreted, Jacob is the quality of a person engaged in Torah and Mitzvot [commandments], and Esau is the evil inclination. How can …
Jacob Was Very Frightened
376. Jacob Was Very Frightened The interpreters asked about the verse, “And Jacob was very frightened and distressed.” After all, the Creator showed him in the vista of the ladder that He showed him, promised him to keep him wherever he may walk, as it is written, “And behold, I …
Better a Poor Child
377. Better a Poor Child December 1971 Rabbi Shimon said, “Come and see, ‘A poor and wise child is better...’ is the good inclination. But a child is better, as it is written, ‘I was a youth, now I am old.’” Another thing: “He is a child, a poor child, …
Jacob Lived in the Land Where His Father Dwelled
378. Jacob Lived in the Land Where His Father Dwelled December 1979 “And Jacob lived in the land where his father dwelled.” There is a question, Why does it not say, “the land where his fathers dwelled”? Why specifically the dwelling place of Isaac? We should interpret that it is …
Miracle and Choice
379. Miracle and Choice “Rabbi Yitzhak said, ‘If there are serpents and scorpions in it [the pit], why is it written about Reuben, ‘In order to save him from their hands, to return him to his father’? Did Reuben not fear for him, that those serpents and scorpions might harm …
Anyone Who Sanctifies the Seventh – 2
380. Anyone Who Sanctifies the Seventh – 2 Bo, January 1983 “Anyone who sanctifies the seventh as he should … his reward is great, according to his work.” We should understand the meaning of “according to his work.” Also, what is the novelty, since in corporeality we also receive reward …
The Lord Hears the Poor
381. The Lord Hears the Poor January 29, 1972 “Rabbi Hiya said, ‘I wonder about this text, which says, ‘For the Lord hears the poor.’ Does He hear the poor and not others?’ Rabbi Shimon said, ‘It is because they are closer to the King, as it is written, ‘A …
When Pharaoh Sent the People
382. When Pharaoh Sent the People BeShalach, January 1981 “And it came to pass that when Pharaoh sent the people, God did not lead them by the way of the land of the Philistines, for it was near, since God said, ‘The people might change their minds when they see …
They Stood at the Foot of the Mountain
383. They Stood at the Foot of the Mountain February 1958 “‘And they stood at the bottom of the mountain.’ Rabbi Abdimi Bar Hama Bar Hasa said, ‘This teaches that He forced the mountain on them like a cask and said to them, ‘If you accept the Torah, very well; …
Observing Shabbat [Sabbath]
384. Observing Shabbat [Sabbath] February 5, 1972 What is the role of observing Shabbat in ethics? A person must keep himself from what disrupts the revelation of the Kedusha [holiness] of the Shabbat. The weekdays are the place of work, when one must exert to annul his will to receive, …
I Will Carry You on the Wings of Eagles
385. I Will Carry You on the Wings of Eagles “And I will carry you on the wings of eagles and I will bring you to Me.” RASHI: “‘On the wings of eagles,’ as an eagle carries its nestlings on its wings, saying, ‘Better the arrow hits me and not …
This Is the Day that the Lord Has Made
386. This Is the Day that the Lord Has Made January-February 1978 “This is the day which the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” “This is the day” means that “this” is called “day,” and not something else. What is it when the Lord “makes”? …
A Decent Judge and an Indecent Judge
387. A Decent Judge and an Indecent Judge January 1981 Baal HaTurim interprets the words, “The portion ‘Judges’ was placed adjacent to the portion ‘Altar,’ to tell you that one who appoints a decent judge, it is as though he built an altar.” He learns this from what our sages …
These Are the Ordinances
388. These Are the Ordinances Idol-worshippers have judges and Israel have judges, and you do not know the difference between them. There is an allegory about a patient that a doctor came to see. He told his family, “Feed him anything he wants.” He went to another patient and told …
Raise a Contribution for Me – 1
389. Raise a Contribution for Me – 1 February 1980 “Raise a contribution for Me.” RASHI interprets “for me” as “for My name.” “From every man whose heart is willing.” RASHI interprets, “Words of donation are words of good will. ‘You shall raise My contribution.’ ‘Take’ means against their will, …
Coercion and Inversion
390. Coercion and Inversion Shevat-Adar Aleph, Tav-Shin-Mem-Aleph, February 1981 “Raise a contribution for Me; from every man whose heart is willing, you shall raise My contribution.” RASHI interprets “for Me,” “for My name.” “Whose heart is willing,” RASHI interprets, “meaning donation, good will.” We should understand the following: 1) “Taking” …
The Creator Did Not Try Job
391. The Creator Did Not Try Job February 1972 “Rabbi Shimon said, ‘The Creator did not try Job and did not test him as He tested the rest of the righteous, since it is not written about him, ‘And God tried Job’ … and he was not told to give, …
A Hand on the Throne of the Lord – 2
392. A Hand on the Throne of the Lord – 2 Shabbat [Sabbath], March 5, 1955 “And he said, ‘A hand on the throne of the Lord; the Lord has war against Amalek from generation to generation.’” RASHI interprets, “The Creator swore that His name will not be whole and …
Carrier of Iniquity
393. Carrier of Iniquity March 1979 “Carrier of iniquity.” The Creator snatches the bill of iniquities and by this, a sentencing to the side of merit takes place (presented in Torah Temimah). We should understand that when one is half merits and half iniquities, how can one decide to the …
When You Count the Heads of the Children of Israel to Number Them
394. When You Count the Heads of the Children of Israel to Number Them March 1966 “When you count the heads of the children of Israel to number them, each one of them shall give a ransom for his soul … half a Shekel … The rich shall not give …
The Quality of “Still” and the Quality of “Vegetative”
395. The Quality of “Still” and the Quality of “Vegetative” March 1979 It is known that there is the quality of “general” and the quality of “particular.” The general public in Israel are called “still.” This is regarded as a “beast,” which is the quality of Nefesh, from the word …
Behold, the Lord Has Called the Name Bezalel
396. Behold, the Lord Has Called the Name Bezalel March 4, 1978 “And Moses said to the sons of Israel, ‘Behold, the Lord has called the name Bezalel.’” We should understand what it means that Moses tells the people of Israel, “Behold, the Lord has called the name Bezalel.” It …
Take from Among You a Contribution to the Lord
397. Take from Among You a Contribution to the Lord Adar Aleph, Tav-Shin-Mem-Aleph, February 1981 “Take from among you a contribution to the Lord; whoever is of a willing heart shall bring it.” The matter of taking from you means actual taking, from a person’s actual body. The Zohar interprets …
The Numbered Things of the Tabernacle – 2
398. The Numbered Things of the Tabernacle – 2 “These are the numbered things of the tabernacle, the tabernacle of the testimony.” It is written in Midrash Rabbah, “Why does it write ‘tabernacle’ twice? Rabbi Shmuel said that it was mortgaged twice [‘mortgage’ and ‘tabernacle’ have the same root in …
The Tabernacle of the Testimony
399. The Tabernacle of the Testimony “These are the numbered things of the tabernacle, the tabernacle of the testimony.” RASHI interpreted “the tabernacle of the testimony” as a testimony to Israel that the Creator forgave them the incident of the calf, for He “installed His Shechina [Divinity] among them.” There, …
Half a Shekel – 1
400. Half a Shekel – 1 Adar Aleph, March 1981 It is written in The Zohar (Pekudei): “To give half a Shekel… stones to weigh with, this is Yod, Vav between the two Heys… the rich shall not give more and the poor shall not give less,” etc. We should …
Hear, O Israel
401. Hear, O Israel March 1981 “Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.” What is “one”? It is the assembly of Israel that is united in the Creator, who is Zeir Anpin. Rabbi Shimon said that the Zivug [coupling] of the Dechar [Aramaic: male] and Nukva …
If a Woman Inseminates – 1
402. If a Woman Inseminates – 1 April 24, 1971 “If a woman inseminates. We learned that ‘A woman who inseminates first, delivers a male child.’ Rabbi Aha said, ‘We learned that the Creator sentences whether a drop will be a male or a female, and you say, ‘A woman …
This Shall Be the Law of the Leper
403. This Shall Be the Law of the Leper April 1981 “This shall be the law of the leper on the day of his purification, when he is brought to the priest.” RASHI interprets, “Since the diseases come due to slander.” Slander is mainly when one wants to walk on …
And Say a Matter
404. And Say a Matter “‘And say a matter.’ Let your speech of Shabbat [Sabbath] not be as your speech of a weekday” (Shabbat 113a). Shabbat is called Kedusha [holiness], a Shabbat of holiness. Hol [weekday] means matters that are Holanim [sickly], which are the acts of the body. There …
When an Ox or a Sheep or a Goat Is Born
405. When an Ox or a Sheep or a Goat Is Born May 1979 “When an ox or a sheep or a goat is born.” A day-old ox is called “an ox,” since what he can achieve, he has already achieved on the first day. Hence, people who do not …
Six Days You Shall Work
406. Six Days You Shall Work “Six days you shall work… Rabbi Yosi said … and it does not write, ‘On the six’ … the six upper days HGT NH from which all the works of creation emerged each day… Rabbi Yitzhak said… Rabbi Hiya said, ‘Because it is permitted …
If You Buy a Hebrew Slave
407. If You Buy a Hebrew Slave May 1959 In The Zohar, BaHar, Rabbi Elazar started, “‘If you buy a Hebrew slave, six years he will work,’ etc. This is so because everyone in Israel who was circumcised has a holy Reshimo [recollection] in him, and he has rest during …
Count the Heads of the Whole Congregation of Israel
408. Count the Heads of the Whole Congregation of Israel May 1978 The matter of counting is that they count those who can come into the work of the Creator; it is from twenty years of age, from which he may be punished. Concerning the role that one must do …
Concerning Suffering – 2
409. Concerning Suffering – 2 “Israel are holy.” He has but he does not want; he wants but he does not have. He does not want in order to bestow, he has Torah and Mitzvot [commandments] and fear of heaven. He wants in order to bestow, so he has neither …
Self-Love and Love of the Creator
410. Self-Love and Love of the Creator May 1980 There is self-love and there is love of the Creator, and there is a medium, which is love of others. Through love of others we come to the love of the Creator. This is the meaning of what Rabbi Akiva said, …
All Who Are Violent, Prevail – 2
411. All Who Are Violent, Prevail – 2 May-June 1979 The origin of the judgment extends from reality, since when the wicked comes and argues, “What is this work for you?” what do we tell him? “Blunt his teeth,” meaning that we haven’t the intellect to reply, but everything is …
The Vow of a Hermit, to Dedicate Himself to the Lord
412. The Vow of a Hermit, to Dedicate Himself to the Lord May-June 1979 “The vow of a hermit, to dedicate himself to the Lord.” RASHI interpreted “to the Lord” as for the sake of the Creator. The interpreters interpreted that he does not deny himself wine because wine is …
The Difference between Books of Ethics and the Books of the Baal Shem Tov
413. The Difference between Books of Ethics and the Books of the Baal Shem Tov May 1980 When a person wants to buy an object and he must pay for it, a mediator between the seller and the buyer is required. The mediator lets the buyer understand that this object …
The Rabble Who Were Among Them Had Greedy Desires
414. The Rabble Who Were Among Them Had Greedy Desires “The rabble who were among them had greedy desires … we only see the manna.” We should ask the following: 1) What does it mean that they desired? Simply a desire? It should have said, “desired meat.” 2) What is …
When You Raise the Candles - 1
415. When You Raise the Candles – 1 “When you raise the candles.” It is as the writing says, “The Lord desires for the sake of His righteousness, He will make the Torah [law] great and glorious.” The Creator said to Moses, “It is not because I need the candles …
This Is the Making of the Menorah [Temple Lamp] – 1
416. This Is the Making of the Menorah [Temple Lamp] – 1 June 1979 “This is the making of the menorah.” RASHI interpreted that the Creator showed him with the finger since he was perplexed about it. “One-piece work”: “It was one talent [piece] of gold. He would strike with …
And Aaron Did So
417. And Aaron Did So May 1980 “And Aaron did so, he mounted its candles at the front of the lampstand, just as the Lord had commanded Moses.” RASHI interpreted, to praise Aaron for not changing. The interpreters ask, “What would I say so he would not observe the commandment …
Poverty Becomes Israel
418. Poverty Becomes Israel June-July 1980 It is written, “For the poor will never cease from the land.” Also, our sages said, “Poverty becomes Israel” (Hagigah 9b). We should understand this, for it is known that there is no Kli [vessel] to receive the pleasure except yearning, for the lack …
Spies
419. Spies “Send,” RASHI interprets, “I do not command you … for certain, I am giving them room for error.” Why? The spies told the truth, but we must believe above reason that it is good. If we want to go within reason, I will give room for error so …
Send Forth
420. Send Forth June 1980 “Send forth,” RASHI interpreted, “To your reason.” It is known that sending the spies to tour the land of Israel is a matter of acceptance of the kingdom of heaven, for man has spies that always see if it is worthwhile to walk on the …
Concerning the Spies
421. Concerning the Spies June 1979 “If a wise disciple is loved by all the townspeople, it is because he does not rebuke them on spiritual matters.” When man’s body respects the wise disciple of himself, meaning that it is important to him that he engages in Torah and Mitzvot …
From Afar the Lord Appeared to Me
422. From Afar the Lord Appeared to Me June 1979 “Far” means that there is a difference in the importance between one and the other. Hence, when a person feels no difference between speaking to a minister or a judge, and when he speaks to the Creator, when he does …
Three Lines - 2
423. Three Lines – 2 “Right” is called Hesed, as in “Because he desires mercy.” This is regarded as being happy with one’s share, meaning he settles for little. This is as Baal HaSulam explained what our sages said about the verse, “who will not lift up the face or …
The Dispute between Korah and Moses
424. The Dispute between Korah and Moses We need to explain the dispute between Korah and Moses. Moses said that everything that Korah argued was not against Moses but against the Creator. Korah argued that he believed in the Creator, as it is written, “The whole congregation are holy,” and …
Korah Took
425. Korah Took June 1980 “Korah took, he took a bad counsel for himself, for ‘The counsel of the Lord forever stands.’” Normally, a person does what his intellect determines will be good for him, and this is what he can do. But what the intellect does not confirm is …
The Prayer of a Righteous, Son of a Righteous, and a Righteous, Son of a Wicked
426. The Prayer of a Righteous, Son of a Righteous, and a Righteous, Son of a Wicked June 1981 “The prayer of a righteous, son of a righteous is unlike the prayer of a righteous, son of a wicked.” An act that one does is called the “father,” and the …
This Is the Constitution of the Torah [Law] – 1
427. This Is the Constitution of the Torah [Law] – 1 March 1980 It is written in The Zohar about the verse, “This is the constitution of the Torah,” why it is written, “And this is the Torah.” It explains that “and this” means unification of general and particular together. …
This Is the Constitution of the Torah [Law] – 2
428. This Is the Constitution of the Torah [Law] – 2 “This is the constitution of the Torah.” RASHI interprets, “Since Satan and the nations of the world count Israel, saying, ‘What is this Mitzva [commandment] and what is the point about it?’ He wrote about it, ‘a constitution,’ a …
Make Everything in Order to Bestow
429. Make Everything in Order to Bestow “This is the constitution of the Torah [law].” RASHI interprets, “Since Satan and the nations of the world count Israel, saying, ‘What is this Mitzva [commandment] and what is the point about it?’ He wrote about it, ‘a constitution,’ a decree before Me …
A Higher Soul
430. A Higher Soul “This is the constitution of the Torah [law] that the Lord had commanded to say,” etc. “Come and see, when this dead departs from the world without children, the daughter of that prince does not gather him to her.” (The Zohar, Hukat, Item 10). In other …
A Shoe for His Foot
431. A Shoe for His Foot “That shoe places… Hence, everything that the dead gives to a person in a dream is good. But if he took an object from the house, it is bad, such as taking his shoe. What is the reason? It indicates that he has moved …
The Making of the Calf
432. The Making of the Calf Miron Village, June 1966 The matter of the purity of the cow comes before the month of Nissan, for in Nissan they were redeemed. The cow is regarded as faith, as RASHI interpreted, an allegory about a handmaid’s child who soiled a king’s palace. …
The Lord Your God Was Unwilling to Listen
433. The Lord Your God Was Unwilling to Listen October 21, 1971 “The Lord your God was unwilling to listen to Balaam, and the Lord your God turned the curse into a blessing for you.” We should understand the wonder of the Creator being unwilling to listen to an unworthy …
How Good Are Your Tents, Jacob - 2
434. How Good Are Your Tents, Jacob – 2 July 1979 “How good are your tents, Jacob, Your dwellings, Israel.” By the blessings of that wicked one, what was in his heart becomes apparent. Balak has the letters of Kabel [receive], whose quality is self-reception. Balaam has the letters of …
When Balak Took Counsel
435. When Balak Took Counsel July 1978 When Balak took counsel, he said, “and I will drive it out from the land.” He said, “That degree to which Israel grip is from the land for certain,” for it is Malchut, which is called “land.” This is the meaning of “For …
Three Prayers - 1
436. Three Prayers July 1978 “But three are called ‘prayer’: a prayer for Moses, the man of God, a prayer such as which exists in no other person; a prayer for David, such as which exists in no other king; a prayer for the poor, this is a prayer. Of …
Great Priesthood
437. Great Priesthood July 1981 The Zohar explains what should have been a commandment for great priesthood, as it is written, “for he was zealous for his God,” since any priest who kills a soul is forever disqualified for priesthood, for he clearly disqualifies the degree of those. The Sulam …
Save Your Servant, You, My God
438. Save Your Servant, You, My God July 1981 “Save Your servant, You, my God; delight the soul of Your servant; give Your strength to Your servant.” Three times David became a servant in this praise, corresponding to three times that the authors of the Mishnah said that a person …
Why Was Pinhas Awarded the Priesthood?
439. Why Was Pinhas Awarded the Priesthood? July 1981 The evil inclination and the good inclination are not a matter of intellect, but a matter of feeling. If a person does not see any benefit for himself while engaging in Torah and Mitzvot [commandments], he feels bad. This is called …
Pinhas Saw
440. Pinhas Saw July 1979 “Therefore, say, ‘Behold, I give him My covenant of peace.’” We should understand in the way of intimation what is the meaning of “a covenant of peace.” What is it about that covenant for which it is called “a covenant of peace”? At the end …
Avenge the Vengeance of the Children of Israel
441. Avenge the Vengeance of the Children of Israel July 1979 “And the Lord spoke to Moses … ‘Avenge the vengeance of the children of Israel on the Midianites’ … and Moses spoke to the people … to execute the Lord's vengeance on Midian.” The interpreters ask about this, “Why …
Your Children, Whom You Said
442. Your Children, Whom You Said July 1979 “And your children, whom you said would become a prey, and your sons, who this day have no knowledge of good or bad, shall come there. To them I will give it and they shall inherit it.” The heart of the Torah …
The Writing Is in the Labor
443. The Writing Is in the Labor “What is your work? … I am even afraid that a fly might come and sit on the coronet of a Dalet, erasing it, and turning it into a Reish” (Iruvin 13). A “fly” means foreign thoughts. As for the Dalet (see the …
Darkness Precedes Light
444. Darkness Precedes Light “If the rav [teacher/great one] is like an angel,” etc. “Who is rich? He who is happy with his share.” “Eating materializes a man.” Food has no taste unless it moves through the tongue and the palate. It is likewise with spiritual foods. If the Torah …
No Masach [Screen] in Keter
445. No Masach [Screen] in Keter It was said in several places that there is no Masach in Keter so it can make a Zivug [coupling], since it is completely pure. Thus, why did he write that in the new Partzuf MA there is a Masach of Behina Hey, which …
The Meaning of Dry Land
446. The Meaning of Dry Land Now we will explain the meaning of dry land, where there is no danger, but on the contrary, a great sweetening. However, it is like taking in without letting out, since it cannot elicit food and nourishment, and what falls in it burns and …
Peace with the Creator
447. Peace with the Creator “I heard of You and I was frightened.” It was interpreted that because of what she underwent, he extends fear although now he is in complete wholeness and has nothing to add. But it was from what she underwent, meaning from the time of Katnut …
The Sensation of Wholeness
448. The Sensation of Wholeness It is said about the verse, “‘The eyes of the Lord are always on her, from the beginning’ (Deuteronomy 11), sometimes favorably, sometimes unfavorably. Sometimes favorably, how so? Israel were complete wicked in the beginning of the year and were sentenced to few rains. In …
The Drop Is Declared
449. The Drop Is Declared “Israel, who were worthy at that time… in the right place.” RASHI interpreted, with fruits and things (Rosh Hashanah 17b). The drop is declared that it will be a drop of, etc., and he becomes worthy. What should be done? He is given the powers …
Forces that Induce the Development of the Heart and the Mind
450. Forces that Induce the Development of the Heart and the Mind “If a wise disciple gets into a rage, it is because the Torah inflames him.” RASHI interpreted, that he has a big heart due to his Torah, and he becomes more attentive than other people. This means that …
Pure Eyed
451. Pure Eyed The Creator is called “Pure Eyed” after the action, like “Healer of the Sick” and “Freer of the Imprisoned,” since He purifies man’s eyes as in the descent of the bottom Hey from the Eynaim [eyes] down. When the Creator removes the vessels of reception from a …
Just as I Am Dancing before You
452. Just as I Am Dancing before You July-August 1979 “Just as I am dancing before You but I cannot touch You, so will all my enemies not be able to harm me.” “May … we fill the blemish of the moon so there is no diminution in it …
The Eyes of Both of Them Opened
453. The Eyes of Both of Them Opened July 1982 It is written in The Zohar (VaEtchanan, Item 35) about the verse, “And the eyes of both of them opened,” “In the future, it is written, ‘And I will lead the blind in a way that they do not know …
He Who Prays for His Friend
454. He Who Prays for His Friend September 1, 1978 “He who prays for his friend is answered first” (Baba Kama 92b). This is seemingly a deceit. We should understand “answered first,” as in “Before they call, I will answer.” It means that for a person to be able to …
Because You Hear - 1
455. Because You Hear - 1 August 1978 “And it came to pass because you hear these sentences and observe and do them, the Lord your God will keep for you the covenant and the kindness that He has sworn to your forefathers.” RASHI interpreted that if you observe minor …
Small Talents
456. Small Talents Concerning choice: If a person is born with small talents, how can it be said that he will be a wise disciple? After all, his brain is too small to understand words of Torah. Midrash Rabbah says about this (portion, “This Is the Blessing”), “The Creator said …
The Counsel of the Lord Ever Stands
457. The Counsel of the Lord Ever Stands In the verse “The counsel of the Lord, ever stands,” we should understand that it is a rule that a person uses a counsel in order to obtain something. However, once he has obtained the matter, he no longer uses the counsel. …
And It Came to Pass because You Hear - 2
458. And It Came to Pass because You Hear - 2 August 1979 “And it came to pass because you hear…” RASHI interpreted, if you obey the minor Mitzvot [commandments], which a person tramples with his heels. Also, it was said, “Be mindful with a minor Mitzva [commandment] as with …
Because of Humbleness and Fear of the Lord
459. Because of Humbleness and Fear of the Lord “And it came to pass because you hear these sentences and observe and do them.” “The Lord your God will keep with you the covenant and the kindness that He swore to your forefathers.” “Because of humbleness and fear of the …
Will Keep His Promise to You
460. Will Keep His Promise to You August 1982 “And it came to pass because you hear … the Lord your God will keep for you the covenant and the kindness that He has sworn to your forefathers.” RASHI interpreted that if you observe the Mitzvot [commandments] that a person …
“See” in Singular Form
461. “See” in Singular Form August-September 1978 “See” is in singular form. “Before you” is in plural form [in Hebrew]. “The blessing that you will hear.” Why does it not say “If you hear,” meaning that the blessing is contingent? He explains that “see” pertains to every individual, meaning when …
Blessed Is the Place [Creator]
462. Blessed Is the Place [Creator] July-August 1982 We normally say, “The Place [Creator] will fulfill your need,” “The Place will comfort you.” Our sages said, “He is the place of the world, and the world is not His place.” “Place” refers to the place of creation, which the Creator …
You Became Rich; You Are in the Evening; Light the Candle
463. You Became Rich; You Are in the Evening; Light the Candle August 1983 “You became rich; you are in the evening; light the candle.” The king had two books of Torah—with one he comes out, and the other he leaves in his treasury. It is known that there are …
If You Go to War - 2
464. If You Go to War – 2 September 1978 “If you go to war.” RASHI interpreted that the verse speaks of optional war. We must understand the “optional war” in the work. That is, in a place of commandment or in a place of transgression, it is called “mandatory …
The Work of the General Public and the Work of the Individual
465. The Work of the General Public and the Work of the Individual August 1979 “When you go to war against your enemies, and the Lord your God delivers them into your hands and you take them away captive. And you see among the captives a beautiful woman, and you …
Optional War and a War of Mitzva [Commandment]
466. Optional War and a War of Mitzva [Commandment] August 1982 “When you go to war.” RASHI interpreted that it is optional. But concerning a war of Mitzva, it is written, “You shall not keep alive any soul.” We should divide between “optional war,” when one engages in war against …
All the Peoples of the Earth Shall See
467. All the Peoples of the Earth Shall See Elul, August-September “All the peoples of the earth shall see that the name of the Lord is called upon you and they will fear you.” Rabbi Eliezer the Great says “these are the head Tefillin [phylacteries] (Minchot 35b).” The Tosfot interpret …
This Day, the Lord Your God Commands You
468. This Day, the Lord Your God Commands You September 1978 “This day, the Lord your God commands you to do these statutes and ordinances, and you shall keep and do them with all your heart and with all your soul.” RASHI interprets, each day they will be as new …
Each Day They Will Be as New in Your Eyes
469. Each Day They Will Be as New in Your Eyes September 1981 “This day, the Lord your God commands you to do these statutes and ordinances, and you shall keep and do them with all your heart and with all your soul.” RASHI interprets, “Each day they will be …
When You Come - 1
470. When You Come - 1 September 1979 “And it shall come to pass that when you come to the land that the Lord your God gives you as an inheritance, and you inherit it and dwell in it.” RASHI interpreted, “They were not obliged to give the first fruit …
You Stand Today - 2
471. You Stand Today – 2 September 1979 “You stand today … from the one who chops your wood to the one who draws your water … that you may enter into the covenant … that the Lord your God has made with you today.” The interpreters ask, it begins …
The Concealed Things Belong to the Lord Our God
472. The Concealed Things Belong to the Lord Our God September 1981 “The concealed things belong to the Lord our God, and the revealed things belong to us and to our children forever, to do all the words of this Torah [law].” By intimation, we should interpret that “revealed” means …
Sins Become for Him as Merits
473. Sins Become for Him as Merits It is written in the “Introduction of The Book of Zohar” (Item 126) that in the end, a great light will appear in all the worlds, by which every flesh will repent in complete repentance and love. It is known that our sages …
And the Canaanite, King of Arad, Heard
474. And the Canaanite, King of Arad, Heard September 1980 “Aaron is the right arm of Israel, as it is written, ‘And the Canaanite, king of Arad, heard.’” It is written in the Sulam [Ladder commentary on The Zohar], “It means that when it is written, ‘The Canaanite, king of …
Lend Ear, O Heavens
475. Lend Ear, O Heavens September 1979 “Lend ear, O heavens, and let me speak, and let the earth hear the words of my mouth.” The interpreters asked why concerning the heavens it is written, “Lend ear,” and concerning the earth it is written, “hear.” Also, why is it written …
The Rich Shall Not Give More and the Poor Shall Not Give Less
476. The Rich Shall Not Give More and the Poor Shall Not Give Less February 1988 “The rich shall not give more and the poor shall not give less than half a Shekel, to make a contribution to the Lord.” “Poor” and “rich” mean poor in knowledge or to the …
What Do You Have in the House?
477. What Do You Have in the House? “What do you have in the house?” “It is forbidden to bless on an empty table.” “The blessing on eating is not present on an empty place” (The Zohar, Yitro, Item 487). It is known that “The blessed adheres to the Blessed.” …
What Was the Sin of Korah?
478. What Was the Sin of Korah? We must understand what was the sin of Korah. After all, our sages said that he was clever. Korah did not sin against the Creator. On the contrary, he said that “The whole congregation are all holy,” and all that he said about …
You Shall Not Distort Justice
479. You Shall Not Distort Justice Portion, Shoftim [Judges] “You shall not distort justice; you shall not be partial, and you shall not take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and perverts the words of the righteous.” There are three discernments here: 1) justice, 2) …
The Place Where the Lord Will Choose
480. The Place Where the Lord Will Choose “And it shall come to pass that the place where the Lord your God chooses for His name to dwell, there you shall bring all that I command you: your burnt offerings and your sacrifices, your tithes and the contribution of your …
The Whole World Is Nourished by My Son Hanina - 2
481. The Whole World Is Nourished by My Son Hanina – 2 February 7, 1955 “The whole world is nourished by my son Hanina, and Hanina my son suffices himself with 102 carobs [meager food] from one eve of Shabbat [Sabbath] to another” (Taanit 24b). We should interpret this in …
This Is the Path of Torah - 2
482. This Is the Path of Torah – 2 June 8, 1955 “This is the path of Torah: Lead a sorrowful life,” etc. This is so because when one works for the sake of the Creator, the body derives no pleasure because it is not receiving anything. However, when one …
A Hedge for Wisdom – Silence - 2
483. A Hedge for Wisdom – Silence – 2 May-June “A hedge for wisdom – silence.” That is, in order to be rewarded with Hochma [wisdom], one must first correct the Kelim [vessels] so they have the quality of bestowal. Hence, the correction is “silence,” meaning that in every matter, …
He Whom the Lord Loves He Admonishes - 2
484. He Whom the Lord Loves He Admonishes - 2 “He whom the Lord loves He admonishes.” That is, the Creator sends suffering to those He loves, meaning that they will suffer that they are not walking on the path of the Creator. Conversely, one who does not feel any …
Your FearThe Fear of You and the Dread of You Shall Be upon All the Animals of the Earth & Dread - 2
485. The Fear of You and the Dread of You Shall Be upon All the Animals of the Earth- 2 “The fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon all the animals of the earth.” RASHI interprets that “as long as a day old infant is alive, …
The Beginning of Speech Is from Ein Sof
486. The Beginning of Speech Is from Ein Sof According to the rule, we begin to speak only from the place of the connection between the Creator and the created beings, called Ein Sof [infinity/no end], which is the desire to do good to His creations, and not before. It …
Concerning the Will to Receive - 2
487. Concerning the Will to Receive - 2 The will to receive is man’s essence, which is called something innovated existence from absence. However, the rest of the things, meaning all the fillings, extend existence from existence. Every kind of fulfillment in the world extends existence from existence since the …
The Garments of the Soul - 2
488. The Garments of the Soul - 2 Southport, March 4, 1957 Concerning the garments of the soul, “To the extent that a person exerts in observing Torah and Mitzvot [commandments], a garment is made for him above in that palace (the palace of the essence of heaven, Hod), to …
Against Your Will - 2
489. Against Your Will – 2 “Against your will you live.” If a person does not want to receive life for himself, then he is alive. “Against your will you die.” If a person does not want to die, as in, “The wicked in their lives are called ‘dead,’” the …
Adornments of the Bride
490. Adornments of the Bride Pinhas, p 212 (The Zohar, Sulam [Ladder] Commentary [in Hebrew]) The adornments of the bride are MAN of the lower one that ascends upward. That is, the lower one lacks the Masach [screen] meaning vessels of bestowal, which are called “adornment” with regard to the …
Raising MAN - 2
491. Raising MAN – 2 Question: Raising MAN is regarded as raising a deficiency upward. Thus, why does he write that raising MAN is called Mitzvot [commandments] and good deeds? MAN is called “a deficiency.” But what does the lower one lack by which to add abundance in the world? …
The Reward for a Mitzva
492. The Reward for a Mitzva “The reward for a Mitzva [commandment] is not in this world.” This means that it is absent in the will to receive because there was a Tzimtzum [restriction] and concealment. Rather, it is in the next world, meaning the Kelim [vessels] of Bina, which …
A Righteous Son and a Wicked Son
493. A Righteous Son and a Wicked Son “Come see, it is written about Abraham, ‘I shall indeed return to you,’ and not to her, but indeed, I will connect to you and not to the Nukva [female]” (The Zohar, BeShalach). We should interpret this according to what RASHI interpreted …
There Is Fear Only in a Place of Wholeness
494. There Is Fear Only in a Place of Wholeness “There is fear only in a place of wholeness, for when there is fear there is no lack” (The Zohar, Yitro, Item 248). We should understand why fear means wholeness and no lack. Answer: Fear is called “terrible,” which is …
The Creator Ascended
495. The Creator Ascended The Creator ascended, as it is written, “God ascended with a shout” (The Zohar, Yitro, Item 250). We should understand what it means that the Creator ascended; are there ascents and descents in the Creator? Answer: All the ascents and descents that unfold in the created …
The Path of Truth
496. The Path of Truth Concerning the path of truth, there is a path of falsehood, and there is the path of truth concerning the reason that obligates a person to engage in Torah and Mitzvot [commandments]. There is a reason called “the benefit of the body,” where by engaging …
Blessed Are You
497. Blessed Are You “Blessed are you in the city; blessed are you in the field.” One should not say, “Had the Creator given me a field, I would pay tithing from it. Now that I have no field, I am giving nothing.” The Creator said, “See what I wrote …
It Shall Come to Pass That If You Surely Hear
498. It Shall Come to Pass That If You Surely Hear “And it shall come to pass that if you surely hear.” If you hear in this world, you will hear in the next world from the Creator. “And it shall come to pass that if you surely hear the …
“I” is the Malchut
499. “I” is the Malchut “He who learns Torah before an uneducated person, it is as though he has intercourse with his fiancé in front of him.” An “uneducated person” is called the “will to receive.” “Intercourse” means unification. “Before an uneducated person” means that the quality of the uneducated …
When You Raise the Candles - 2
500. When You Raise the Candles – 2 “When you raise the candles.” The Creator said to Moses, “It is not because I need the candles that it is written about them, but rather in your favor, as was said, ‘His light is a candle.’” It is also written, “Even …
The Quality of Truth – 1
501. The Quality of Truth – 1 “‘These are the generations of Jacob Joseph.’ Anyone who looked at Joseph’s face would say that he is Jacob. Come and see that in all the sons of Jacob it is not written ‘These are the generations of Jacob Reuben son of Joseph,’ …
If Man Wins, the Creator Is Happy
502. If Man Wins, the Creator Is Happy “He who sells sadness, etc., but the Creator is happy.” The question is, How is this similar to a seller? After all, the seller does not keep the object, while the Creator, even though He gave the Torah to the people of …
Partnership
503. Partnership “This day the Lord your God commands you to do.” The writing says, “Come let us bow and kneel and bless the Lord, our Maker.” But kneeling is included in bowing, and bowing is included in kneeling, so what is it trying to say by “let us bow …
The Secret of the Lord Is to Those Who Fear Him
504. The Secret of the Lord Is to Those Who Fear Him There is the power of faith that our forefathers extended, that through faith we can draw the upper pleasures, and then the body, too, enjoys them. “The secret of the Lord is to those who fear Him.” Before …
True Mercy
505. True Mercy December-January It is written in the Shabbat [Sabbath] song, Anyone Who Sanctifies, “Raise your hands to the holiness and say unto God, ‘Blessed is the Lord who gave rest to His people, Israel.’” “And he called his son, Joseph, and said to him, … ‘Do with me …
Saved Us from the Hand of the Shepherds
506. Saved Us from the Hand of the Shepherds After Shabbat, Shemot, December 31, 1977 “Moses said … ‘And they will say to me, ‘What is His name?’ What shall I say to them?’ And God said to Moses, ‘I will be who I will be.’ He said, ‘Thus shall …
What Is Joy?
507. What Is Joy? It is known that joy is not an entity but an offshoot and a result of something. If one has some pleasure, that pleasure yields excitement that is called “joy.” Accordingly, we understand that one who has no pleasure in his life is unable to have …
The Ascent of Malchut to Bina
508. The Ascent of Malchut to Bina It is explained in the “Preface to the Wisdom of Kabbalah” that if man had been extended only from Malchut, which is the will to receive only for oneself, he would be utterly unable to perform any act of bestowal. Only through the …
The Revelation of the Love of the Creator
509. The Revelation of the Love of the Creator “And shone on them from Seir.” This means that from what the children of Seir said, that they do not want to receive, from this it shone for Israel and added to them much light and love. “Appeared from Mount Paran.” …
Concealed and Revealed
510. Concealed and Revealed The concealed—a spiritual flavor that is hidden from us. The revealed—the taste of corporeality is revealed to us. When we can receive the taste of corporeality in order to bestow, the Creator reveals to us the flavor of the concealed, meaning the flavor that was concealed …
The Middle Line
511. The Middle Line The middle line: There is an allegory about two people who wanted to make a meal. One said that he would provide everything but salt, vinegar, garlic, and the rest of the spices. The other one was to provide the spices. In the end, they had …
He Who Disputes Peace
512. He Who Disputes Peace Korah went for dispute, and one who disputes peace, disputes His holy name, since the name of the Creator is “peace.”
Gathering Wood
513. Gathering Wood Shadow of Fear disputed the Shabbat [Sabbath], for he was gathering wood. Mekoshesh [gathering], from the word Hekish [knocked] on trees, to see which one was bigger.
Welcoming Guests – 2
514. Welcoming Guests – 2 “Welcoming guests is greater than welcoming the Shechina [Divinity].” Why is welcoming guests great? Through it, we are rewarded with welcoming the Shechina, as in, “Great is the learning that leads to action.”
Concerning the surrounding lights
515. Concerning the surrounding lights When beginning the work, it comes from the surrounding light, which shines. However, when we want to receive inner light, it becomes dark because the surrounding lights shine even when one still has no Kelim [vessels] suitable for reception in order to bestow, while the …
A Shoe
516. A Shoe A shoe is something by which one buys a possession. The shoe is placed on the leg, and Raglaim [legs] are regarded as Meraglim [spies]. The shoe is placed on the feet, and then the legs do not hurt when they want to hold a person up, …
The Constitution of the Torah
517. The Constitution of the Torah What is the prohibition on teaching Torah to idol-worshippers? “This is the constitution of the Torah [law].” This means that one who wants to be rewarded with the Torah, he must take upon himself the kingdom of heaven above reason. This means that if …
He Who Comes to Defile
518. He Who Comes to Defile It is written in The Zohar (BeHaalotcha, Item 66): “He who comes to defile, meaning to see that he is impure, is defiled. That is, he is shown from above the dumbness of the heart, that the heart is impure, dead, as in ‘The …
Concerning the Tzimtzum [restriction]
519. Concerning the Tzimtzum [restriction] Since Malchut received all the light that the Emanator wanted to give, which is called “filling all of reality,” and wanted to receive more pleasure, and since, with respect to the reception of the light there is nothing to add, she awoke to receive pleasure …
Water Will Flow from His Buckets
520. Water Will Flow from His Buckets “Water will flow from his buckets.” It is known that “water” is called “Torah.” “From his Dlayim [buckets]” comes from the word Dal [poor/meager]. When a person regards himself as poor, meaning in lowliness, and says, “Since I am a poor and lowly …
The Mind [Reason] that Governs Man
521. The Mind [Reason] that Governs Man “Anyone who is proud,” says the Creator, “he and I cannot dwell in the same abode.” “Reason” is the primary governor in man. Yet, what reason [mind] governs a person? It is precisely the mind, when he understands that through this act, the …
“Right” Means Wholeness
522. “Right” Means Wholeness The Zohar (VaYikra): “Right” means wholeness, where even if he has nothing and he only remembers that there is spirituality, although he does not have it, he is still happy with what he has and says that there are many people in the world, including himself, …
What It Means to Bear a Son and a Daughter in the Work
523. What It Means to Bear a Son and a Daughter in the Work “A man who does not want to complete the holy name, meaning to bear a son and a daughter … it is better for him if he were not created” (The Zohar, VaYikra, Item 95). We …
What Is, He Swallowed Maror [bitter herb], He Will Not Come Out, in the work?
524. What Is, He Swallowed Maror [bitter herb], He Will Not Come Out, in the work? The meaning of Maror [bitter herb] is as it is written, “And they made their lives bitter with hard work,” by asking “Who?” and “What?” These questions caused them labor, for by wanting to …
Three Lines – 3
525. Three Lines – 3 “Right” is regarded as the essence of the Sefirot, similar to seeing, hearing, smell, and speech. “Left” is Masach [screen] and Aviut [thickness], namely the will to receive and the Masach. Afterward, when the middle line comes, it determines that the seeing, hearing, smell, and …
With All Your Heart
526. With All Your Heart If one is rewarded, his work is done by others, for “When the Lord favors man’s ways, his enemies, too, make peace with him.” This means that the evil in him also returns to the good, and then the words “with all your heart—with both …
The God of Israel
527. The God of Israel “The God of Israel,” meaning importance, when a person appreciates the work while he is Israel. “King of the Nations” means what measure of importance one attributes to spirituality during a descent, when the quality of nations within him governs him.
Prayer
528. Prayer A prayer: When a person learns Torah, he wants to know the connection between the Torah that he is learning, since when he learns rules it is clear that he needs judgments. But when a person learns Torah, and the Torah does not speak of judgments, so what …
I Will Give You My Blessing
529. I Will Give You My Blessing “What is the connection between Shmita [remission every 7th year] and Mt. Sinai?” Answer: Shmita is called Malchut, which should be for the sake of the Creator, meaning not to receive anything. In this regard, a question arises, “If you say, ‘What will …
Movement Due to Shame
530. Movement Due to Shame Why are we in movement and not like our root? I enjoy rest, and the fact that I am in motion is only due to shame. Answer: Since our root is at rest, it is because it has nothing to add, as it is in …
The Essence of the Correction
531. The Essence of the Correction June 1977 Rabbi Yannai says, “We have neither the tranquility of the wicked nor the afflictions of the righteous” (Avot, Chapter 4). We should interpret this similar to what Raba said to our great sages, “I beseech you, do not inherit a double Hell” …
The Main Choice
532. The Main Choice The main choice concerns the reason that obligates a person to engage in Torah and Mitzvot [commandments]. A person must observe all 613 Mitzvot, or he will be punished in this world, since when the Temple existed, there was the conduct of “four deaths of the …
The Creator Pulls the Man Close
533. The Creator Pulls the Man Close August 1987 “And it came to pass because you hear.” RASHI interpreted, “If you obey the minor Mitzvot [commandments], which a person tramples with his heels, you will hear.” The interpreters asked why it is written only “ordinances” and not “laws,” as well. …
Concerning the Groom
534. Concerning the Groom The Zohar, August 1977 The reason why there is such a requirement to delight the groom is that Hatan [groom] comes from word Nachut [inferior] in degree, as our sages said, “One who is of inferior degree receives a woman.” All the holy names are not …
A Cup of Kiddush
535. A Cup of Kiddush It is written in The Zohar, Pinhas (Item 49): The fifth correction is the cup of “And the heaven and the earth were concluded,” meaning a cup of Kiddush [lit., “sanctification,” a blessing recited over wine to sanctify the Sabbath]. In Gematria, a “cup” is …
You Shall Tithe a Tenth
536. You Shall Tithe August 13, 1977 “You shall tithe.” It was interpreted, “Give tithing so you will grow rich.” But how did our sages explain the commandment in the verse in a way that is Lo Lishma [not for Her sake], meaning that the intention is that he would …
This Month Is to You
537. This Month Is to You October 1977 Rabbi Yehuda said, “The Torah should have started from ‘This month is to you,’ which is the first Mitzva [commandment] that Israel were commanded. What is the reason it began with ‘In the beginning’? It is because ‘He told His people the …
I Give Him My Covenant of Peace
538. I Give Him My Covenant of Peace June 1972 It was said, “Behold, I give him My covenant of peace.” It is known that to the extent that one allots, so he is allotted, an eye for an eye. But here, Pinhas committed murder when he killed them both, …
Questions about “Return O Israel”
539. Questions about “Return O Israel” “Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God, for you have failed in your iniquity. Take with you words and return to the Lord.” 1) What is “to the Lord”? 2) “You have failed in your iniquity.” What is the obstacle that the iniquity …
Nourishment
540. Nourishment Just like a person would die of starvation without corporeal nourishment, without spiritual nourishment, the nourishment of the soul, he will also have to die and the spiritual soul will depart from him. As with corporeal nourishment, where one who eats a lot of food becomes strong, with …
When the Lord Favors Man’s Ways
541. When the Lord Favors Man’s Ways “When the Lord favors man’s ways, his enemies, too, make peace with him.” That is, the Sitra Achra [other side], too, receives reward for doing its mission, by which spirit was made above, which caused abundance in all the worlds. For this reason, …
Return, O Israel – 2
542. Return, O Israel – 2 “Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God.” That is, do not engage in Torah and Mitzvot [commandments] because others tell you that you must engage in Torah and Mitzvot. Rather, one should come to a degree where he feels the existence of the …
Tell the Children of Israel
543. Tell the Children of Israel January 1978 It is written in The Zohar (Item 261 in the Sulam [Ladder commentary on The Zohar]): “Rabbi Shimon said, ‘Koh [Thus] you shall say to the house of Jacob,’ in saying, from the side of judgment. ‘And tell the sons of Israel,’ …
Man Is Born a Wild Ass [Donkey]
544. Man Is Born a Wild Ass [Donkey] May 5, 1977 It is written in The Zohar (Emor, Item 59) about the verse, “When an ox or a sheep or a goat is born,” it asks, “It does not say ‘a calf or a lamb or a he-goat or a …
Laboring and Finding
545. Laboring and Finding May 8, 1977, Tiberias It is written in Midrash Rabbah: “Anyone who fears Me and does words of Torah, all the wisdom and all the Torah are in his heart.” We should ask according to what is explained, “I did not labor and found, do not …
He Made Everything Good in Its Time
546. He Made Everything Good in Its Time “He made everything good in its time.” That is, at the end of correction, when everything is good because the sins have become as merits, it is obvious that even those who cause the sins will be good. This is the meaning …
The Attribute of Caution
547. The Attribute of Caution “He who is small is big, and he who is big is small.” The reason is that the profits are mainly from the Milchama [war], which is regarded as Lechem [bread], which one obtains only through plowing, sowing, and harvesting. Hence, he who is small, …
Doing and Hearing
548. Doing and Hearing “Speech” is regarded as action, and “hearing” means I hear, meaning think, which is something that is acceptable to the heart. This is as it is written, “And you shall give to Your servant a heart that hears.” This is the meaning of “We will do …
Feeling the Lack
549. Feeling the Lack It is human nature that with any possession, sometimes he appreciates it even though the majority of people do not regard the possession at all. Still, he values it, meaning in a place where he wants to boast before others. When one wants to add to …
If You Seek Her as Silver
550. If You Seek Her as Silver “If you seek her as silver and search for her as treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and discover the knowledge of God” (Proverbs 2:4-5). We should ask who does not know what is fear of the Creator, and …
The Torah as a Spice
551. The Torah as a Spice “Rabbi said, ‘One must not pray for the wicked to be taken away from the world, for had the Creator removed Terah from the world while he was idol-worshipping, Abraham Our Father would not have come to the world, and there would not have …
He Who Comes to Purify Is Aided - 1
552. He Who Comes to Purify Is Aided – 1 September/October “He who comes to purify is aided.” The main purpose of “He who comes to purify” is in the action. “He is aided” refers to the thought, for only on the action can one overcome, but not on the …
The Difference between Concealed and Revealed
553. The Difference between Concealed and Revealed “Revealed” means that which another can see, as it is something that is revealed outside. Hence, there is no difference whether a person learns rules or legends or Kabbalah; it is all considered “revealed.” “Concealed” is that which another cannot see, as it …
The Power of Thought
554. The Power of Thought When one begins to think a certain thought, he creates that thought. When we say that the Creator made him think the thought, then it is the Creator who creates the man, and the man creates the thought. It follows that the thinking man is …
The Exile of the Shechina [Divinity]
555. The Exile of the Shechina [Divinity] The meaning of the exile of the Shechina is that everyone expels her and she has nowhere to dwell in the lower ones, for the lower ones are inviting the Sitra Achra [other side]. When he comes and wants to enter, they close …
The Torah, from the Words “Shot Through”
556. The Torah, from the Words “Shot Through” “Everything is in the hands of heaven but the fear of heaven,” for man can add only fear. The soul of Israel is regarded as VAK, and the soul of Egypt is regarded as GAR de Haya. At that time, there was …
Concerning Ohr Hozer [reflected light]
557. Concerning Ohr Hozer [reflected light] It is written in The Study of the Ten Sefirot (Part 2, Chapter 1, Item 3) that Ohr Hozer ascending from the Masach [screen] upward is called “connection” because it holds and captures the upper light in the Igul [circle] in a way that …
Desire for Spirituality
558. Desire for Spirituality There is will to receive for corporeality. There is a person who has no will to receive, not even for corporeality. Everything he does is involuntary, meaning that he would be more satisfied if he did not have to eat and drink and so forth. There …
One Hundred Blessings
559. One Hundred Blessings “And he sowed in that land and found on that year one hundred gates.” Through the 355 days in each year, meaning that there are many follies and nonsense, and he saw that he was in a state of “What?” unlike Abraham, who was nonetheless “dust …
Generations
560. Generations The work is mainly in the manner of “You are in partnership with Me,” since were it not for this, a person might be as that day old fly that is born in the morning and dies in the evening, since from the perspective of the Creator, a …
The Soul of Israel
561. The Soul of Israel “Therefore, man is called ‘unique,’ to teach you that anyone who destroys one soul from Israel, the text says about him that it is as though he destroyed a whole world. Likewise, anyone who sustains one soul from Israel, the text says about him that …
Wisdom and Prayer
562. Wisdom and Prayer “Hannah was speaking in her heart, and Ali thought that she was drunk.” We should ask why not crazy. It is known that prayer should be in a manner of “And her voice was not heard,” meaning not for oneself but in order to bestow. This …
Definitions – 2
563. Definitions – 2 Fire as a lion, fire as a dog: Fire is the foundation of the KLA, as it is in falling. It is Hesed, as strong as a lion. It is also the sense of sight, under which the act becomes established, whether good or bad. This …
Fire, Wind, Water, Dust
564. Fire, Wind, Water, Dust January-February Fire, wind, water, dust, dream, fat, incense, criminals of Israel, sleep, eating, and drinking. Fire and water are Yod-Hey. Wind and dust are Vav-Hey, MA and BON. However, all this is after the association of the quality of mercy with judgment. The water themselves …
To Do Them Today
565. To Do Them Today “To do them today and to receive the reward for them tomorrow,” meaning we have to work Lishma [for Her sake]. Thus, why should he remember “and to receive the reward for them tomorrow”? There are two matters here: 1) We should believe that there …
Cast Their Seed Among the Nations
566. Cast Their Seed Among the Nations “‘Then all the congregation lifted up their voices and cried,’ as the writing says, ‘She raised her voice against me; therefore, I hate her.’ That voice that you cried caused you to be hated … at that time it was decreed that the …
The Quality of Truth – 2
567. The Quality of Truth – 2 The truth has the power to shine vitality for a person even when the truth is very bitter. We see that often when a person sees the lowliness of his state, he is still happy about it, meaning that he has vitality. Instead …
The Meaning of “Right” and “Left”
568. The Meaning of “Right” and “Left” November 24, 1942 The beginning of the work is extending the light. This is called “right.” Afterward, we must discover the rejecting force, which is the resistance to clothing, and by this we have Ohr Hozer [reflected light], which is a Kli [vessel] …
The Meaning of the Offering
569. The Meaning of the Offering We see that an offering must be complete, flawless. This means that there are people who sacrifice their lives and give their souls to idol-worship, which is in a place where they have no meaning in life and see that their whole future is …
General Attainment and Personal Attainment
570. General Attainment and Personal Attainment There is a difference in seeing between general attainment and personal attainment. “General attainment” means that one attains the matter in general. For example, when one sees a big city from afar and sees from afar that people are walking about in the city, …
He Is One and His Name, One
571. He Is One and His Name, One We should discern between He and His name: “He” refers to the Creator. “His name” pertains to the created beings, for “His name” pertains specifically to the other one. With respect to Himself, there is no question of “His name.” But when …
Two Labors
572. Two Labors “The arrow maker is slain by his own arrows” (sometimes the craftsman makes an arrow which kills the craftsman himself) (Pesachim 28a), concerning the Passover leaven, which is by burning. We should interpret that the order of one’s work in Torah and Mitzvot [commandments] when he wants …
They Shall Fear You
573. They Shall Fear You “And all the peoples of the earth shall see that the name of the Lord is called upon you and they shall fear you” (Minchot 35b). The great Rabbi Elazar says, “These are the head Tefillin [phylacteries].” In the Tosfot there, he interprets in the …
If You Come - 2
574. If You Come - 2 “And all the peoples of the earth shall see that the name of the Lord is called upon you and they shall fear you” (Deuteronomy 28:10). “Shall see … The great Rabbi Eliezer says, ‘These are the head Tefillin [phylacteries],’” and the Tosfot interpreted …
The Purity of the Work
575. The Purity of the Work “Come and see, He replied, ‘He was a bastard, for Tziv’on came unto his mother and begot a bastard.’ And he came in this way because of the spirit of impurity that clung to him” (The Zohar, VaYishlach, Item 264). It is known that …
A Shabbat Dish
576. A Shabbat Dish “The Caesar said to Rabbi Yehoshua Ben Hanania, ‘Why is the Shabbat [Sabbath] dish so fragrant?’ He said to him, ‘We have a dish called ‘Shabbat.’’ He said to him, ‘Let us have some of it.’ He replied, ‘Anyone who observes the Shabbat, it is good …
Concerning the Goal
577. Concerning the Goal February 26, 1977 The purpose of man’s work is to achieve the intention to bestow, for there is nothing to correct in the external action, since the Kli [vessel] that was created by the Creator will not undergo any change. Rather, all the changes should be …
Half a Shekel – 2
578. Half a Shekel – 2 February-March 1977 Concerning the matter of half a Shekel, that it should be explicitly half and not a quarter or a whole Shekel, according to what is explained in The Zohar, Shekel means Mishkal [weight], something we must weigh. Accordingly, we should discern that …
I Will Remove the Stony Heart
579. I Will Remove the Stony Heart Purim, 14 Adar, Tav-Shin-Lamed-Zayin, March 4, 1977 The stony heart means that a person wants to understand if it is worthwhile for him to engage not in order to receive reward. A person cannot understand this because it is against our nature, for …
A Good Neighbor and a Bad Neighbor
580. A Good Neighbor and a Bad Neighbor A person has an evil inclination and a good inclination. Normally, there is a bad neighbor, meaning the evil inclination. But when a person achieves the degree of “with all your heart, with both your inclinations,” meaning that he can love the …
The Act Is What Decides
581. The Act Is What Decides October 25, 1975 It is written in The Zohar, VaYera, Why at the oaks of Mamre and not elsewhere? It replies that it is because he advised him about his circumcision, since when the Creator told Abraham to circumcise himself, Abraham consulted his friends. …
One Whose Wife Provides for Him
582. One Whose Wife Provides for Him “Woe unto one whose wife provides for him.” Provision means what a person enjoys; this is one’s provision. We see that there are people in the world who have abundance and lack nothing, yet do not have joy in life and are regarded …
Righteous and Wicked
583. Righteous and Wicked October 18, 1975 “Even if the whole world tells you that you are righteous, be wicked in your own eyes.” There are two discernments in servants of the Creator: 1) One is regarded as “righteous.” For example, one who has a fixed time when he rises …
The Face of the Lord Is in Evildoers
584. The Face of the Lord Is in Evildoers After Shabbat, Noah, October 11, 1975 “The face of the Lord is in evildoers, to cut off the memory of them from the earth. They cried out, and the Lord hears, and saved them from all their troubles.” We could ask, …
The Kingship and the Governance to The One Who Lives Forever
585. The Kingship and the Governance to The One Who Lives Forever Man consists of two forces: a good inclination and an evil inclination, and each wants to rule over the other. The governance was given to man so he could control the evil within him, but in fact, the …
Which Is the Straight Path
586. Which Is the Straight Path July 20, 1974 “Rabbi says, ‘Which is the straight path that one should choose? Anyone that glorifies its Maker and glorifies Him by man’” (Avot, Chapter 2). The thing is that there is the matter of the correction of creation and there is the …
The Upper One Scrutinizes for the Purpose of the Lower One
587. The Upper One Scrutinizes for the Purpose of the Lower One The upper one scrutinizes the GE for the purpose of the lower one (because “a prisoner does not free himself”). The upper one makes a Masach [screen] on the MAN of the lower one, meaning the rejecting force, …
Malchut of the Upper One Becomes Keter to the Lower One
588. Malchut of the Upper One Becomes Keter to the Lower One It is explained in several places that Malchut of the upper one becomes Keter to the lower one. We should ask, Since Malchut is called “vessels of reception,” what the lower one receives and which is considered the …
God Did Not Guide Them
589. God Did Not Guide Them January-February 1977 “God did not guide them through the land of the Philistines even though it was near … lest the people might reconsider when they see war and return to Egypt.” Concerning “near” and “far”: “Near” means close to the mind, and “far” …
Those Who Walk to the Land of Israel
590. Those Who Walk to the Land of Israel 29 Tevet, Tav-Shin-Yod-Het, January 21, 1958 “Stretch out your hand and touch his self and his flesh … but keep his soul” (Job 2). In other words, He gave him control over all his possessions, but not over the soul, for …
Renewed Work
591. Renewed Work “Rather, he will take a virgin of his own people.” He asks, Why should it be only a virgin, without a flaw? He replies, “A woman is a cup of blessing. If its taste has been flawed, meaning that it implies Malchut, called ‘a cup of blessing’ …
The Names of Malchut
592. The Names of Malchut “Widow” means that the person died in the middle, meaning that he died in spirituality, as in “The wicked in their lives are called ‘dead.’” “Divorced” means that he ejected her—the kingdom of heaven—from his home. “Desecrated” means he desecrated her where he should have …
One Should Not Appease One’s Neighbor When He Is Angry
593. One Should Not Appease One’s Neighbor When He Is Angry One should not appease one’s neighbor when he is angry because once he becomes angry, he is erring and cannot understand anything without erring. “The Lord will lift up His face to you [favor you].” Another verse says, “Who …
The Commandment of Repentance
594. The Commandment of Repentance The Zohar (Nasso, Item 28): The Mitzva [commandment] and anyone who repents, it is as though he returned the letter Hey, which is Malchut, to the letter Vav, etc. Teshuva [repentance] has the letters of Tashuv Hey [the Hey will return] to the Vav, since …
The Measure of the Greatness of the Creator
595. The Measure of the Greatness of the Creator It is written in Psalms, “As Your name is God, so is Your glory.” That is, to the extent that one assumes the greatness of the Creator, to that extent he can praise Him. Hence, if one wants to thank and …
Nothing New Under the Sun
596. Nothing New Under the Sun “There is nothing new under the sun,” but only above the sun. “Sun” means “day” and “reason,” as our sages said, “If the matter is as clear to you as day,” and as it is written, “The murderer arises at day.” It follows that …
A Generation Goes and a Generation Comes and the Earth Forever Stands
597. A Generation Goes and a Generation Comes and the Earth Forever Stands “The earth forever stands.” Earth means “dust,” regarded as “still,” motionless. This is called “faith above reason,” when there is no rhyme or reason. To the body, this tastes like dust. But when a person takes upon …
What It Means that Shabbat Is Called “Guest” in the Work
598. What It Means that Shabbat Is Called “Guest” in the Work We must prepare food and drink to honor the arrival of the guest, called “Queen Shabbat [Sabbath].” Question: 1) Does the guest, Shabbat, eat and drink? Also, we must change our clothes in honor of the guest. In …
Arise, O God
599. Arise, O God “Arise, O God, and judge the earth, for You possess all the nations.” That is, there are wicked judges in one’s heart who take a bribe. Therefore, if the Creator is the judge, everything will be fine.
From the Depth I Called You, Lord – 1
600. From the Depth I Called You, Lord – 1 At the bottom of Sheol, it is written, “From the depth I called You, Lord,” meaning “I called You from the depth of trouble.” Hence, a person should think before the prayer how big is the lack in him, so …
Prayer and Request
601. Prayer and Request A prayer is what our sages have arranged for us. This is in general. A request is a personal matter, what each one asks, what he feels he needs. Hence, a prayer should be with the mouth, or else there is no grip to the prayer, …
One Should Not Be Ashamed of the Mockers
602. One Should Not Be Ashamed of the Mockers Ezov [moss] comes from the word Azuv [forsaken], when one feels that he is forsaken of good deeds. “One should not be ashamed of the mockers” means that when a person wants to do something good, Torah, or prayer, or good …
There Is Shechina in the Wall
603. There Is Shechina in the Wall August 3, 1963 “Rabbi Yosi started, ‘Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord’ … it is as it is written, ‘Those who honor Me I shall honor, and those who despise Me shall be despised.’ One who looks …
Why He Waited until the War Against Amalek
604. Why He Waited until the War Against Amalek Question: Why did he wait until the war against Amalek? The answer is that he saw that when they fall from faith, they have to work by themselves. This is the meaning of “awakening from below.” If they are adhered to …
And Jethro Heard
605. And Jethro Heard “And Jethro heard.” The Zohar asks, Did Jethro hear and all the nations did not hear? After all, it is written, “The nations will hear, be angry.” However, Jethro heard and was broken, and all the nations heard and were not broken. Therefore, their hearing is …
Those of Little Faith
606. Those of Little Faith Having little faith means that he does not want only to bestow. “He who makes his voice heard during his prayer is of those of little faith.” We should ask, When one prays to the Creator, he certainly believes in the Creator, so what is …
Remember that You Were a Slave
607. Remember that You Were a Slave “Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt.” Here it implies to us that when a person is in a state of ascent, he should learn what he had at the time of descent, since during the descent, there is …
Not because You Were Many
608. Not because You Were Many “Not because you were many,” since when the people of Israel ascend, they are more than everyone. When they descend, they are below everyone. In the work of the quality of Yashar-El [Israel/lit. “straight to the Creator”], during the ascent, one feels that they …
God Is More Terrible than Your Sanctifiers
609. God Is More Terrible than Your Sanctifiers “The God of Israel is more terrible than your sanctifiers; He gave strength and power to the people; blessed is God” (Psalms 68:36). We should interpret “God is terrible.” How can one accept the fear of God? It is through “Your sanctifiers.” …
Buying a Woman
610. Buying a Woman “Send forth. Rabbi Yehosha says, ‘What were they like? Like a king who brought to his son a fair-looking woman of good upbringing and wealthy, etc. He saw her, etc., I give her only to your son,’” etc. (Midrash Rabbah, 16:7). When a person begins the …
Capital and Fruits
611. Capital and Fruits “‘There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it is heavy upon men.’ This evil is the force of the evil in the heart that wishes to dominate the worldly matters and does not watch over the matters of that world” (The …
Concerning This World and the Next World – 2
612. Concerning This World and the Next World – 2 A person eats its fruits in this world, meaning the Torah, the 613 Mitzvot [commandments], which are counsels, are called “fruits,” meaning the light in it reforms him. When a person sees that the Torah and Mitzvot have reformed him, …
When a Woman Inseminates
613. When a Woman Inseminates “Come and see, when the Creator is with the assembly of Israel, and she evokes first, Malchut is filled from the right side, which is Hassadim, male. When the Creator evokes first, everything is in the form of female, as when a woman inseminates” (The …
Bitter Herb
614. Bitter Herb If he swallows the bitter herb, he did not do his duty. Rather, one must chew, meaning we must feel the bitterness.
The Reward for the Work
615. The Reward for the Work When one works because the Creator needs his work, the Creator should pay the salary and the reward. But if a person works for himself, to correct, how can he ask for a reward?
The Governance of Malchut
616. The Governance of Malchut Parsa is called Malchut, which stands in Bina of the Guf. Below Malchut means below the governance of receiving in order to receive. That is, he comes with thoughts of reception and cannot break loose. Hence, there must be a shattering. Above Malchut means above …
Peace at Home
617. Peace at Home The home is the heart, and it is not whole with the Creator, as it is written, “I will hear what He will say … He shall speak peace unto His people.” Instead, there is separation of hearts between the Giver and the receiver. To have …
Awakening – 2
618. Awakening – 2 Male is called Hassadim [mercies], meaning that the lower one receives from above the desire to bestow, which is called “male.” That is, the lower one awakens and wants to approach the Creator but cannot. It follows that “When a woman inseminates,” meaning the person, who …
King of the Nations
619. King of the Nations February 1964 The Zohar (Mishpatim, Items 33-34) asks about the verse, “Who will not fear You, King of the nations”? “Is the Creator the king of the nations? He is the king of Israel! …And should you say that He is called ‘King of the …
Concerning a Blessing
620. Concerning a Blessing August 1962, Tiberias “‘And it came to pass because you hear these sentences … and you shall eat and be satisfied, and you shall bless the Lord your God, etc.,’ This Mitzva [commandment] to bless the Creator for everything one eats and drinks and enjoys in …
A Minor Mitzva [Commandment]
621. A Minor Mitzva [Commandment] It is written in Midrash Tanchuma: “‘And it came to pass,’ as the writing said, ‘Why should I fear in days of adversity, when the iniquity of my foes surrounds me’ (Hulin 49), blessed be the name of the Creator, who gave Torah to Israel, …
Overcoming
622. Overcoming October-November 1963 Concerning Abraham asking for advice about the circumcision, it is explained in Siftey Hachamim that it is to receive a greater reward for the Mitzva [commandment], and he thought that perhaps they would object to him. We should interpret that Abraham saw that since he had …
Purify Our Hearts
623. Purify Our Hearts December 1963 “Purify the filth of my deeds lest my agitators say, ‘Where is the God who made me?’” We should ask, What is the connection between the Creator purifying man’s actions and “lest my agitators say”? The thing is that what the agitators say is …
Ushpizin
624. Ushpizin Baal HaSulam interpreted the matter of Ushpizin [Sukkot guests], that it is a matter that is introduced in The Zohar, a way by which to pass, for the light of Hochma cannot shine in it consistently. This is the meaning of “luck,” that “Sons, life, and nourishment depend …
The Mitzva of Sukkah
625. The Mitzva of Sukkah In the Yotzer [prayer] of the Monday morning prayer, the poet says there: “Let the Mitzva [commandment] of Sukkah not be light in your eyes, for it is equal to all the Mitzvot [commandments] of His laws.” We should ask why a Sukkah is equal …
Anything that the Merciful One Does, He Does for the Best
626. Anything that the Merciful One Does, He Does for the Best Sukkot, October 1963 Avid [Aramaic: do] comes from the word Avud [Hebrew: lost], for the Ayin and Aleph are interchangeable. In other words, when a person comes to a state where he is truly lost, when he does …
Law and Judgment – 1
627. Law and Judgment – 1 “If there is no advocate opposite the prosecutor, tell Jacob the words of law and judgment.” We should ask about the meaning of “words of law and judgment” that we ask of him. We should say that when a person wants to take upon …
The Qualities of “Idol-Worshippers” and “Israel”
628. The Qualities of “Idol-Worshippers” and “Israel” Ten Penitential Days, September 1963 “Rabbi Yochanan said, ‘An idol-worshipper who engages in Torah must die, as was said, ‘He commanded the Torah to us; we are permitted, and not they’’” (Sanhedrin 59a). “Anyone who engages in Torah before an uneducated person, it …
One Who Despises a Wise Disciple
629. One Who Despises a Wise Disciple “Anyone who despises a wise disciple, there is no cure to his illness” (Shabbat [Sabbath] 119b). This means that only one who has an illness cannot receive the cure. But one who does not have an illness has nothing to fear. We should …
And There Was Evening and There Was Morning
630. And There Was Evening and There Was Morning Why was it not said, “And there was evening and there was morning, the seventh day”? It is known that absence precedes presence, for there is no light without a Kli [vessel]. Hence, first there must be evening, and both together …
Kedusha [Holiness] and Tahara [Purity]
631. Kedusha [Holiness] and Tahara [Purity] “The Torah is called Kedusha [holiness], for it is written, ‘for I the Lord am holy.’ This is the Torah, which is the upper, holy name. Hence, one who engages in it is purified and then sanctified, as it is written, ‘You will be …
I Will Always Yearn
632. I Will Always Yearn “I will always yearn and I will add to all Your glory” (Psalms 71:14). We should interpret that when one feels that he has closeness to Kedusha [holiness], and it must be that the Creator drew him near, he must praise the Creator for pulling …
Revealing a Portion and Covering Two Portions – 2
633. Revealing a Portion and Covering Two Portions – 2 “Revealing a portion and covering two portions.” That is, at first, everything was covered, and he came and revealed a portion and then covered two portions. Therefore, we should ask if it would not be better had he not revealed …
Fear of Heaven
634. Fear of Heaven Yom Kippur [Day of Atonement] September 16, 1964 “Antiganos Man of Socho complained to Shimon the Righteous … but rather be as slaves serving the rav [great one/teacher] not in order to receive reward, and the fear of heaven will be upon you” (Pirkei Avot, Chapter …
This World and the Next World – 1
635. This World and the Next World – 1 “One hour of repentance and good deeds in this world is better than all of the life of the next world, and one hour of contentment in the next world is better than all the life in this world.” We should …
The Need for Flavors of Torah
636. The Need for Flavors of Torah Questions: 1) Concerning the NRNHY in the world of Assiya, he explains these are the NRNHY of Assiya. We should explain the NRNHY of Yetzira and Beria. 2) If we must observe the Mitzvot [commandments] in the literal way, as our sages said, …
Four States in the Work
637. Four States in the Work Beauty: This pertains specifically to the seeing of the eyes, which is the quality of Hochma [wisdom]. Wealth: This means “left” [side], as it is written, “and wealth to her left.” Attributing: This means ZA, which is not regarded as an entity but is …
Man’s Inclination
638. Man’s Inclination London, July 30, 1965 “Man’s inclination overcomes him every day, and unless the Creator helps him, he cannot overcome it.” We should ask about this: It is known that everything is in the hands of heaven but the fear of heaven, so why did they say, “unless,” …
This Is the Making of the Menorah [Temple Lamp] – 2
639. This Is the Making of the Menorah [Temple Lamp] – 2 Zurich, June 20, 1965 “This is the making of the Menorah [Temple Lamp], hammered work of gold; from its base to its flowers it was hammered work; according to the pattern which the Lord had shown Moses, so …
A Blessing and a Curse
640. A Blessing and a Curse Manchester, August, 1962 “I see… the blessing that you will hear the commandment of the Lord your God that I command you this day. And the curse, if you do not hear the commandment of the Lord your God, and you stray from the …
Inheritance of the Land
641. Inheritance of the Land August 28, 1962 “Justice, justice you shall pursue, that you may live and inherit the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” We should ask how inheritance of the land is connected to justice, and why we cannot inherit the land without justice. …
Justice, Justice You Shall Pursue
642. Justice, Justice You Shall Pursue August 14, 1964 “Justice, justice you shall pursue, that you may live and inherit the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” The interpreters ask about the duplication, “Justice, justice.” Also, we should ask about “that you may live.” If a person …
Supporters of the Torah
643. Supporters of the Torah “If any man of you brings an offering to the Lord.” The matter of the offerings implies to us that one must bring oneself closer to the Creator, that Korban [offering/sacrifice] comes from the word Hitkarvut [drawing near], as it is written, “And to cleave …
Passing the Dead before the Bride
644. Passing the Dead before the Bride Our sages said, “Passing the dead before the bride, and both before the king of Israel” (Ketubot 17a). We should ask about this in ethics. This phrase shows us the order of the work of the Creator: 1) First, we must remove the …
By Your Actions, We Know You
645. By Your Actions, We Know You August 1957, Boston It is known that the purpose of the creation of the worlds is to do good to His creations. It is also known that we speak only of what extends from Him, but in Him, Himself, there is no thought …
The Generations of Jacob Joseph
646. The Generations of Jacob Joseph December 3, 1977 “Observe and sanctify it from its beginning through its end.” It was interpreted in The Zohar, What is Shabbat [Sabbath]? The name of the Creator. Accordingly, what does it mean that we should observe the sanctification of the holy name? I …
A Prayer Requires a Deficiency
647. A Prayer Requires a Deficiency September 25, 1977 “Rabbi Shimon says… and when you pray, do not make your prayer permanent, but mercy and pleading before the Creator” (Pirkei Avot, Chapter 2, 18). Concerning the Torah, our sages said, “Set times for the Torah.” We should say that regularity …
The Joy of the Giver
648. The Joy of the Giver If one receives joy from serving the King, it means that he enjoys the King’s pleasure, but his joy from serving the King does not merit a name. For example, say, after he takes his suitcase, he feels a wonderful pleasure about it. Yet, …
Preparation for the Light
649. Preparation for the Light In order to reach the light, we must first make preparations, so the light will help as in “the light in it reforms him.”
Criticism on Bestowal
650. Criticism on Bestowal The will to receive is self-love. The desire to bestow is love of others. The question is, Why would one want to love others? If it is because self-love, called “will to receive,” knows it will be better for it to be a giver, and therefore …
Day and Night
651. Day and Night “Day” means that one is happy even without taking any action. He feels that he is in a good mood like the sun that shines without my actions. “Night” means I cannot be happy unless through corrections. For example, if we want to have light at …
If Any Man of You Brings an Offering - 1
652. If Any Man of You Brings an Offering - 1 May “If any man of you brings an offering … from the beast.” The matter of offering is specifically from the beast, as in “he pretends to be as a beast and not as humans.” This is so because …
Concerning Threshing
653. Concerning Threshing May “Indeed, your threshing will last for you until grape gathering, and grape gathering will last until sowing time.” The matter of “threshing” means things that a person tramples with his feet, meaning he extracts the abundance from under his feet. By this he comes to a …
Who Despises the Day of Smallness
654. Who Despises the Day of Smallness “Who despises the day of smallness?” This means that one should be happy about work in Katnut [smallness/infancy] more than about work in Gadlut [greatness/adulthood] because the bigger the light, the more there is fear that the external ones will blemish it. Hence, …
Shoots Like an Arrow
655. Shoots Like an Arrow Any sperm that does not shoot like an arrow does not beget. This means that as long as one does not feel that it is so bad that it is like the shooting of an arrow, that any discernment of bad shoots like an arrow …
For the Iniquity of the Amorite Is Not Complete
656. For the Iniquity of the Amorite Is Not Complete “For the iniquity of the Amorite is not complete.” It is known that there is a limit to man’s Kelim [vessels], to how much he can receive, meaning to feel and attain. Hence, if a person reaches his maximum, he …
What Is Reality and What Is Imagination
657. What Is Reality and What Is Imagination Spirituality is called “that which will never be cancelled,” and the will to receive is called “corporeality,” since it will be cancelled and will eventually be inverted to work in order to bestow. Reality means that anyone who comes there, to that …
This World and the Next World – 2
658. This World and the Next World – 2 There is a discernment of the next world, called “faith,” and there is the discernment of this world, called “attainment.” It is written about the next world, “Will be satisfied and will be delighted,” meaning there is no end to the …
What Are Torah and Work?
659. What Are Torah and Work? With regard to the Creator, we can speak of Torah, since work pertains specifically to the created beings. Work applies only to the created beings. Hence, when we speak of work, it means that we learn what one should do. In that state, a …
How Did They Sin?
660. How Did They Sin? In the event at Mt. Sinai, they became free from the angel of death, and only by the sin of the calf did they return to their filth. The question is, How could they sin? Indeed, we should also understand how Adam HaRishon, prior to …
Branch and Root
661. Branch and Root An instantaneous reward is that a person should value the fact that he is observing the Mitzvot [commandments] that the Creator commanded and the Torah [law] that the Creator gave. The whole reward is that he is obeying the Creator and is rewarded with speaking with …
Four Discernments in the Desire
662. Four Discernments in the Desire There are four discernments in the desire: 1. Receiving in order to receive; 2. Bestowing, observing Mitzvot [commandments] in order to receive the next world as a reward; 3. Bestowing in order to bestow; 4. Wanting to receive pleasure in order to bestow because …
If He Is Rewarded, His Work Is Done by Others
663. If He Is Rewarded, His Work Is Done by Others “If he is rewarded, his work is done by others.” But if he is not rewarded, his work is done by himself. We should understand the importance of being rewarded, that his work comes through others. If so, then …
Feeling the Sin Increases the Light
664. Feeling the Sin Increases the Light “Had Israel not sinned, there would be only the book of Torah in them.” This means that by feeling that they were sinners, they “cried out to the Lord” to save them, and any help is through the light of Torah. It follows …
Counsels against the Inclination
665. Counsels against the Inclination If a person sees that his inclination overcomes him, he should read the Shema reading [Hear, O Israel…]. If this does not help him, etc., he should remember the day of death; this will certainly help him. We should ask why he is not told …
He Who Comes to Purify Is Aided – 2
666. He Who Comes to Purify Is Aided – 2 “He who comes to purify is aided,” but He who comes to defile, it is opened for him and he does not receive assistance. What does that come to tell us? To defile, a person runs and wants to defile …
A Descent and Ascent in the Work
667. A Descent and Ascent in the Work A descent in spirituality means that spirituality has descended in its value. An ascent in spirituality means that the value of spirituality has increased, meaning it has become more important. Torah and work. “Work” means the work of the Kelim [vessels], meaning …
In a Place Where Repentants Stand
668. In a Place Where Repentants Stand “In a place where repentants [people who repented] stand, complete righteous cannot stand.” “Complete righteous” means “right line,” when one learns Torah Lishma [for Her sake], called “bestowing in order to bestow.” “Repentants” means receiving in order to bestow. The act is called …
The Good Inclination and the Evil Inclination
669. The Good Inclination and the Evil Inclination “For [He will command] His angels” (Genesis 32). That is, the evil inclination and the good inclination both guard a person so he will achieve the goal.
You Shall Give Him His Wages On His Day
670. You Shall Give Him His Wages On His Day Normally, we work during the day and not at night. The reward from the side of judgment is “You shall give him his wages on his day before the sun sets” (Deuteronomy 24:15). This implies that when one feels that …
Sorting Food and Waste
671. Sorting Food and Waste On Shabbat [Sabbath], we sort the food from the waste, meaning good things that are found in the body. On weekdays, we sort the waste from the food. We do not look at good deeds that exist in the body and for which we should …
The Creator Craves the Prayer of the Righteous
672. The Creator Craves the Prayer of the Righteous The Creator craves the prayer of the righteous. What did He do? He caused them harm so they would pray to remove the harm from them and turn it into good (The Zohar, VaYishlach, Item 45).
The Death of a Righteous
673. The Death of a Righteous Rabbi Elazar says, “Anyone who engages in Torah Lishma [for Her sake], his death is not by the evil inclination, which is the angel of death… For this reason, righteous who engage in Torah, their body is not impure after their death” (The Zohar, …
To Admonish Another
674. To Admonish Another “‘[One] who does not know how to be careful.’ It did not say “to warn,” but “to be careful” (The Zohar, VaYeshev). A person wants to admonish others, for everyone wants others to work with vessels of bestowal, for if all the friends work in bestowal, …
The Quality of Joseph
675. The Quality of Joseph “Jacob sat.” RASHI interpreted, “Jacob sought to sit in peace; Joseph’s anger jumped on him. Righteous seek to sit in peace. The Creator says, ‘Is it not enough for the righteous what awaits them in the next world, but they also seek to sit in …
Being Privileged
676. Being Privileged The privilege that one has to serve the King is expressed when he wants to work in order to bestow. These thoughts are considered that the Creator brings him near and lets him serve Him. But when he cannot aim in order to bestow and has other …
Why Matza Is Called “Bread of Poverty”
677. Why Matza Is Called “Bread of Poverty” Let us explain the matter of Hametz [leaven] and Matza [unleavened bread], why Matza is called “bread of poverty,” and why the Omer is made of barley, which is food for beasts, and the two loaves of bread, from wheat, which is …
Male and Female
678. Male and Female Rabbi Yitzhak said, “Rabbi Ami said, ‘A male comes to the world, his loaf comes with him,’” Ze.Kar [Zachar (male)], and it is written, “And he prepared a great feast for them.” Nekevah [female], Nekiya Ba [comes clean], until she said, “I did not give her …
Signs of the Son of David
679. Signs of the Son of David “The son of David [Messiah] does not come until all pennies have run out from the pocket” (Sanhedrin 97a). A “pocket” means the Kelim [vessels] where man’s energy is placed, meaning that he has done all that he could, and then he will …
Annulment - the Baal Shem Tov Way
680. Annulment—the Baal Shem Tov Way The way to annul the body used to be through abstention. But there is another way, which is annulment before the rav [great one, teacher]. This is the meaning of “Make for yourself a rav.” “Making” is clarified by force, without any intellect. As …
When a Woman Inseminates – 2
681. When a Woman Inseminates – 2 The book Kedushat Levi (Tazria): In the work there is sowing, conception, and birth. “Sowing” means an awakening that awakens people’s hearts to the work of the Creator. “Conception” means one who wants to perform the Mitzva [commandment]. “Birth” is when a person …
Exit and Entry in the Work
682. Exit and Entry in the Work Tzeva’ot [hosts/armies] is a connection of two things: Tze [exit/leave] and Ba’ot [coming], which is exit from the work and coming to the work. Through the two of them, the holy name is made, using the word “armies,” since the war is only …
A Wise Sees the Future
683. A Wise Sees the Future Concerning the pleasures of this world, the authors of ethics said, “Its beginning is sweet and its end, bitter.” This is as it is written, “Who is wise? He who sees the future,” meaning that its end is bitter and he has the strength …
The Quality of Moses
684. The Quality of Moses Why was Moshe [Moses] called specifically by the name Moshe, which Pharaoh’s daughter gave him? We should say that it is after the saving, for I Mashitihu [pulled him] from the water. In the work, a person drowns in the evil water called “What” and …
The Creator Complements the Desire
685. The Creator Complements the Desire The main thing required of man is the desire, to have a desire and yearning to work in order to bestow. Although he cannot control himself, since man cannot go against nature, but when man wants, the Creator complements his desire.
The Most Important Is the Right
686. The Most Important Is the Right Elisha asked the Shunammite, “What do you have in the house?” and she replied, “Nothing but a jar of oil.” He replied to her that it was good, “Go and borrow vessels.” That is, precisely where there is oil, which is the quality …
Make for Yourself an Ark
687. Make for Yourself an Ark Aba Hanan said in the name of Rabbi Eliezer, “One verse says, ‘Make for yourself an ark.’ Another verse says, ‘Make an ark’ [in plural form]. How come? Here, when Israel do the Creator’s will, according to the RASHI interpretation, the work is named …
Raise a Contribution for Me – 2
688. Raise a Contribution for Me – 2 February-March “Raise a contribution for Me,” meaning Tarum [raise] Hey [the letter], which is Malchut. This is the meaning of Teshuva [repentance], of which The Zohar said Tashuv Hey [the Hey will return] to the Vav, namely the unification of the Creator …
The Matter of Father and Son
689. The Matter of Father and Son “A son makes the father worthy, but the father does not make the son worthy.” King Hezekiah was righteous. Although his father, Ahaz, was a complete wicked, he has the next world thanks to his son, Hezekiah. But Menashe [Manasseh], son of Hezekiah, …
This World and the Future
690. This World and the Future Adar, Tav-Shin-Chaf-Bet, March 1962 In this world, a man builds a building and then ruins it. In other words, anything that one does, any construction, and a construction means it is something sustainable, such as when a person does some corporeal lust, the lust …
The Torah Was Given in Secret
691. The Torah Was Given in Secret “Let it be given to the upper ones and let them not be given to Moses.” The Torah should be given when one is ascended. “And let them not be given to Moses,” as Moses is called “the faithful shepherd,” and the hands …
The Torah Is Called Tushiya – 1
692. The Torah Is Called Tushiya – 1 Sanhedrin 26b: “Rabbi Hanin said, ‘Why is her name Tushiya? It is because she Mateshet [wanes/exhausts] a person’s strength.’ Another interpretation: Tushiya, since she was given in secret because of Satan.” RASHI interpreted that he slanders and says, “Let it be given …
The Torah Is Called Tushiya – 2
693. The Torah Is Called Tushiya – 2 Our sages said, “Rabbi Hanin said, ‘Why is her name Tushiya? It is because she Mateshet [wanes/exhausts] a person’s strength.’ Another interpretation: ‘Tushiya, since she was given in secret because of Satan.’” RASHI interpreted that he slanders and says, “Let it be …
Great Is a Transgression that Is Lishma
694. Great Is a Transgression that Is Lishma “Rabbi Nachman Bar Yitzhak said, ‘A transgression Lishma [for Her sake] is greater than a Mitzva [commandment] Lo Lishma [not for Her sake],’ and this is what Rabbi Yehuda said, ‘Rav said, ‘One should always engage in Torah and Mitzvot [commandments], even …
And They Shall Take to You Pure Olive Oil
695. And They Shall Take to You Pure Olive Oil “And they shall take to you pure olive oil.” Rabbi Shmuel Bar Nachmani said, “To you and not to me; it is not its light that I need” (Minchot 86b). “Outside the veil of testimony in the tent of meeting,” …
Your Strength to the Torah
696. Your Strength to the Torah A strong person is one who has a strong desire, and not one who has strong limbs, as in “Who is mighty? He who conquers his inclination,” as is done with the powers of strong limbs. For example, when one wants to go somewhere, …
And You Shall Honor It, Not Doing Your Ways
697. And You Shall Honor It, Not Doing Your Ways “And you shall honor it, not doing your ways.” “Honor it,” so your Shabbat [Sabbath] attire will not be as your everyday attire, “and even as Rabbi Yochanan called his garments ‘My honorers,’” and RASHI interpreted “My honorers,” since they …
Two Kinds of Internality
698. Two Kinds of Internality 1) Internality is called “desire of internality,” namely the mind and the heart, which are the thought and the desire. 2) That which is clothed in the thought, meaning what one thinks or wants. This is regarded as the light that is clothed in vessels …
The End of Correction
699. The End of Correction The end of correction means that the Kelim [vessels] receive in order to bestow. When the light fills the Kelim, the Kli [vessel] is annulled before the light and does not merit a name. Hence, Hitpashtut Bet [second expansion] is light of Hochma in a …
Covering and Revealing
700. Covering and Revealing “When Israel do the Creator’s will, their work is done by others.” “Work” means the work on qualities (Berachot 35b). When one does the Creator’s will, he sees no place that he should correct. But then the Creator makes for him the wings, which are a …
Confidence
701. Confidence Confidence depends on faith. One who believes that his friend is very wealthy and generous is confident that he will give him what he asks. If he hesitates, meaning he is uncertain that he will satisfy his need, it is a sign that his faith is incomplete. Thus, …
From the Depths I Have Called You, Lord – 2
702. From the Depths I Have Called You, Lord – 2 “From the depths I have called You, Lord.” Therefore, one should pray from the lowest place. When one prays that the Creator will satisfy his needs, he must try to see how he is deep in the earth, that …
Miketz [After]
703. Miketz [After] Rabbi Shimon said, “Until that event happened to Joseph, he was not called ‘righteous.’ Once he kept that covenant, he was called ‘righteous’ … And what happened in the pit before, they moved away from it, and it is written, ‘and they hurriedly brought him out of …
Why Was the Torah Given to Israel
704. Why Was the Torah Given to Israel “Why was the Torah given to Israel? Because they are fierce.” RASHI interpreted, because Israel are fierce, they were given the Torah, which wanes the strength and subdues their hearts (Masechet Beitza 25). We should understand the following: 1) This implies that …
Impudence
705. Impudence “Impudence, even toward the heaven, it is enjoyable” (Sanhedrin 105a). Commentary: When one feels that what he is praying, for the Creator to grant him his wishes, is impudence on his part, since he is not worthy of the Creator’s help, it is enjoyable (beneficial), and his prayer …
By the Sweat of Your Brow
706. By the Sweat of Your Brow “And God said, ‘Let the earth put forth grass… fruit trees bearing fruit after their kind.’” RASHI interpreted “fruit tree, that the taste of the tree will be as that of the fruit. But she [the earth] did not do so. Rather, ‘And …
A Treasure of Fear of Heaven
707. A Treasure of Fear of Heaven All the Creator has in His treasury is a treasure of fear of heaven, as was said, “The fear of God is His treasure.” We should ask, But there is no fear in Him, so how can it be said that He has …
The Prayer of the Righteous
708. The Prayer of the Righteous “The Creator craves the prayer of the righteous.” A prayer is specifically where there is a lack, since one who prays discovers that he has a lack. The lack is the Kli [vessel] that can hold the abundance within it, so as not to …
Education
709. Education There are two aspects to education: 1) the practice, 2) the intention. For example, when the father educates his son and tells him that it is forbidden to steal, the child hears about a practice. Afterward, the child asks about the intention in the matter, meaning why it …
Three Generations, Three Lines
710. Three Generations, Three Lines Someone who he, his son, and his son’s son achieved the Torah, the Torah never ceases from them, as was said, “will not depart from your mouth,” etc. We should ask about it, since we see that there are three generations of achievers of the …
There Has Never Risen a Prophet Like Moses
711. There Has Never Risen a Prophet Like Moses There has never risen a prophet like Moses, but a sage did rise (end of Yalkut HaReuveni). We should ask about this, since the whole Torah is named after Moses. We can say that Moses comprises all the discernments, as it …
Desire and Intellect
712. Desire and Intellect Desire and intellect: The desire is the essence, the ruler, and it has many servants at its disposal, such as a counselor called “intellect,” and slaves that execute, called “hands and legs,” and eyes and ears and nose, etc. Although the intellect is smart and the …
One Who Walks along the Way
713. One Who Walks along the Way “Rabbi Yehoshua Ben Levi said, ‘One who walks along the way without company should engage in Torah, as was said, ‘For they are a graceful accompaniment’’” (Iruvin 54). We should understand what it means that we need company when we set out on …
Torah of Hesed [Mercy/Grace]
714. Torah of Hesed [Mercy/Grace] “Rabbi Elazar said, ‘Why is it written, ‘She opened her mouth with wisdom and the Torah [law] of mercy was on her tongue’? Is there Torah of mercy and Torah that is not of mercy? Torah Lishma [for Her sake] is Torah of mercy. Lo …
Concerning Preparation for a Fast
715. Concerning Preparation for a Fast Sorrow and joy, fear and love are all offshoots, consequences of various reasons, yet they are not the source. Hence, when we want to expand and increase the result, meaning the sorrow and the joy, the sorrow itself, or the joy or the love …
Concerning Pride
716. Concerning Pride “Anyone who is proud, says the Creator, ‘He and I cannot dwell in the same abode.’” A place of lack is specifically if there are walls to the place of lack, and then that lack is regarded as a Kli [vessel]. A lack that has no walls …
Voice and Speech
717. Voice and Speech “Voice” means the feeling that one is in the quality of “animate,” but without any clothing in the intellect. “Speech” means that the feeling dresses in the intellect. This is called “speaking.” Naturally, these things that are called “innovations in the Torah,” meaning with respect to …
Anyone Who Mourns Jerusalem
718. Anyone Who Mourns Jerusalem Shabbat Hazon [the Sabbath preceding the 9th of Av] is a preparation for Shabbat Nachamu [the 1st Sabbath after the 9th of Av], as it is written, “Anyone who mourns Jerusalem is rewarded with seeing the consolation of Jerusalem.” “Anyone who aches with the public …
And Judah Approached Him – 2
719. And Judah Approached Him – 2 “And Judah approached him and said, ‘My lord, may your servant please speak a word in my lord’s ears, and do not be angry,’” etc. RASHI interpreted, “You learn from this that he spoke to him harshly.” We should ask what this means …
He Who Adds Knowledge, Adds Pain
720. He Who Adds Knowledge, Adds Pain We see that when a person is in Katnut [smallness/infancy], before he grows up, he draws vitality and pleasure from every single thing. Anything he encounters excites him and elicits from him good, when he loves the object and yearns to play with …
The Segula of Torah and Mitzvot
721. The Segula of Torah and Mitzvot There is a Segula [power/cure] in Torah and Mitzvot [commandments] that if he learns with this intention, although his heart disagrees with it, and all that he does with this intention is against his will and heart, yet through compulsory work, he is …
Action and Thought
722. Action and Thought There is a difference between action and thought. A person does not control the thought, meaning he cannot chase away a thought if the thought is in his mind. But with an action, he can do or not do the action, since on action, there is …
Tzimtzum
723. Tzimtzum Tzimtzum Aleph [first restriction] is called “private Providence,” and Tzimtzum Bet [second restriction] is Providence of reward and punishment. Through raising MAN, the light of AB from before Tzimtzum Bet illuminates. As for Malchut, it is a rule that we do not speak of any Sefira but only …
Balak Saw
724. Balak Saw “And Balak Ben Tzipor saw,” etc. We should understand why “Moab feared,” since it is written, “Do not harass Moab.” The Hatam Sofer explains, as Maimonides wrote in eight chapters, that the Creator strengthened the heart of Egypt and the heart of Sihon in order to avenge …
Man’s Soul Will Teach Him
725. Man’s Soul Will Teach Him August 24, 1947 “Man’s soul will teach him.” The whole Torah is learned primarily for the purpose of the soul, meaning for those who have been rewarded with a soul. And yet, they must yearn and search words of Torah or other sages in …
Going on the Road
726. Going on the Road “Going on the road” means that first he was at home and was used to Torah and Mitzvot [commandments], and there, it was a habit for him. But now when he goes on the road, he diminishes what he had from when he went by …
The Most Important Is the Environment
727. The Most Important Is the Environment “And choose life.” The most important is the environment. Man is always in an environment and necessarily follows them. Hence, if one is immersed in thoughts of Abaye and Raba, he is necessarily influenced by them. But if, for a brief moment, he …
Faith – 2
728. Faith – 2 “Rabbi Tarfon says, ‘The day is short and the work is plentiful; the workers are lazy and the reward is ample, and the landlord presses’” (Avot, Chapter 2, Mishnah 15). That is, when one believes that there is a landlord, that there is no capital without …
This World Is Sanctified by Man
729. This World Is Sanctified by Man According to the literal meaning, all the matters of this world are bodily matters, and man’s deficiencies, to be dust from the earth. One who wants to be pious cannot, unless he abstains from the pleasures as much as he can and does …
Nicer than Gold
730. Nicer than Gold Words of Torah: 1) They are holy. 2) They are sublime. 3) They are sweet, as it is written, “Nicer than gold and from much fine gold, and sweeter than honey” (The Zohar, Part 3, 149 [in Hebrew]). We need to understand these three phrases. The …
Charity for the Poor
731. Charity for the Poor Portion BaHar, May 1958, Sunderland, UK Portion, BaHar [In the Mount (Leviticus 25:1-Leviticus 26:2)]: “If a countryman of yours becomes poor and his means with regard to you falter, then you are to sustain him.” RASHI interprets, do not let him decline and fall, and …
Before the Face of the Menorah
732. Before the Face of the Menorah Sivan, Tav-Shin-Yod-Het, June 1958 “Before the face of the Menorah [Temple lamp], the seven candles will illuminate.” RASHI interpreted that it is so it will not be said that He needs its light. The Gemara asks (Shabbat [Sabbath] 22b), “Does He need light? …
In Its Time, I Will Hasten It
733. In Its Time, I Will Hasten It “Rabbi Alexandrai said, ‘Rabbi Yehoshua Ben Levi Rami said, ‘It is written, ‘In its time,’ and it is written, ‘I will hasten it,’ ‘I the Lord will hasten it in its time.’ If they are rewarded, I will hasten it. If they …
The Western Candle
734. The Western Candle Why does the western candle indicate that the Shechina [Divinity] dwells in Israel? Erev [evening] means darkness, the opposite of day, for “day” implies seeing, when we see what we are doing. Conversely, evening is called “darkness,” which means that we do not see what we …
On the Day When the Tabernacle Was Established
735. On the Day When the Tabernacle Was Established “‘On the day when the Tabernacle was established,’ Abaye said that there is no building of the Temple at night, as was said, ‘On the day when the Tabernacle was established.’ It is established in the day, and it is not …
The Diminution of the Moon
736. The Diminution of the Moon July “One goat for a sin offering to the Lord.” The Creator said, “Bring atonement for Me, for diminishing the moon.” We should ask the following: 1) How can it be said that He seemingly sinned by the diminution, that the Creator did? 2) …
A Eulogy
737. A Eulogy Our sages said, “Anyone who cries over a Kosher [fitting/worthy] person, all his iniquities are pardoned.” “Rabbi Shimon Ben Pazi said, ‘Rabbi Yehoshua Ben Levi said in the name of Bar Kafra, ‘Anyone who sheds tears over a Kosher person, the Creator counts them and places them …
A Covenant of Salt
738. A Covenant of Salt February 8, 1959, Tiberias, at a meal celebrating the completion of part six “On all your offerings you shall offer salt.” This is the covenant of the salt, which is a covenant against the intellect, for when one takes good things from one’s friend, they …
Two Types of Attire
739. Two Types of Attire External attire, which is on the body, is called “clothes of Hassidim [pious followers].” An external attire, which is the body, is worn over man’s internality, which are thought and desire, regarded as “mind and heart.” The first quality is called “externality of externality,” and …
Three Gifts
740. Three Gifts “And the Lord your God will keep for you the covenant and the Hesed [mercy/grace/].” The Creator gave three good gifts to Israel: merciful ones, shy, and alms givers, as it is written, “will keep … and the Hesed [also means alms giving]” (Jerusalem Talmud, Chapter 1, …
To Cleanse the People
741. To Cleanse the People 1957-1958 There is a story that Turnus Rufus the Evil [an epithet given to Quintus Tineius Rufus, a provincial governor under the Roman Empire] asked Rabbi Akiva, “What deeds are good, those of the Creator or those of man?” He said to him, “Those of …
The Lord’s Revenge Against Midian
742. The Lord’s Revenge Against Midian “And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying ‘Avenge the vengeance of the children of Israel on the Midianites’ … and Moses spoke to the people, saying … to execute the Lord's vengeance on Midian.” The famous question is why Moses changed the words of …
The Journeys of the Children of Israel
743. The Journeys of the Children of Israel “These are the journeys of the children of Israel, who went out from the land of Egypt with their armies, by the hand of Moses and Aaron. And Moses wrote their places of exit to their journeys according to the word of …
Abraham’s Gemstones
744. Abraham’s Gemstones Our sages said, “There was a gemstone hanging from Abraham’s neck, and any sick person who saw it was promptly healed.” We should interpret that “sick” means that his head aches. Each one thought that specifically through knowledge they could achieve wholeness, meaning that they could answer …
When the Creator Came
745. When the Creator Came It is written in Midrash Rabbah (BaMidbar 1): “Another thing: ‘Why did they say, ‘My people have descended; we will no longer come to You’ (Jeremiah 2)? What is ‘descended,’ as it is said, ‘for he oppresses the whole of the riverbank’’ (1 Kings 5). …
Concerning the Fetus
746. Concerning the Fetus When a newborn emerges into the world, he must acquire two forces: 1) the power of the will to receive, 2) the power of the desire to bestow. For this purpose, the newborn was given two cuts: 1) The cutting of the connection from the infant’s …
In the Heat of the Day
747. In the Heat of the Day “In the heat of the day.” Our sages said that the Creator took out the sun from her sheath so as not to trouble him with guests (Baba Metzia 86b). In other words, after he was circumcised, he was rewarded with the revelation …
To Renew the Reason
748. To Renew the Reason Any woman who does not have matrimony, not on it and not on others, the offspring is like her. And which one is it? The offspring of a handmaid and a foreigner. How do we know about a Canaanite handmaid? Rav Huna said, “Kara said, …
The Commandment of the Upper One
749. The Commandment of the Upper One “What is the burden of the kingdom of heaven? It is like that ox on which a burden is placed at first, in order to elicit from it benefit to the world … If it does not take it on itself first, it …
How Terrible Is This Place
750. How Terrible Is This Place “How terrible is this place? This must be the house of God.” When a person wants to come under the authority of Kedusha [holiness], he must take upon himself fear, for if there is no fear, there is no wisdom. That is, if the …
Anyone in Whom There Is Fear of Heaven – 2
751. Anyone in Whom There Is Fear of Heaven – 2 “Anyone in whom there is fear of heaven.” To achieve fear of heaven is as in “around him it was very stormy.” What is fear of heaven? It is faith, so he will not sin, meaning self-reception. Afterward, we …
Before I Was Circumcised – 2
752. Before I Was Circumcised – 2 “And he ran toward them.” In the Midrash: “Abraham said, ‘Before I was circumcised, passersby would come to me. Now that I am circumcised, they do not come.’ The Creator said to him, ‘Before you were circumcised, uncircumcised would come to you. Now, …
Concerning the Evil Inclination
753. Concerning the Evil Inclination It is written in the books that the evil inclination itself is satisfied when it is defeated. There is an allegory in The Zohar about a king’s son, etc. We should interpret that it is known that the evil inclination is called “will to receive,” …
The Complaint of the Angels
754. The Complaint of the Angels We should interpret concerning the angels, who said, “Give Your glory on the heaven.” Ostensibly, we should ask, Is the Torah a corporeal matter? If it is given below, can it not be above, as well? After all, the Torah should be given to …
To Enjoy in Order to Bestow
755. To Enjoy in Order to Bestow Why is it permitted to enjoy when a person receives the pleasure in order to bestow? After all, why does he bestow? It is because he has pleasure. Therefore, he already has pleasure from bestowal, for if he did not have pleasure, he …
A Deficiency from the Light
756. A Deficiency from the Light A deficiency, meaning a deficiency from the light, except the light was shining. But after the Tzimtzum [restriction], through the will to receive, a deficiency from the light was created. And yet, there was a Tzimtzum as an adornment.
Toil
757. Toil The Zohar, VaYechi: “He did not see iniquity in Jacob and did not see toil in Israel.” Yet, there is the quality of toil in Jacob nonetheless, but in Israel, it is even gone. A place where there is no iniquity because one engages in Torah and Mitzvot …
The Measure of Overcoming
758. The Measure of Overcoming “Man’s inclination overcomes him every day, and unless the Creator helps him, he cannot overcome it.” That is, the help that one demands is that only the Creator will help him, and not another force, meaning that he will truly have faith in the Creator. …
Man as a Whole
759. Man as a Whole As a whole, man consists of two discernments: 1) his own existence, 2) the existence of reality. The existence of reality is divided into three discernments: 1) Necessity, without which reality would cease to be. For this, it is enough to eat a small slice …
The Material of the Soul
760. The Material of the Soul Concerning the soul, which is a part of God above, the kabbalists compared it to a stone that is carved from a mountain. The question is, How can it be said that it is the same material as the mountain, for it is from …
Two Discernments in the Kelim
761. Two Discernments in the Kelim There are two discernments in the Kelim [vessels]: the part that they receive and the part that they give. For example, the Kli [vessel] of Bina is regarded as having a little bit of reception, but it is enough to correct itself and create …
Degrees of Aviut
762. Degrees of Aviut What is the difference between Aviut [thickness] Shoresh [root], called Salik BeRe’uta [lit. Ascended in desire. (from Aramaic): wanted], and Aviut of Behina Aleph [first discernment], called Histaklut Dak [lit. thin looking]? It is that in Aviut Shoresh, the light of Nefesh is clothed, and in …
Inverse Relation between Lights and Vessels
763. Inverse Relation between Lights and Vessels An explanation to what is written in several places, that anyone who receives, receives first in the Sefira Keter, and only the quality of Nefesh. When he corrects the Kli [vessel] of Hochma, he is rewarded with Ruach in the Kli of Keter …
The View of Kedusha
764. The View of Kedusha Our sages said, “I the Lord,” Rabbah said about it, why is it written, “All the kings of the earth will thank You, Lord, for we heard the sayings of Your mouth” (Psalms 138)? It did not say, “the saying of Your mouth,” but “the …
He Who Learns Torah in Poverty
765. He Who Learns Torah in Poverty “He who learns Torah in poverty will eventually observe it in wealth.” Our sages said, “There is none who is poor except in knowledge” (Nedarim 41). That is, precisely by learning and seeing that he does not understand, where the more he learns, …
The Ability to Receive
766. The Ability to Receive The ability to first establish reception in order to bestow, for because he is blind, it means that he does not see his illumination descending. Rather, precisely when one is in ascent, it follows that he is near the light of Hochma, where he will …
You Shall Make Holy Garments
767. You Shall Make Holy Garments “You shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty.” “Let your clothes be white all the time, and let not oil be lacking on your head” (Ecclesiastes). The commandment of garments of priesthood was said in proximity. It is …
The Suckling of the Klipot
768. The Suckling of the Klipot Concerning the matter that a suckling for the Klipot [shells/peels] was made, which are regarded as “very thin light.” “Mixing” means that there is no distinction between one who serves Him and one who does not serve Him. “A righteous falls before a wicked” …
Merging of the Body
769. Merging of the Body Man’s nature is according to the merging of the body, as it is written in The Zohar that there are four elements called “fire, wind, water, and dust.” This has nothing to do with the evil inclination. It is known that it is impossible to …
The Difference between the Soul and the Body
770. The Difference between the Soul and the Body A “soul” is when one receives in order to bestow. A “body” means when he receives only for himself. A “soul” means that he is receiving in order to bestow, namely the attaining individual, who is regarded as the quality of …
Walking
771. Walking It is known that as long as one is alive, he is regarded as “walking,” where through his engagement in Torah and Mitzvot [commandments] he “walks” each day from degree to degree. After his death, he is called “standing,” since “The dead are free,” etc. But Jacob is …
Writing a Book of Torah
772. Writing a Book of Torah Raba said, “Although his forefathers left him a book of Torah, he is commanded to write his own, as was said, ‘And you, write this song for yourselves.’” We should ask about it, for if he has a book of Torah from his forefathers, …
The Difference between Torah and Ethics
773. The Difference between Torah and Ethics The difference between Torah and ethics: “Ethics” is called “the correction of creation,” which is the qualification of the Kelim [vessels]. “Torah,” in the sense of the names of the Creator, is the purpose of creation. “His names” means names of abundance, such …
It Is Good to Thank the Creator
774. It Is Good to Thank the Creator November 4, 1964 “A psalm, a song … it is good to thank the Lord.” We should ask why it is good to thank specifically on Shabbat [Sabbath]. On the six workdays, it is the place of work, and then the prayer …
The Thoughts of a Gentile and Those of Israel
775. The Thoughts of a Gentile and Those of Israel “Israel” is one who engages in Mitzvot [commandments]. A “gentile” means idol-worship, the bad in him. Israel’s bad thought is that he engages in Torah and Mitzvot not for the sake of the Creator. Israel’s good thought is that his …
Still of Kedusha
776. Still of Kedusha Rosh Hashanah, September 16, 1958 There is still of Kedusha [holiness], and there is vegetative, etc. The “still” is considered all those things that one receives by upbringing. “Vegetative” means that which a person takes upon himself, things he did not acquire through his rearing. The …
A Prayer for the Exile of the Shechina
777. A Prayer for the Exile of the Shechina What is the meaning of the prayer, that we should pray for the exile of the Shechina [Divinity]? The Sitra Achra [other side], which is the quality of knowing and receiving, controls the Shechina, which is regarded as bestowal and faith. …
Pleasure Cancels the Mind
778. Pleasure Cancels the Mind Pleasure cancels the mind and does not let it think about life’s purpose, whether he derives pleasure from spirituality or from corporeality. For this reason, when one wants to see if he is walking on the path of truth, he should not think about the …
Bless the Fruit of Your Womb
779. Bless the Fruit of Your Womb “Bless the fruit of your womb.” Rabbi Natan says, “How do we know that a woman’s fruit of the womb is not blessed unless from the fruit of a man’s womb, as was said, ‘Bless the fruit of your womb’? It did not …
And You, Write
780. And You, Write “And you, write about the Jews as you see fit … for a decree which is written in the name of the king and sealed with the king's signet ring may not be revoked.” Baal HaSulam said that in the decree of the law it was …
The Way of the Baal Shem Tov
781. The Way of the Baal Shem Tov December 5, 1964 The way of the Baal Shem Tov is that he set up a Heder [room for learning Torah], meaning gave lessons on becoming rabbis, and anyone who graduated from the Heder received the title Rabbi. Rabbi means “teacher,” meaning …
How Great Is Your Name
782. How Great Is Your Name July 18, 1965, Antwerp “How great is Your name … on the heaven,” for all those camps of angels thank and glorify this action, that was revealed on earth, and which was not revealed to them (The Zohar, Item 62 in the Sulam [Ladder …
A Ransom for His Soul
783. A Ransom for His Soul Adar Aleph, February 1965 A ransom for his soul, half a Shekel [coin]. Why not a whole Shekel? What is the meaning of half, Shekel, rich, and poor? Mentioned and done, for on that generation, Israel should have been obliterated, and the Gemara says …
The Meaning of Shabbat
784. The Meaning of Shabbat Shabbat [Sabbath] is called Shin-Bat (The Zohar, VaYakhel), where Bat [daughter/girl] means female, which is the quality of reception. When the upper pleasure is revealed and we receive it, this is called “female” and “daughter.” This is why The Zohar says that when the three …
Law and Judgment – 2
785. Law and Judgment – 2 “If you walk in My laws and keep My judgments.” It is asked why there is a repetition of words. It is known that there is the quality of law and judgment, called the quality of faith and the quality of Torah. “If you …
The Lord Came from Sinai
786. The Lord Came from Sinai “The Lord came from Sinai and shone on them from Seir.” This means that from what the children of Seir said, that they do not want to receive, from this it shone for Israel and added to them much light and love. “Appeared from …
ABYA in the Work
787. ABYA in the Work August 30, 1961, London There are four discernments concerning the work. The order is that “From Lo Lishma [not for Her sake] we come to Lishma [for Her sake].” There is also an order of internality and externality. The internality and externality also divide into …
He Raises the Poor from the Dust – 1
788. He Raises the Poor from the Dust – 1 “He raises the poor from the dust, lifts the indigent from the trash.” We should ask the following: 1) what is dust, 2) what is poor, 3) what is trash, 4) what is indigent. “Dust” is as in, “A serpent, …
From the Peh and Above, It Is Not Considered a Kli
789. From the Peh and Above, It Is Not Considered a Kli The Kli [vessel] is Aviut [thickness], which is the will to receive. On this there is the power of judgment that it is forbidden to receive with this intention. On that there is a correction called Masach [screen]. …
Be Careful with What Comes Out from Your Lips
790. Be Careful with What Comes Out from Your Lips “Be careful with what comes out from your lips.” “Remember and keep were said in one utterance.” “Lips” means Malchut, which is the acceptance of the burden of the kingdom of heaven. This requires great care because acceptance of a …
Demand and Receive Reward
791. Demand and Receive Reward Concerning “Demand and receive reward.” The thing is that there are things that one can achieve and attain so he must learn how to behave and obtain the required qualification in order to attain them, meaning things that come through an awakening from below. There …
A Stubborn and Rebellious Son
792. A Stubborn and Rebellious Son “There never was nor ever will be a stubborn and rebellious son. Rather, demand and receive reward” (Sanhedrin 71). We should ask, since it is known that the Torah is called “the names of the Creator,” meaning that all the practice of Mitzvot [commandments] …
Write Them on the Tablet of Your Heart
793. Write Them on the Tablet of Your Heart Raba said, “Although his forefathers bequeathed him a book of Torah, it is a Mitzva [commandment] to write his own, as was said, ‘And you, write this song for yourselves’” (Sanhedrin 21b). Indeed, we should ask: If his forefathers bequeathed him …
The Place of Attainment
794. The Place of Attainment In GAR there is no attainment, and all our attainment is in VAK. We should interpret that GAR means mind, where it should be only by faith. We must believe that this was His will. VAK means “heart,” meaning an impression in the heart, and …
Hear, My Son, Your Father's Morals – 2
795. Hear, My Son, Your Father's Morals – 2 July “Pinhas, son of Elazar,” etc., “Rabbi Elazar started and said, ‘Hear, my son, your father's morals’ is the Creator. ‘And do not forsake your mother's teaching,’ this is the assembly of Israel.” The assembly of Israel is the Shechina [Divinity], …
The Real State
796. The Real State “And it came to pass on that day that he came home to do his work, and none of the people of the household were there in the house.” “And it came to pass on that day,” the day when the evil inclination governs in the …
A Gift
797. A Gift Raba Hezia to Rav Hamnuna about prolonging his prayer. He said, “We leave the everlasting life and engage in transient life.” RASHI interpreted “everlasting life” as Torah, “transient life” is for health, peace, and nourishment” (Shabbat [Sabbath] 10a). We should interpret that “transient life” is a Mitzva …
The Merit of the Little One
798. The Merit of the Little One A lesson on 1 Av, July 27, 1949, Tel-Aviv “Who satisfies you with good.” That is, the Creator gives such abundance to a person that he becomes satiated by the measure of goodness of the Creator. At that time, a person becomes a …
The Birth of the Moon
799. The Birth of the Moon The birth of the moon. Moses was perplexed. The moon is called Malchut. It is called “the renewal of the moon” because we must accept the burden of the kingdom of heaven each day anew. Yesterday’s acceptance is not enough, since each time, says …
A Broken Heart – 2
800. A Broken Heart – 2 “A broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.” When the work is built on the basis of above reason, one always needs the mercy of the Creator, to hold him, since he has nothing else. This is precisely so when the …
The Klipa of Ishmael
801. The Klipa of Ishmael “You shall build the altar of the Lord your God of complete stones.” Even [stone] comes from the word Havanah [understanding], meaning that he wants to understand. At that time, he also has wholeness, meaning that he accepts everything with faith. Then, “You shall offer …
If Any Man of You Brings an Offering – 2
802. If Any Man of You Brings an Offering – 2 “If any man of you brings an offering,” specifically “man,” and specifically “from you.” “Man,” “You are called ‘man’” (Yevamot 60). “I have found one man out of a thousand. A thousand enter a room, and one comes out …
The Order of Conveying the Wisdom
803. The Order of Conveying the Wisdom The learning for one who yearns for it, the most successful way is to look for a sage, a true kabbalist, and obey him with whatever he tells him until he is rewarded with understanding the wisdom with his own mind, meaning the …
Raises the Poor from the Dust – 2
804. Raises the Poor from the Dust – 2 “He raises the poor from the dust, lifts the indigent from the trash.” “Dust” means not having any movement of his own, but everyone messes with it. In other words, anyone who wants to, builds his house on it and it …
Concerning Joy
805. Concerning Joy Joy is a testimony. If a person becomes stronger in the matter of faith, to believe that the Creator is good and does good, that there is none above Him, although in the situation he is in right now he has nothing to rejoice with, meaning to …
Esau’s Head Is Holy
806. Esau’s Head Is Holy When Jacob went to receive the blessings from Isaac, why did he not tell Isaac that he deserves the blessings because he had bought the seniority? According to what RASHI interprets on Esau’s saying, “This one delayed me twice,” meaning he took his seniority by …
Fire Is Called “Judgments”
807. Fire Is Called “Judgments” Fire is called “judgments,” which are similar to fire. If we use them in the place of correction, it yields the existence of the whole of reality. But not in the place of correction, it causes the ruin of the world (The Zohar, VaYakhel, Item …
Wholeness and Deficiency – 2
808. Wholeness and Deficiency – 2 In corporeality, there is no wholeness and there is always a deficiency. In spirituality, there is wholeness and there is no deficiency. Man was created with a deficiency. That is, from the perspective of man’s substance, called “creation,” it is only that within which …
Wholeness in Life
809. Wholeness in Life “One does not die with half one’s desire in one’s hand.” “He who has one hundred wants two hundred.” The question is, What is it like in spirituality? Is there no wholeness in life there, too, and one always lives in deficiency? One does not feel …
He Who Fears Me
810. He Who Fears Me “Your heads, your tribes.” Although I appointed for you heads, elders, and officers, you are all equal before Me, as was said, “Every man of Israel” (Midrash Tanchuma). We should ask what is so remarkable about everyone being equal before the Creator, as none are …
Returning to One’s Origin
811. Returning to One’s Origin “He and I cannot dwell in the same abode.” Repentance means returning to one’s origin, annulling before Him. When a person always thinks about increasing the glory of heaven, while he himself is annulled before Godliness, this is called “repentance,” when he returns to his …
Turn Away from Evil and Do Good – 3
812. Turn Away from Evil and Do Good – 3 Man’s work begins with “Do good,” and then he can keep the “Turn away from evil,” since by education he cannot perceive the bad as bad. Rather, man yearns to satisfy his wishes because he feels great pleasure is satisfying …
The Desire to Bestow – 2
813. The Desire to Bestow – 2 Everyone asks: When we say that His desire is to do good to His creations, and when the created beings receive His abundance, it means that His desire is satisfied, meaning that He enjoys the fact that He is giving. Thus, since we …
Times in the Work
814. Times in the Work It is explained that there are the discernments of Rosh [head] and Guf [body] in each and every degree. These are regarded as potential and actual. The Rosh is regarded as Emanator and Ein Sof [infinity/no end] with respect to the Guf, since the Rosh …
Bo [Come]
815. Bo [Come] “Come unto Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart and the heart of his servants, that I may set these signs of Mine within him.” The interpreters asked about the words, “I have hardened”: Since the Creator gave him the hardening of the heart, meaning that the …
Observed and Received
816. Observed and Received The children of Seir and the children of Paran did not receive the Torah. The advice of “We will do and we will hear” means that through doing they will come to hearing, meaning that the body will agree. The matter of coercion means that through …
The Meaning of “Poor”
817. The Meaning of “Poor” The meaning of “poor.” According to what Baal HaSulam explained, she is called so because everyone works for her, while she herself does not work, for work is forbidden in her and she is fed only by what others have (perhaps this is why it …
Happy Are They Who Keep Judgment
818. Happy Are They Who Keep Judgment “Happy are they who keep judgment, who practice righteousness at all times.” Tzedakah [righteousness/charity] is as it is written, “And he believed in the Lord, and He regarded it for him as righteousness.” “Faith” means “charity for the poor,” and this work should …
Borrowing Vessels
819. Borrowing Vessels Why was Isaac afraid to say, “What iniquity is there in me that I blessed the little one before the older one and changed the order of relation?” Esau began to shout, “He delayed me twice!” His father told him: “What did he do to you?” He …
The Discernment of “In Everything”
820. The Discernment of “In Everything” October-November, Manchester “And Abraham was old, advanced in age; and the Lord had blessed Abraham in everything. And Abraham said to his servant…” There is a question: Why is there a proximity between the commandment not to take a wife “for my son from …
We Will Do and We Will Hear – 2
821. We Will Do and We Will Hear – 2 In the verse, “And the man Moses was very humble,” the meaning of humbleness is lowliness, meaning that person annuls himself before the other, not necessarily in external annulment, but also internally. Externality means that which is revealed outside, which …
A Handmaid Who Is Heir to Her Mistress
822. A Handmaid Who Is Heir to Her Mistress “A handmaid who is heir to her mistress.” Corporeality is called “handmaid,” which should serve spirituality, called the mistress. There are people who engage in corporeality in order to have the strength to engage in Torah and Mitzvot [commandments], and there …
The Name Shadai
823. The Name Shadai The matter of creation is as it is interpreted in The Zohar: The world was created with [the letter] Bet and not in the other letters, meaning that when He created the world with the Bet, His intention was that the Bet would govern in the …
Internality and Externality
824. Internality and Externality Humility means that in any manner, in action or in intellect, he annuls himself before the other, meaning that even his view he should annul before his friend. There is “internality,” and there is “externality.” These are called “revealed” and “concealed,” and “action” and “thought.” Something …
Choice
825. Choice “Rabbi Yitzhak said, ‘If there are serpents and scorpions in it [the pit], why is it written about Reuben, ‘In order to save him from their hands, to return him to his father’? Did Reuben not fear for him, that those serpents and scorpions might harm him? …But …
A Messenger to Circumcise
826. A Messenger to Circumcise There is also the commandment that he must be circumcised, also by a messenger, meaning that the father should circumcise his son. Thus, the question is, Is this commandment to circumcise for the father or for himself? It is like Abraham, who circumcised himself, but …
The Godliness Made the Concealment
827. The Godliness Made the Concealment We should ask about the words, “The whole earth is full of His glory.” Also, it is written in The Zohar, “There is no place vacant from You.” What does that mean? After all, there was the Tzimtzum [restriction], where the light does not …
A Lot
828. A Lot “And He chose David His servant, and took him from the flock folds” (Psalms 78). Michlaot [folds] comes from the word Maachal [food]. Tzon [flock] means Yetziot [exits]. That is, He took David to be a king because his food consisted of many descents, called “exits.” “From …
The Basis of Learning the Revealed
829. The Basis of Learning the Revealed This is already something that is acceptable by anyone in our generation, that learning the revealed is a must, as well as being proficient in Mishnah, and Gemara, Rishonim [First] and Achronim [Last], and that one should dedicate one’s entire life to it …
The Need for Gentiles
830. The Need for Gentiles “Do not say in your heart… ‘Because of my righteousness… to inherit the land,’ but it is because of the wickedness of the nations that the Lord is dispossessing them. … It is not for your righteousness or the integrity of your heart that you …
The Need for the Torah
831. The Need for the Torah After the future. Zebulun gives sustenance, meaning he receives sustenance in the manner of poverty, and in this manner he will learn Torah. It follows that the Torah gives Malchut the strength to sustain the poor, and the Torah will furnish the poor. Thus, …
Dead Fish
832. Dead Fish “Live Dagim [fish]” means he has Daagot [concerns] about work, but he is alive. That is, he has the power to work and find ways to mitigate his concerns. But dead fish means his concerns cause him death, meaning that all his powers to work have died …
Turn Away from Evil and Do Good - 4
833. Turn Away from Evil and Do Good – 4 Man has two concepts: 1) When he sees that he is in a state of lowliness, and to worry and regret being in lowliness, or be worried over why he is not in a state of ascent. Although they are …
“Grow!”
834. “Grow!” “You have not a blade of grass… that strikes it and tells it, ‘Grow!’” In the work, this means that people are as the grass of the field. The angel that strikes is the suffering that the whole world suffers. In other words, the created beings want rest …
Gird Your Sword
835. Gird Your Sword January 11, 1963 “‘Put your hand under my thigh.’ What is ‘Your hand’? He started and said, ‘Gird your sword upon your thigh, mighty one, Your glory and Your majesty.’ And he says about this, ‘Mercy and truth will greet you,’ the face of the Creator …
Servant and Son
836. Servant and Son “Anyone who buys a servant, buys his master.” There is the discernment of “servant” and there is the discernment of “son.” A servant means that a person says that he has no authority of his own. This is called “He who buys a servant, buys his …
Adhere to His Attributes
837. Adhere to His Attributes Rains fall thanks to three things: thanks to the earth, thanks to mercy, and thanks to suffering (Jerusalem Talmud, Taanit). We should ask what “thanks to the earth” means. Can the earth choose, that we can say that it has merits for following the path …
The Trueness of Providence
838. The Trueness of Providence It is known that the purpose of creation is to do good to His creations. It is impossible to be rewarded with the goal before one corrects oneself with the quality of equivalence, called the quality of Hesed. Afterward, he will be rewarded with the …
A Kosher Woman
839. A Kosher Woman Tiberias, February 4, 1963 “Who is a Kosher [fit/proper] woman? She who does her husband’s will.” It is known that man is regarded as the quality of “woman,” meaning a “female,” who receives bestowal from her husband. The Creator bestows all the pleasures to His creatures. …
Quick Nearing
840. Quick Nearing One does not enter the work of the left, called “trouble,” unless during an ascent. At that time, he enters the left, meaning while he is still not in a descent. “Rabbi Elazar said, ‘One should always precede trouble with prayer’” (Sanhedrin 44b). This means that even …
Coerced
841. Coerced “Will offer [also “bring closer”] him to His will.” RASHI interpreted, “It teaches that he is coerced until he says, ‘I want.’” Baal HaSulam said about the words, “The Lord is your shade,” that according to the acts of people, so happens above, at the root of one’s …
The Work in General
842. The Work in General The work in general is: 1) Fear: This is called “the first commandment.” It is fear as in “great and ruling,” which are two discernments: 1) He attains His greatness. At that time, by seeing the exaltedness of the Creator, fear is established in his …
The Work Is the Reward
843. The Work Is the Reward “Great reward according to his work.” We should ask, since even in corporeality, a person is rewarded according to the work. However, the work is the reward.
Labor Is the Reward
844. Labor Is the Reward “According to the labor, so is the reward.” In other words, afterward, he sees that the labor he gave was his reward. To the extent of the labor, so is the reward, since the labor is the reward, and the Creator gave him the desire …
None as Holy as the Lord
845. None as Holy as the Lord “There is none who is as holy as the Lord.” But is there one who is worse than the Creator but holy? “There is no rock like our God.” Does that mean that there is another rock, which is a little worse than …
Faith Is the Quality of Malchut
846. Faith Is the Quality of Malchut The Book of Aluma: One who does not believe is worse than an idol-worshipper, for he admits that there is a God, but he is wrong about who He is and is regarded as a beast in which there is nothing but eating …
Willows of the Brook
847. Willows of the Brook “Willows of the brook that grow by the stream, etc., Rabbi Zira said, ‘Why is it called ‘It is rooted by abundant water’; its name is a willow’?” (Sukkah 34, Ezekiel 17). This means that although they have neither taste nor smell, it is still …
The Days of the Messiah
848. The Days of the Messiah “Our sages said, ‘Proselytes are not accepted in the days of the Messiah’” (Yevamot 24b). The Messiah means the time of greatness of the clarity of the brain by which one cannot be rewarded with the eternity of the Messiah. Rather, one converts oneself …
A Condition for Marrying a Woman
849. A Condition for Marrying a Woman “One will not marry a woman he intends to divorce” (Yevamot 37b). In other words, one should not accept the awakening if he intends to subsequently return to the vanities of time. Rather, he should move his mind away from this because he …
A Proselyte Who Converted
850. A Proselyte Who Converted “Rabbi Yosi says, ‘A proselyte who converted is as a newly born child.’ One is not punished for the past. Rather, why is one tormented? Because he is not proficient in the precisions of the Mitzvot [commandments] like Israel” (Yevamot 48). In other words, once …
A Desire for Levirate Marriage
851. A Desire for Levirate Marriage “A certain heretic said to Raban Gamliel: ‘You are a people with whom its God has performed levirate marriage,’ as it is written, ‘In their flock and in their cattle they shall go and seek the Lord, but they shall not find; He has …
Two Kinds of Scrutinies
852. Two Kinds of Scrutinies Two kinds of scrutinies are found in the human species: bitter and sweet, and true and false. Prior to the sin, Adam HaRishon was in the scrutiny of bitter and sweet. “To serve it and to keep it” in the scrutiny of bitter and sweet. …
The Need to Recognize the Greatness of the Creator
853. The Need to Recognize the Greatness of the Creator The need to recognize the greatness of the Creator is specifically in Lishma [for Her sake]. Lo Lishma [not for Her sake] means the gifts, so there is no need for recognition.
Takes His Part and the Part of His Friend
854. Takes His Part and the Part of His Friend One asked Rabbi Meir after he went astray, “Why is it written, ‘God has made one opposite the other’? He said to him, ‘Everything that the Creator created, He created its opposite. He created mountains, He created hills; He created …
Wood and Stone
855. Wood and Stone “She wept for her father and her mother for one month.” Rabbi Eliezer: truly her father and mother. Rabbi Akiva—this is idol-worship, as was said, “They tell the tree, ‘You are my father,’ and to the stone, ‘You gave birth to us’” (Yevamot 48b). “Tree” means …
Man’s Nature
856. Man’s Nature We should understand that although man’s nature is only in self.love, and that which is against it is hard for him to do, to the point that all the organs are against it, but there is the matter of coercion. In other words, the nature is that …
The Need for a Kli without Light
857. The Need for a Kli without Light Purim, February 1976 Complete faith is faith that yields wholeness. It is as Maimonides said, “What is repentance? Until He who knows the mysteries will testify.” In the “Introduction to The Study of the Ten Sefirot,” he interpreted that he means until …
Moses Assembled
858. Moses Assembled “And Moses assembled.” RASHI interpreted, “They assembled by his word.” What does that come to teach us? Otherwise, I would say that he would collect them with the hands. The interpreters say that the tabernacle came to atone for the calf. The matter of the calf was …
You Shall Increase Their Inheritance
859. You Shall Increase Their Inheritance “Among these the land shall be divided. …To the large you shall increase their inheritance, and to the small you shall diminish their inheritance; each shall be given their inheritance according to those who were numbered of them” (Numbers 26:53-54). “To the large you …
With What to Aid?
860. With What to Aid? “He is aided.” With what is he aided? It says, “with a holy soul.” Thus, how are souls born? Precisely through deficiencies that receive assistance from above.
The Work of the Lines
861. The Work of the Lines “It was said, ‘Since it is a time of good will, let us ask for mercy for the inclination to commit an offense.’ They asked for mercy and it was given to them. He said to them, ‘See, that if you kill it, the …
Will Give Wisdom to the Wise
862. Will Give Wisdom to the Wise “Will give wisdom to the wise.” “One does not sin unless a spirit of folly has entered him.” Hence, one who wants the Creator to help him achieve Lishma [for Her sake] is given a gift. However, it is difficult for a person …
Korah’s Complaint
863. Korah’s Complaint A person should include the left in the right, and then the Creator dwells within him (The Zohar, Korah, Item 30). This means that one should not stay in the left and wait for his prayer to be answered. Rather, he should promptly shift to the right, …
See Life
864. See Life See life with the woman you love, for she is your part in life. One must include life from the tree of life, which is ZA, in this place, which is Malchut, who is called a “woman.” One must also include the quality of day in the …
Wholeness Is One Hundred
865. Wholeness Is One Hundred Teruma [donation/contribution] is two out of a hundred (Korah, Item 48), meaning to unify Him twice daily, meaning two out of a hundred, which are two times the Shema reading, evening and morning. These are two times 49, minus two to complete to one hundred. …
Peace to the Far and to the Near
866. Peace to the Far and to the Near “‘Peace, peace, to the far and to the near,’ said the Lord, and I will heal him.” Peace comes to those who are near the Creator, which is “the right pulls closer, and the left pushes farther.” The peace of the …
The Governance of Peace
867. The Governance of Peace Man can toil and labor if no correction results from it. But for a small thing, which does not require much effort, if it is on the path of correction, there is no strength, since the corruptions come from the breaking of the vessels of …
The Reason that Obligates
868. The Reason that Obligates Receive reward. If not, you will receive punishment. It follows that the reason that obligates him will be self-benefit. But how will it be otherwise, meaning because He is great and ruling? And why is it not considered for the sake of the Creator, in …
Matrimony
869. Matrimony Any woman who does not have matrimony, not on it and not on others, the offspring is like her. And which one is it? The offspring of a handmaid and a foreigner. How do we know about a Canaanite handmaid? Rav Huna said, “Kara said, ‘Sit here with …
Adam HaRishon Was a Heretic
870. Adam HaRishon Was a Heretic “Adam HaRishon was a heretic.” We should ask, Since if the Creator spoke to him, how can it be that he was a heretic, meaning a disbeliever? He denied the faith because he had knowledge and he could not work in the manner of …
A Scorpion and a Snake
871. A Scorpion and a Snake “The pit is empty; there is no water in it,” meaning there is no Torah in it. But there are snakes and scorpions in it, meaning that if (there is no) Torah in it, there are immediately snakes and scorpions in it. Akrab [scorpion] …
Who Makes a Way through the Sea
872. Who Makes a Way through the Sea Nukva is units, ZA is tens, Ima is hundreds, Abba is thousands, Keter is ten thousand, KLA. Commentary: Elef [one thousand], El-Af [God-nose]. The nose is the Kli [vessel] of life, as it is written, “And He breathed into his nose the …
Ibur [Conception] – 2
873. Ibur [Conception] – 2 Ibur Aleph [first conception] is done by the upper one, like a person who receives an awakening from above. Ibur Bet [second conception] means that the lower one must work by himself by the power of the awakening he had received. In other words, he …
Rest and Joy, Light to the Jews
874. Rest and Joy, Light to the Jews June 1984 “Rest and joy, light to the Jews” (Shabbat [Sabbath] evening songs). This means that it was light only to the Jews. But to the nations of the world, rest and joy are regarded as darkness. Can this be? Who does …
Three Lines - 4
875. Three Lines - 4 June 1984 “Which is a dispute for the sake of the Creator … and one that is not for the sake of the Creator is the dispute of Korah and his congregation.” There is a question: Why does it not say “Moses, and Korah and …
The Creator Created the Evil Inclination, He Created for It the Torah as a Spice
876. The Creator Created the Evil Inclination, He Created for It the Torah as a Spice June 1984 “The Creator created the evil inclination, He created for it the Torah as a spice” (Baba Batra 16). We should understand what is the evil inclination and what is the spice. And …
Three Prayers - 2
877. Three Prayers - 2 Balak, July 1984 It is written in the Shabbat [Sabbath] evening songs (in “Anyone Who Sanctifies”): “The Lord, God of Israel, the love of the innocent [also “whole” or “naïve”]; the Lord, God of Israel, everlasting salvation.” We should understand the importance of innocence [also …
Their Leg Was a Straight Leg
878. Their Leg Was a Straight Leg July 1984 It is written in The Zohar, Pinhas (Item 317 in the Sulam [Ladder commentary on The Zohar]): “‘And their leg was a straight leg,’ for the legs of the harm-doers are crooked. And their leg, meaning the legs of the holy …
Good Writing and Signing
879. Good Writing and Signing We see that a person does not need to write the letter he wants to write to his friend by himself, whether it is to let him know something or to ask him for something. It is enough if a person signs the letter for …
Judgments
880. Judgments Rosh Hashanah, September 1974 “Judgments” means the Kli [vessel] of the will to receive on which a judgment was passed that it is forbidden to use it from the Tzimtzum [restriction] onward. “Sweetening of the judgments” means that one can place on them Masachim [screens], meaning he can …
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur
881. Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Concerning Rosh Hashanah [Jewish New Year’s Eve] and Yom Kippur [Day of Atonement], we should understand the meaning of the judgments and the Gevurot, why good days are called “days of judgments,” and why “a good day” and not “a weekday.” “Judgment” is explained …
Rosh Hashanah
882. Rosh Hashanah Concerning the verse, “The eyes of the Lord your God are on it from the beginning of the year,” sometimes favorably, sometimes unfavorably. How so? When Israel were complete wicked in the beginning of the year, they were allotted few rains, but in the end they repented. …
For Man Is the Tree of the Field - 1
883. For Man Is the Tree of the Field - 1 Rabbi Yochanan said, “Why is it written, ‘For man is the tree of the field’ (Deuteronomy 21)? Is man the tree of the field? Rather, it is because it is written, ‘For you will eat from it and you …
The Rosh Hashanah Prayer
884. The Rosh Hashanah Prayer In the Rosh Hashanah prayer, we say, “Happy is a man who does not forget You, and the son of man who exerts in You.” We should ask what, if he does not forget about the Creator, what is the meaning of the exertion? In …
With a Shofar You Will Renew
885. With a Shofar You Will Renew Who forces the Creator so He cannot sit on the throne of mercy without blowing the Shofar [a festive horn], and precisely by blowing the Shofar He can sit on the throne of mercy? The purpose of creation is to do good to …
Malchuiot, Memories, and Shofarot
886. Malchuiot, Memories, and Shofarot September 14, 1960 Rosh Hashanah (4, 16b, 34b): “Raba said, ‘The Creator said, ‘Say before Me on Rosh Hashanah: Malchuiot [kingships], memories, Shofarot [pl. of Shofar (a festive horn)]. Malchuiot, so you would crown Me over you. Memories, so the memory of you will come …
I Do Swear
887. I Do Swear Midrash Tanchuma, VaYera: “And he said, ‘I do swear,’ declares the Lord.” He said to him, “You swore, and I swore that I would not come down from the altar until I say all that I must.” He said to Him, “Say, is this not what …
Good Days
888. Good Days We should understand that although the Ten Penitentiary Days [a.k.a., Terrible Days], which are regarded as judgment, Gevura, and fear, and the whole world awakens to repent, for everyone is afraid of the day of judgment, why are they called “good days,” meaning days that are not …
The Quality of Mercy
889. The Quality of Mercy The Creator sits on the throne of judgment, meaning He reveals Himself to the lower ones. “Merciful” means that a person should engage in the quality of bestowal. “Blow the Shofar [festive horn] of a ram,” etc., meaning when will I reach the deeds of …
The Sorrow of the Shechina – 2
890. The Sorrow of the Shechina – 2 “For a sin we sinned against You with the evil inclination” (from the Yom Kippur [Day of Atonement] prayer). We should ask, “But all the transgressions come from the evil inclination?” We should interpret that the sin is in saying that there …
The Meaning of Yom Kippur
891. The Meaning of Yom Kippur The meaning of Yom Kippur [Day of Atonement]. Why does Rosh Hashanah [beginning of the year] not atone, but specifically Yom Kippur? We should say that through the Rosh Hashanah prayers, we see the truth, that man has iniquities, and then he can ask …
An Article for Sukkot
892. An Article for Sukkot “You shall sit in Sukkot [huts] for seven days; every citizen in Israel shall sit in Sukkot so your generations may know that I placed the sons of Israel in Sukkot when I brought them out from the land of Egypt; I am the Lord …
The Fruit of a Citrus Tree
893. The Fruit of a Citrus Tree The fruit of a citrus tree. These four kinds, some of them have taste and smell, like the citron, which corresponds to the righteous, in whom there is the spirit of Torah and the taste of good deeds. The tree on which the …
Simchat Torah [The Joy of Torah]
894. Simchat Torah [The Joy of Torah] It is written in Shaar HaKavanot that Torah is called Zeir Anpin, and if he bestows upon Malchut, it means that Malchut is already fit to receive the abundance. Therefore, Zeir Anpin, who is called “Torah,” is happy. This is called “the joy …
The Meaning of Hanukah
The Meaning of Hanukkah A Hanukkah candle, its measure is “until all feet have vanished from the market.” Regel [foot/leg] comes from the word Meragel [spy]. “Market” means the public domain. When we are in the private domain, we walk in wholeness and there is no room for spies. On …
Repel Admon in the Shadow of Tzalmon
Repel Admon in the Shadow of Tzalmon Hanukkah, 25 Kislev, December 13, 1971 “Repel Admon in the shadow of Tzalmon.” This means repelling Esau, who is Admoni [red haired]. “In the shadow of Tzalmon” means Tzalmavet, meaning in Tzel Mavet [shadow of death]. We must understand this in the work. …
What Is Hanukah
What Is Hanukkah Hanukkah, Kislev, December 1960 Our sages said, “What is Hanukkah? Our sages said, ‘On the twenty-fifth of Kislev, the days of Hanukkah,’” etc. (Shabbat [Sabbath] 21a). That is, Hanu-Koh [parked here], for on the twenty-fifth, they parked from the war. We should understand that parking means specifically …
What Is the Miracle of Hanukah
What Is the Miracle of Hanukkah Hanukkah, Kislev-Tevet, December 1965 Our sages said (Shabbat [Sabbath] 21a): “What is Hanukkah? Our sages said, ‘On the twenty-fifth of Kislev, the days of Hanukkah, which are eight,’” etc., when Greeks entered the hall, defiled all the oils in the hall, etc., they checked …
Hanu-KoH
Hanu-KoH Hanukkah, Kislev-Tevet, December 1954 NeR [candle], an acronym for Nefesh Ruach. We must extend light, which is the quality of Neshama, as in “A candle is a Mitzva [commandment], and the Torah is light,” and this is Hanu-Koh [parked here]. Koh [here] means the quality of Malchut, as in …
Two Degrees
900. Two Degrees What is Hanukkah? This means that we must ask like the four questions: wise, wicked, innocent, and one who does not know how to ask. There is a dispute concerning the Hanukkah candle: One said it was permitted to use its light, and one said it is …
Rosh Hashanah for the Trees
901. Rosh Hashanah for the Trees February 7, 1955 Rosh Hashanah [New Year’s Eve] for the trees. Man is called “the tree of the field,” and Rosh Hashanah is the time of sentencing—for judgment or for mercy. Hence, the month of Shevat is the fifth of the winter months, which …
Israel Are Compared to an Olive Tree
902. Israel Are Compared to an Olive Tree Rabbi Yehoshua Ben Levi said, “Why are Israel compared to an olive tree? To tell you that as the leaves of the olive tree do not fall during the summer or during the winter, so Israel have no rest in this world …
Concerning the Fifteenth of Shevat
903. Concerning the Fifteenth of Shevat What is the reason that on the 15th of Shevat, which is Rosh Hashanah [beginning of the year] for the trees, we eat fruits? Baal HaSulam said that the whole difference between Kedusha [holiness] and Klipa [shell/peel] is in the fruits, as it is …
Man Is the Tree of the Field - 2
904. Man Is the Tree of the Field - 2 Rabbi Elazar and Rabbi Shimon, on the first of Tishrey, Rosh Hashanah [beginning of the year] for the tithing of the beast, and on the fifteenth of Shevat, Rosh Hashanah for the trees. “Man is the tree of the field.” …
Daveh [Afflicted] or Hod [Glory/Majesty]
905. Daveh [Afflicted] or Hod [Glory/Majesty] The 15th of Shevat is Rosh Hashanah [New Year’s Eve] for the trees. Rosh Hashanah is a time of sentencing for judgment or for mercy. The month of Shevat is the fifth of the winter months, which is the Sefira Hod, a time of …
The Meaning of Amalek
906. The Meaning of Amalek “Remember what Amalek did to you along the way when you came out from Egypt.” Amalek is the evil inclination, and it comes to a person only “when you came out from Egypt,” meaning when a person emerges from the Egyptians who are afflicting the …
When He Let His Hand Down, Amalek Prevailed
907. When He Let His Hand Down, Amalek Prevailed “When he let his hand down, Amalek prevailed.” The question is, Why did Moses let down his hands? The thing is that Amalek is described in the holy books as a Klipa [shell/peel] against faith. Moses’ hands are faith, since hands …
Blotting Out Amalek
908. Blotting Out Amalek March 1965 Why do we read the portion Zachor [Remember] on the Shabbat [Sabbath] before Purim? That is, we see that before Purim we must blot out Amalek. What does this imply to us? It is known that the purpose of creation is to do good …
Revealing the Concealment
909. Revealing the Concealment Ester said to Mordechai, “Go, gather all the Jews who are in Shushan, and fast over me and do not eat… And thus I will go in to the king, which is not according to the law; and if I perish, I perish.” We should ask …
Until He Does Not Know
910. Until He Does Not Know Purim, March 13, 1979 “Until he does not know”: There are three discernments: 1) Not knowing the distinction between cursed and blessed, meaning that knowing that the will to receive is called Haman and the desire to bestow is called “righteous Mordechai” has not …
The Meal of a Wicked One
911. The Meal of a Wicked One Our sages said, “Why did that generation have to be destroyed?” One said, “Because they bowed to idols,” and one said, “Because they enjoyed the meal of that wicked one.” We should ask why they did not say “Because they ate from the …
What Is Purim
912. What Is Purim At a Purim meal, March 1, 1953 Concerning Mordechai and Haman, Mordechai is regarded as “righteous,” meaning that he has no need to extend light of Hochma, but he is rather always in a state of bestowing. It is known that no illumination comes down without …
His Law He Contemplates
913. His Law He Contemplates February 9, 1966 “His desire is in the Torah [law] of the Lord, and His Torah law he contemplates,” etc. Our sages interpreted that one is before he learns, and one is after he learns. We should ask why it is written “His desire” with …
Two Opposites
914. Two Opposites There are two opposites in above reason—in mind and in heart, which is regarded as “for he desires mercy.” If foreign thoughts come to a person, he should remove them from him and not listen to them at all. This is a hard work because Pharaoh king …
I and Not a Messenger
915. I and Not a Messenger As the ARI wrote, prior to the redemption, Israel were in forty-nine gates of Tuma’a [impurity] until He was revealed to them and redeemed them. That is, they were rewarded with “I and not a messenger.” Baal HaSulam said that before the redemption they …
The Day after Shabbat [Sabbath]
916. The Day after Shabbat [Sabbath] “The day after Shabbat,” meaning after Passover, since on the first day of Passover, the Mochin of Shabbat illuminate, called Gadlut Bet [Second Gadlut (greatness)], which are Mochin of Abba and Ima.
A Kept Matza [Passover bread]
917. A Kept Matza [Passover bread] A kept Matza means that we must keep ourselves in a place where we are going to observe the Mitzvot [commandments] of the Creator so there will not be any fear of Hametz [leaven] there. In other words, the Mitzvot should lead a person …
Concerning Passover
918. Concerning Passover The King’s daughter on Passover is the intellectual soul, a watch-night, a kept Matza [Passover bread]. The spirit that is kept opposite her is a good day, the day of Shabbat [Sabbath]. They are “Remember and keep,” since he is Atzilut from Malchut. In the Sulam [Ladder …
Concerning the Environment
919. Concerning the Environment “‘And he took six hundred select carriages.’ Whose were they? If you say that they were from Egypt, it was already said, ‘All the livestock of Egypt died.’ If you say that they were from Pharaoh, it was already said, ‘The hand of the Lord is …
The Torah Spoke Regarding Four Sons
920. The Torah Spoke Regarding Four Sons February 22, 1972, Tiberias “The Torah spoke regarding four sons.” The whole Torah is only for the evil inclination, as our sages said, “I have created the evil inclination; I have created the Torah as a spice” (Kidushin 30b). Therefore, “He who does …
The Need for an Act from Below
921. The Need for an Act from Below “‘They are to take a lamb for themselves, according to their fathers’ households.’ The Creator said, ‘You do the deed below, and I will break their force above. And as you make them burn in fire, as it is written, ‘But roast …
The More One Speaks of the Exodus from Egypt
922. The More One Speaks of the Exodus from Egypt “The more one speaks of the exodus from Egypt, the better.” We should understand why we should speak so much about the exodus from Egypt, to the point that they said, that the more one speaks of it the better. …
And he said, “When You Deliver the Hebrew Women”
923. And he said, “When You Deliver the Hebrew Women” Shemot Tav-Shin-Mem, January 1980 “And he said, ‘When you deliver the Hebrew women, see upon the birth-stool; if it is a boy, put him to death; and if it is a girl, she shall live.” “Pharaoh commanded all his people, …
And God Spoke to Moses
924. And God Spoke to Moses VaEra, January 1955 “And God spoke to Moses and said to him, ‘I am the Lord.’” We should understand what this statement means to us. It seems to refer to Moses’ question that was said at the end of the portion, Shemot [Exodus 5:23], …
And I Will Take You as My People
925. And I Will Take You as My People VaEra, January 1980 “And [God] spoke … ‘I am the Lord, and I appeared to Abraham in Shadai [the Almighty], but My name, Lord, I did not make Myself known to them. Therefore, tell the children of Israel, ‘I am the …
Come unto Pharaoh
926. Come unto Pharaoh Bo, January 1981 “And the Lord said unto Moses, ‘Come unto Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart and the heart of his servants, that I may set these signs of Mine within him.’” We should understand the following: 1) The question in The Zohar: Why …
Concerning Hametz and Matza
927. Concerning Hametz and Matza Said on Shabbat during Passover, Tav-Shin-Tet-Zayin, Fairholt, London, March 31, 1956 To explain the meaning of Hametz [leaven] and Matza [unleavened bread], and why Matza is called “bread of poverty.” Also, to understand the Mishna, “On Passover, he is judged on the crops of the …
Behold, a People Has Come Out of Egypt
928. Behold, a People Has Come Out of Egypt “Behold, a people has come out of Egypt; behold, they covered the face of the earth.” We should say that the Sitra Achra [other side] says, “Behold the people of Israel, when they come out of Egypt, out of the governance …
The Passover Offering
929. The Passover Offering “They shall eat it with Matzot [unleavened bread] and bitter herbs [Maror].” An “offering” means nearing the Creator. Passover means that he brought them closer and passed over the bad things in them, looking only at the good deeds in them. This came after they had …
Concerning the Beginning of the Month
930. Concerning the Beginning of the Month “This month,” meaning Nissan, “is the head of the months.” Hodesh [month] means Hidush [renewal/innovation]. “Head” means beginning. The first beginning is in the Creator delivering from Egypt, since this is above nature and a person can only go within nature. Only the …
Peh-Sah [speaking mouth]
931. Peh-Sah [speaking mouth] Rabbi Zira said, “From here, a joy for man with an answer in his mouth, and a matter in its time, how good it is. When is there joy for man? When there is an answer in his mouth.” RASHI interpreted, “When is one happy with …
The First Innovation
932. The First Innovation All the innovations begin only once a person has been rewarded with emerging from self-reception. This is the meaning of the prohibition to teach Torah to idol-worshippers, since when a person is in Egypt, he cannot be a Jew because he is enslaved to Pharaoh king …
Concerning the Exodus from Egypt
933. Concerning the Exodus from Egypt Our sages said that the story of the exodus from Egypt should be said in a manner of question and answer. One who does not have anyone to ask him asks himself “What has changed,” etc. We should interpret this. “Story” comes from the …
The Duty to Tell the Story of the Exodus from Egypt
934. The Duty to Tell the Story of the Exodus from Egypt “Even if we are all wise … we are commanded to tell the story of the exodus from Egypt.” We should say that although we have already acquired the Torah and understanding, we must still invoke the root …
Concerning the Matza [unleavened bread]
935. Concerning the Matza [unleavened bread] Matza comes from “Matza and Meriva [strife],” as in “when they strove with the Lord.” The rule is that as long as one works with the dough, it does not become leavened, even if it is all day long, for when one is under …
The Time of Redemption
936. The Time of Redemption “On the tenth day, a leader of the sons of Dan, Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.” The time of redemption is approaching and we must prepare ourselves for the light of redemption, which is the exodus from slavery to freedom. It is known that it …
Questions for the Exodus from Egypt
937. Questions for the Exodus from Egypt 1) The wicked one’s questions. We should understand the answer to the wicked one’s complaint. He says, “What is this work for you?” and if he were there, he would not be redeemed. What is the reason that he could not emerge from …
Concerning the Omer [Count]
938. Concerning the Omer [Count] Antwerp, Jerusalem 1962 Omer comes from the words “gathering sheaves,” which means connection. A person should try to make the connection between him and the Creator shine, as in a sapphire or a diamond. The world is called “the six days of action and Shabbat …
The Exodus from Egypt and the Giving of the Torah
939. The Exodus from Egypt and the Giving of the Torah In the exodus from Egypt, they received vessels of bestowal, which are vessels of Hassadim [mercies]. The tearing of the Red Sea was “seeing,” which are lights of Hochma, received in vessels of reception. There it was through an …
The Point in the Heart
940. The Point in the Heart When the Temple was ruined, it is written, “And let them make Me a Temple and I will dwell within them.” This pertains to the point in the heart, which should be a Temple where the light of the Creator dwells, as it is …
Mount Sinai
941. Mount Sinai “What is Mt. Sinai? A mountain on which the hatred to the nations of the world descended” (Shabbat [Sabbath] 89). We should understand why the Torah caused hatred specifically toward Israel, and why we do not say that there is hatred between Ishmaelites and Christians, for example. …
Concerning the Mind Controlling the Heart
942. Concerning the Mind Controlling the Heart “The mind” is regarded as Hochma, and the “heart” is regarded as Bina, which is light of Hassadim. The mind can control, meaning it has the ability to govern, so that specifically this will shine when he has a heart, which is the …
Three Discernments in the Torah
943. Three Discernments in the Torah May 16, 1975, Bnei Brak There are three discernments in the Torah: 1) Tushia, which Mateshet [exhausts] a person’s strength, 2) the Torah as a spice, 3) the light of Torah. The first two discernments are regarded as a preparation to receive the Torah. …
The Giving of the Torah Is with Two Eyes
944. The Giving of the Torah Is with Two Eyes “You have drawn my heart with one of your eyes.” Prior to the reception of the Torah, it was with “one of your eyes.” After the reception of the Torah, with both your eyes. We need to understand the difference …
The Ninth of Av
945. The Ninth of Av The Shabbat [Sabbath] after the 9th of Av Our sages said about the verse, “And the whole congregation raised their voice and wept.” “Rabah said, ‘Rabbi Yochanan said, ‘That day was the night of the ninth of Av.’’ The Creator said, ‘They cried for nothing, …