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] for reception of the abundance. To the extent that one can maintain the rejecting force, the abundance exists in him.

This is the meaning of “I have given help to one who is mighty.” Hence, when the abundance comes to him he should strengthen himself substantially with Achoraim [posterior] to reject the abundance. This is the meaning of the Ohr Yashar [direct light] and Ohr Hozer depending on each other and chasing one another, for when Bina is devoid of Hassadim, she turns her Panim [face] away from Hochma.

The reason is that since she lacks the power of bestowal, she cannot receive Hochma, called Haya, which is the Hayut [vitality] of the degree. But after she receives Ohr Hozer from Malchut, at which time the power of bestowal becomes established in her, she receives Hochma once more.

Once she receives Hochma, she lacks Hassadim once more because now she is busy receiving Hochma, so she returns to the state of Achoraim, meaning she stops receiving Hochma and extends Hassadim once more, and so forth repeatedly.

It therefore follows that they are dependent on each other, since when she has Hassadim, she receives Hochma. Otherwise, she does not receive. Also, they are chasing one another because when she has Hochma, she lacks Hassadim, and this is called “And the animals were running back and forth,” and so is always the order.

This is not so when someone clings to one end. It is said about him, “And crushed the sides of Moab.” This is also the meaning of “Israel have swinging; the nations of the world do not have swinging.” “Swinging” means moving back and forth, and in this way, they go from strength to strength, like the nature of the light, which moves to and fro, once on the right and once on the left.