Daily Tanya Tuesday 5th Kisleiv Kuntrus Achron 4: The Divine Essence in Mitzvos

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4th Kisleiv

The Divine Essence in Mitzvot

Overview

This section reveals a profound truth about the nature of mitzvot: they are not ordinary human actions but actual works of G‑d, because the objects and acts of mitzvot embody Divinity in a way that no other worldly activity does. The Alter Rebbe explains how this comes about through the process of Hishtalshelus—the chain of descent of Divine light and vessels from Atzilus into the lower worlds.

Unlike human intellect and emotion, which—even in the loftiest souls—can only grasp the external existence of Divine attributes, the physical objects of mitzvot (such as the etrog) contain within them the essence of the external aspect of the vessels of Atzilut. When one holds and performs the mitzvah with the etrog, one is literally holding a life-force that originates in Malchus of Atzilut, which is united with the Infinite Light.

This teaching emphasizes:

  • The unique sanctity of mitzvah objects: They are rooted in Atzilus and thus carry actual Divinity.
  • The limits of human comprehension: Even deep mystical intention cannot grasp the essence of these attributes—only their existence.
  • The power of study: Learning the laws and inner meaning of a mitzvah allows one to connect intellectually and spiritually, though still not to the essence.

Ultimately, this underscores why action is supreme: through mitzvot, the Infinite Light becomes manifest in the physical world, fulfilling the purpose of creation.

Summary of the Teaching:

  1. Mitzvot as Divine Acts
  • Practical mitzvot are not ordinary human actions; they are works of G‑d.
  • Unlike mundane activities, mitzvot embody actual Divinity, because their objects and acts originate in the vessels of Atzilut.

  1. How Divinity Enters Physical Objects
  • Through the chain of descent (Hishtalshelut), the vessels of Atzilus become the soul of the lower worlds.
  • For example, the etrog draws its life-force from Malchus of Atzilus, which is united with the Infinite Light.
  • When one holds and waves the etrog, one is physically holding a force rooted in Atzilus.

  1. Limits of Human Comprehension
  • Even the loftiest soul, clothed in a body, cannot grasp the essence of the inner attributes of Atzilus—only their existence.
  • Intellectually generated awe and love connect to the external aspect, not the essence.
  • Prophecy alone allows a glimpse of the “hinderpart,” an external manifestation.

  1. The Role of Study
  • Studying the laws of the mitzvah enables proper understanding and connection through thought and speech.
  • Studying its inner mystical meaning (Kabbalah and Chasidut) deepens the bond, though still not to the essence of the Divine attributes.

Key Takeaway

Practical mitzvot uniquely unite the Infinite with the finite. While intention and study elevate the experience, only the physical act of the mitzvah draws the actual essence of Divine vitality into the material world, fulfilling the ultimate purpose of creation.

About The Author

Rabbi Yaakov Goldstein is a 6th generation descendent of the famous Chief Rabbi of Izhmir, Rav Yehoshua Avraham Krispin, who authored a number of Sefarim, and was a colleague of Rav Chaim Falagi, and father in-law of the Pesach Hadvir. He currently lives with his wife Shayna, and twelve children K”H, in Tzfas, Israel. Rabbi Goldstein received Semicha from Rabbi Schneur Zalman Labkowski of the Tomchei Temimim headquarters in 2005 and served as a chaplain in the Lotar/Kalatz and K9 unit of the IDF from years 2005-2008. He is also a certified Shochet, and has performed Hashgacha work in slaughterhouses. Rabbi Goldstein is the director of Shulchanaruchharav.com, the world’s leading web-based Halacha database, and is the director of the Home Study Semicha Program, a self-study web-based Semicha program. He is a prolific author of over 50 Sefarim studied by a wide range of readers throughout the world, which is used regularly in Semicha programs around the globe. He is a world renowned Posek, answering questions to a web-based market, and serves as a local Posek, Rav, and Lecturer, in the Tzemach Tzedek community Shul in Tzefas, Israel. His many classes can be heard both from his website, Vimeo and YouTube channel. Students can join live to classes given in the Tzemach Tzedek Shul, through the “בית חבד צפת Chabad Tsfat” YouTube channel.