Daily Tanya Tuesday 12th Kisleiv Kuntrus Achron 4: Torah Study as a Channel for Infinite Light

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12th Kisleiv

Torah Study as a Channel for Infinite Light

  1. Torah Creates Spiritual Garments
  • According to Etz Chaim, intention during mitzvot creates a garment for the soul (neshamah).
  • Torah study creates garments for the levels of ruach:
    • Mishnah corresponds to ruach of Yetzirah.
    • Gemara corresponds to ruach of Beriah.
  • This applies specifically to Torah studied by man in this world, which ascends upward.

  1. Torah as a Divine Channel
  • The Talmud given at Sinai is rooted in neshamah, and thus clarifies and elevates ruach.
  • Mishnah and Talmud are not mere texts—they are vessels of Nukva of Atzilut, channels for Divine light.
  • Their source: Yesod of Abba, receiving from Chochmah Stimaa of Arich Anpin, in which the Infinite Light is clothed.

  1. Drawing Down the Infinite
  • When a person studies Torah—whether Mikra, Mishnah, or Talmud—they draw the Infinite Light (Or Ein Sof) into this world.
  • This fulfills the ultimate purpose: to be included and nullified in His light, as expressed in the verse “For this is the whole of man.”

  1. The Mission of the Sages
  • The work of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai and the Tannaim and Amoraim was to draw down Divine light and refine sparks of Noga throughout the time of exile.
  • This process combats the dominance of the “Tree of Good and Evil” and prepares the world for unity: “To become one with One.”

  1. Contrast with Angels
  • Angels serve through intellectual awe and love, which is a state of withdrawal (histalkut), not drawing down.
  • Torah study—even without deep intention—creates spiritual entities (angels) because the Divine Name dwells within it, though these beings are only at the level of ruach.

Key Takeaway

Torah study is not only intellectual—it is a cosmic act of drawing Infinite Light into creation, refining sparks, and fulfilling the purpose of existence: making a dwelling for G‑d in the lowest realms. Every word of Torah connects the learner to the essence of Divinity in a way that surpasses even the service of angels.

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.