Tanya Iggeret HaKodesh 20: Malchut of Atzilut as the Source of Creation and the Birth of Separate Existence
Peshat Summary
The Alter Rebbe now identifies the specific sefirah through which the transition from pure Elokus to created existence takes place:
Malchut of Atzilut.
While earlier he explained that only the Ein Sof can truly create yesh me’ayin, he now explains why Malchut plays the central role in bringing that power into revelation.
- The Main Source of Created Existence Is Malchut
The Alter Rebbe states:
The principal source of separate existence is Malchut of Atzilut.
This is because Malchut becomes:
Atik of Beriah
meaning the bridge from the world of Atzilut into the first truly created world, Beriah.
The transition from Elokus to creation occurs through Malchut.
- Why Specifically Malchut?
The Alter Rebbe gives a famous explanation:
“אין מלך בלא עם“
“There is no king without a people.”
The idea of kingship requires subjects who feel themselves distinct from the king.
A king does not rule over himself.
Therefore Malchut is inherently connected to the emergence of beings that experience themselves as separate entities.
- The Diversity of Creation Comes Through the Divine Letters
Another question arises:
If the source is one Infinite God, why are there countless different creatures?
The Alter Rebbe answers:
The multiplicity comes through:
The many Divine letters that emerge from Malchut.
This is the meaning of:
“By the word of Hashem were the heavens made.”
and
“By the breath of His mouth all their hosts.”
The countless combinations of Divine letters produce the countless forms of creation.
- Malchut Is Called “The World of Revelation”
Malchut is known as:
“עלמא דאתגליא“
“The revealed world.”
Why?
Because through Malchut the Divine power of creation becomes manifest.
This is where the ability of the Infinite to produce a finite creation is revealed.
- The Difference Between Malchut and the Other Sefirot
The first nine sefirot develop through:
Ilah v’Alul
Cause and effect.
One level emerges from another.
But Malchut reveals something different:
The power of true creation.
Therefore it occupies a unique role within the sefirot.
- “Their Beginning Is Embedded in Their End”
The Alter Rebbe cites:
“נעוץ תחילתן בסופן“
“Their beginning is embedded in their end.”
The deepest level is connected specifically with the final level.
This explains why Malchut, the lowest sefirah, is linked to the highest source.
- The Connection Between Keter and Malchut
Keter is the intermediary between:
- The Infinite One
- The sefirot
The Alter Rebbe explains that Keter contains the final aspect of the Infinite.
Because of this connection:
- Keter is associated with kingship.
- Malchut is associated with Keter.
The highest and lowest points are connected.
- The Creation of Souls Is Called Birth
The Alter Rebbe then discusses the creation of souls.
When souls emerge into the world of Beriah as distinct entities, this is described as:
Birth (Leidah).
Before birth they exist in a concealed state.
Only afterwards do they emerge as distinct beings.
- Pregnancy and Growth of Souls
Using Kabbalistic terminology, the Alter Rebbe compares the development of souls to fetal growth.
The souls are nurtured by higher spiritual lights before emerging into revealed existence.
Just as a child develops in the womb before birth, so too souls develop in concealment before entering the realm of creation.
- The Essential Point
Although souls, angels, and worlds eventually emerge as distinct beings,
their entire development is nourished from successively higher revelations extending all the way back to the Infinite.
Thus creation does not occur because the Infinite becomes absent.
Rather:
The Infinite remains present throughout the process, but in increasingly concealed forms.
Key Takeaway
The Alter Rebbe explains that Malchut of Atzilut is the primary source from which separate created existence emerges. Because kingship requires subjects who feel distinct from the king, Malchut is uniquely suited to reveal the Divine power of yesh me’ayin. Through the Divine letters of Malchut, the countless beings of creation come into existence, while their ultimate source remains rooted in the Infinite light of Hashem that continues to sustain them at every moment.