The Alter Rebbe concludes this discussion by explaining why David HaMelech says:
“רחבה מצותך מאד“
“Your mitzvah is exceedingly broad.”
The singular word “mitzvatecha” refers specifically to tzedakah, and the Alter Rebbe explains that tzedakah is unique among mitzvot because it serves as a vessel for the highest Divine revelation.
- Why Is Tzedakah Called “Exceedingly Broad”?
The Alter Rebbe explains:
“רחבה מצותך מאד“
means that tzedakah is an extraordinarily broad vessel capable of containing an immense revelation of Godliness.
Tzedakah is not merely a good deed.
It is a spiritual “garment” for Divine light.
This is why he cites:
“לבושו צדקה“
“His garment is righteousness.”
Just as a garment enclothes a person, tzedakah enclothes and reveals Divine kindness.
- What Does “Me’od” Mean?
The word:
“מאד“
means:
Beyond measure.
The future revelation brought about through tzedakah is not limited or finite.
It will be a revelation of the Infinite Divine light itself.
- “To Every Perfection I Have Seen an End”
David also says:
“לכל תכלה ראיתי קץ“
“To every perfection I have seen an end.”
The Alter Rebbe explains that this refers to the spiritual delights of Gan Eden.
Even though Gan Eden contains countless levels, all of them remain within a framework of:
- Measure
- Degree
- Limitation
because they are revelations that can be perceived and comprehended.
- Gan Eden Has Endless Levels, Yet Remains Finite
The Alter Rebbe does not mean that Gan Eden is small.
Quite the opposite.
There are:
Many levels above many levels.
The souls continually ascend from one level of comprehension to a higher one.
He cites the teaching:
“תלמידי חכמים אין להם מנוחה“
“Torah scholars have no rest.”
Meaning that even after death, righteous souls continue ascending in their understanding of Torah and Godliness.
- Why Is It Still Called a “Ketz” (End)?
Despite its greatness, Gan Eden remains within the realm of:
Comprehension and spiritual attainment.
Anything that can be grasped, measured, or described as a level remains finite relative to the Infinite.
Therefore David can say:
“לכל תכלה ראיתי קץ“
Every level of spiritual attainment has a definition and a boundary.
- Tzedakah Reaches Beyond Gan Eden
The revelation associated with tzedakah is different.
Tzedakah ultimately draws down the revelation discussed earlier:
סובב כל עלמין
The Divine light that transcends all worlds.
That revelation is not something that can be understood or contained by the soul’s intellectual grasp.
It is therefore:
“רחבה מאד“
utterly beyond limitation.
- The Final Destination Is Resurrection
The Alter Rebbe returns to the distinction he made earlier:
Gan Eden
- Based on spiritual understanding.
- Endless ascent in knowledge.
- Revelation of Divine light in a measured form.
Techiyat HaMeitim
- Revelation of Divine light beyond comprehension.
- The Infinite light itself becomes revealed.
- Connected to the merit and spiritual power of tzedakah.
This is the state in which the soul ultimately finds true rest.
Key Takeaway
The Alter Rebbe explains that Gan Eden, despite its infinite ascent and spiritual pleasure, remains a realm of measured understanding. Tzedakah is unique because it serves as a vessel for the revelation of the Infinite light that transcends all comprehension. That is why David calls it “רחבה מצותך מאד”—a mitzvah of boundless breadth, whose ultimate reward will be revealed in the era of Techiyat HaMeitim, beyond even the highest levels of Gan Eden.