Chapter 7: Higher-Level and Lower-Level Unity
19th Sivan
1. Higher-Level and Lower-Level Unity
- The holy Zohar distinguishes between two levels of unity in Divine perception:
- Higher-Level Unity: Represented by the verse “Shema Yisrael.”
- Lower-Level Unity: Represented by “Baruch shem kvod malchuto leolam vaed,” with “vaed” considered equivalent to “echad.”
2. The Purpose of Creation
- Creation exists to reveal G-d’s sovereignty, as a king requires a nation to reign over.
- The term “nation” (עָם) is associated with separateness and concealment, akin to dimmed coals.
- A king’s relationship is only complete when individuals consider themselves distinct yet submit to the king’s authority. In contrast to children or ministers of the king whose subjugation to him is a given matter.
3. Attributes of Divine Kingship
- The attribute of malchut is central to the existence of creation.
- It is represented by the Name of Adnut.
- This Name sustains the world, enabling it to appear as separate and independent rather than utterly nullified.
4. Concealment and Sustenance of Creation
- G-d’s withdrawal of the attribute of malchut would lead to the world ceasing to exist independently. Creation would revert to its source—completely nullified and indistinguishable as a separate entity.
- The Name Adnut and the attribute malchut ensure that the world remains a distinct entity capable of perceiving itself as separate from G-d.