Author Rabbi Yaakov Goldstein

19th Tamuz The explanation of why the sinner receives more divine energy when he sins: It states that Yaakov is the rope of God’s heritage. This means as follows: Just as when one pulls a rope that extends from above to below, by pulling the area of rope from below […]

1.      Receiving vitality from the side of evil versus from the side of good: In times of the temple the Jewish people received their life from the G-dly soul: In the times of the temple when the Shechina resided on it [and was revealed to the whole world to receive […]

Chapter 5 1.      The Origin and Descent of the Divine Soul The human soul is drawn from the innermost level of Divine speech, referenced as the “upper breath” and symbolized by the lower Hei of the Divine Name. The soul’s descent into the physical body is likened to breath and […]

1.      The Divine Origin of the Soul The Jewish soul is described as a “portion of the Divine,” referencing the verse “For the Lord’s portion is His people.” The soul’s origin is compared to the act of God “breathing” life into Adam, signifying an intimate and inner connection. 2.      Analogy […]

Chapter 4 1.      Purpose of Repentance and Its Levels Repentance (teshuvah) is essential for spiritual atonement and cleansing of the soul before the Divine. After proper repentance, sacrificial offerings serve as a gift, as described in the Talmud. 2.      Understanding True Repentance The main aspect of repentance is to return […]

1.      Fasting in our times for rectification of sin: Fasting the full set of fasts for severe sins: One is to fast at least lease one time in his life the number of fasts required for the severe sins that carry a death penalty, such as for the sin of […]

11th Tamuz 1.      Who Should Fast Frequent fasting is appropriate only for those who are healthy and strong, much like in earlier generations. Those whose health may be harmed by numerous fasts should avoid them, even for severe sins. 2.      Limitations on Fasting Even in past generations, only the robust […]

Chapter 1: 7th Tamuz 1.      Types of Atonement There are three types of atonement, each corresponding to a category of transgression. Repentance (teshuvah) is required in all cases. 2.      Atonement for Positive Commandments If one fails to fulfill a positive commandment and repents, forgiveness is immediate. However, the spiritual illumination […]

1.      Reflective Nature of Divine Light Just as moonlight is a reflection of sunlight, the substituted letters are a reflection of the divine energy that sustains creation. 2.      The Letters as Channels of Life-Force The letters of the divine utterances are channels for the life-force, light, and power from the […]

Chapter 12: Creation through the letters 5th Tamuz 1.      Creation Through Combinations Creatures are formed through various combinations, substitutions, and transpositions of the twenty-two letters. Changing the arrangement of letters results in new forms and beings. 2.      Unique Roles of Individual Letters Each letter has a unique written shape indicating […]

4th Tamuz 1.       Letters Beyond Human Intellect The supernal letters of Divine speech transcend human wisdom and intellect. These letters are the source of wisdom and intellect found in the soul of Adam and all tzaddikim, surpassing even the intellectual capacities of angels. 2.      The Source of Divine Speech Man, […]

3rd Tamuz 1.      How Divine Speech Shapes Creation God’s ten utterances were used to create the world and reveal His presence in the physical realm. These utterances acted as a way to send divine energy into the world to bring it to life. 2.      Link to Human Speech and Thought […]

2nd Tamuz 1.      The Role of Kindness in Creation On the first day, the attribute of kindness (chesed) was revealed to create light through the utterance, “Let there be light.” This light represented diffusion and flow, embodying kindness through its expansive nature. The attribute of might (gevurah) was also included, […]

Chapter 10: Why Sefiros are called Or 1st Tamuz 1.      Understanding the Sefirot It is permitted for Kabbalists to employ allegories and metaphors to elucidate the concept of the sefirot. These sefirot are often described as “lights” in relation to the inherent unity of the Divine attributes. 2.      The Sun […]

30th Sivan 1.      Gloss: The Principle of Tzimtzum (Contraction) The mystical concept of tzimtzum explains how the infinite Divine light (Ein Sof) is condensed to allow for creation and emanation of worlds. Adam Kadmon represents the highest post-tzimtzum existence, while Dikna refers to an esoteric aspect of these contractions. 2.      […]

29th Sivan 1.      Wisdom’s Relative Position in Creation and Divinity Even though wisdom is the starting point and highest level within creation, it remains vastly inferior when compared to the Divine. To G-d, wisdom is on par with the lowest level of action in the created world. 2.      The Transcendence […]

Chapter 9: The Hierarchy of Wisdom and Divine Elevation 1.      The Hierarchy of Forces in Creation The progression from action, to speech, to thought, to emotion, and finally to wisdom represents increasing levels of vitality and power within created beings. Each stage is considered more refined and essential than the […]