Daily Tanya Monday 28th Tishreiy Igeres Hakodesh 25: The Divine Vitality in Exile – A Kabbalistic Perspective on the Spiritual State of the Nations

28^th Tishreiy

Overview

This passage presents a deep mystical explanation from Kabbalistic teachings, particularly rooted in Chassidic thought, regarding the spiritual dynamics of divine vitality in the world, especially outside the Land of Israel. It explores how divine energy flows from the Divine Word (“דבר ה'”) through intermediary spiritual forces (“שָׂרִים”) to the nations and their environments, and how this process is affected by spiritual exile and impurity.

Key Concepts and Structure

1. Divine Vitality Outside the Land of Israel

• In the diaspora (“חוּץ לָאָרֶץ”), divine vitality does not flow directly.
• Instead, it is mediated through external spiritual ministers (“שָׂרִים חִיצוֹנִים”) appointed over the 70 nations.
• A spark from the Divine Word (“דְּבַר ה'”)—specifically from the level called “מלכות דעֲשִׂיָּה”—illuminates these ministers in a surrounding (מַקִּיף) manner, not in a direct, internalized way.

2. Transmission of Vitality

• The ministers receive vitality from this surrounding light and then transmit it to:
  • The nations under their charge.
  • The animals, birds, and physical elements (earth and sky) in their lands.
• Pure entities (kosher animals, clean lands) receive vitality from “קליפת נוגה”.
• Impure entities (non-kosher animals, impure souls) receive vitality from other, darker “קליפות”.

3. Hierarchical Insignificance

• The physical world outside Israel, including its creatures and elements, is considered insignificant (“כְּלָא מַמָּשׁ”) compared to the spiritual ministers.
• These ministers themselves are insignificant compared to the divine spark that sustains them.

4. Divine Vitality in Exile

• The divine spark within these ministers is in a state of exile (“גָּלוּת”).
• This hidden divine presence is why these ministers are referred to as “אֱלֹקִים אֲחֵרִים” (other gods), and even “אֱלָהָא דֶאֱלָהַיָּא” (a god of gods), indicating a distorted reflection of divinity.

5. Idolatry and Redemption

• The nations, receiving vitality through these intermediaries, are prone to idolatry.
• This spiritual distortion will persist until the “End of Days” (“עֵת קֵץ”), when evil and death will be eradicated.
• At that time, all nations will recognize and call upon the true name of God (“אָז אֶהְפּוֹךְ אֶל עַמִּים…”).

6. The Exile of the Shechinah

• The divine spark in exile is identified with the “שְׁכִינָה” (Divine Presence).
• This exile began with the sin of the Tree of Knowledge and represents a state of “אֲחוֹרַיִים” (backside) in relation to holiness.
• When the Jewish people themselves are exiled among the nations, the Shechinah is said to be in complete exile with them (“גָּלוּת שְׁלֵימָה”).

Takeaway

This mystical teaching offers a profound lens through which to view the spiritual dynamics of divine energy in the world. It emphasizes:

• The layered transmission of divine vitality.
• The concept of spiritual exile and concealment.
• The ultimate redemption, where divine unity will be universally recognized.

It also underscores the unique spiritual status of the Land of Israel and the Jewish people, whose connection to the Divine is direct and internal, unlike the mediated and concealed connection experienced by the nations.