Daily Tanya Sunday 27th Tishreiy Igeres Hakodesh 25: Understanding the Concept of “Malchus” and the Divine Speech in Kabbalistic Thought

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Igeres Hakodesh 25

27th Tishreiy

Overview

This passage explores the mystical concept of “D’var Hashem” (the Word of God) as it is understood in Kabbalistic and Chassidic teachings, particularly in relation to the Shechinah (Divine Presence) and the Sefirah of Malchus. Drawing from the teachings of the Zohar, Kabbalists, and Chazal, it delves into the layered structure of divine emanation and how God’s speech animates different levels of creation.

  1. “D’var Hashem” as Shechinah and Malchus
  • The Word of God is referred to as Shechinah, Imma Tata’a (Lower Mother), and Matronita in the Zohar and Rabbinic literature.
  • These terms reflect the immanent aspect of God—how the Divine dwells within and enlivens creation.
  1. Malchus in Kabbalistic Terminology
  • In Kabbalah, Malchus is the tenth Sefirah, representing God’s kingship and speech.
  • It is the channel through which divine energy flows into creation, akin to a king ruling through his word.
  1. Levels of Malchus and Their Functions
  • Malchus of Atzilut (Emanation):
    • Refers to the divine speech that sustains exalted souls, such as those of Adam HaRishon, the Patriarchs, and Prophets.
    • These souls are described as utterly nullified to God, serving as chariots for the Divine.
    • Example: “The Shechinah speaks from the throat of Moshe,” indicating complete divine expression through the prophet.
  • Malchus of Beriah (Creation):
    • Enlivens souls and angels in the world of Beriah.
    • These beings are less elevated than those in Atzilut.
  •  
  • Malchus of Asiyah (Action):
    • Enlivens the physical world, including the earth and its elements.
    • Represents the lowest level of divine manifestation, yet still an expression of the Divine Word.

Takeaway

This teaching reveals the multi-layered nature of Divine speech, showing how God’s presence permeates all levels of existence, from the highest spiritual realms to the physical world. The concept of Malchus serves as a bridge between the infinite and the finite, illustrating how God’s kingship and creative power are expressed through speech and presence in every dimension of reality.

About The Author

Rabbi Yaakov Goldstein is a 6th generation descendent of the famous Chief Rabbi of Izhmir, Rav Yehoshua Avraham Krispin, who authored a number of Sefarim, and was a colleague of Rav Chaim Falagi, and father in-law of the Pesach Hadvir. He currently lives with his wife Shayna, and twelve children K”H, in Tzfas, Israel. Rabbi Goldstein received Semicha from Rabbi Schneur Zalman Labkowski of the Tomchei Temimim headquarters in 2005 and served as a chaplain in the Lotar/Kalatz and K9 unit of the IDF from years 2005-2008. He is also a certified Shochet, and has performed Hashgacha work in slaughterhouses. Rabbi Goldstein is the director of Shulchanaruchharav.com, the world’s leading web-based Halacha database, and is the director of the Home Study Semicha Program, a self-study web-based Semicha program. He is a prolific author of over 50 Sefarim studied by a wide range of readers throughout the world, which is used regularly in Semicha programs around the globe. He is a world renowned Posek, answering questions to a web-based market, and serves as a local Posek, Rav, and Lecturer, in the Tzemach Tzedek community Shul in Tzefas, Israel. His many classes can be heard both from his website, Vimeo and YouTube channel. Students can join live to classes given in the Tzemach Tzedek Shul, through the “בית חבד צפת Chabad Tsfat” YouTube channel.