Daily Tanya Thursday 8th Marcheshvan Igeres Hakodesh 26 Part 5: Galut HaShechinah and the Role of Halachic Study in Birur HaNitzotzot

8^th MarCheshvan:

Galut HaShechinah and the Role of Halachic Study in Birur HaNitzotzot

Overview:

This passage explains the mystical reason why, during exile, the primary focus of Torah study is on halachic analysis—particularly laws of issur veheter (permitted and forbidden) and tumah ve’taharah (purity and impurity). It connects this to the concept of Shechinah in exile, the fallen sparks from the sin of Adam and the shattering of the vessels, and the process of elevating these sparks through Torah and mitzvot.

Summary of Key Points

1. Malchut in Kelipat Nogah
   • When Malchut of Atzilut descends and clothes itself in Kelipat Nogah, it is to elevate fallen sparks from:
     • The sin of Adam HaRishon.
     • The 288 sparks from the shattering of the vessels (Shevirat HaKelim).
   • In this state, Malchut is called “Etz HaDa’at Tov VaRa” relative to Ze’ir Anpin, which remains the Tree of Life.

1. Galut HaShechinah
   • This descent is the secret of the Shechinah’s exile, as hinted in “Asher shalat ha’adam ba’adam”.
   • During exile, Shechinah channels vitality even to the external forces (chitzonim) through Nogah, which sustains the “Erev Rav” and, indirectly, Torah scholars.

1. Purpose of Torah Study in Exile
   • The main spiritual work in exile is birur hanitzotzot—refining sparks.
   • Therefore, the primary Torah focus is halachic analysis and pilpul in:
     • Issur veheter.
     • Tumah ve’taharah.
   • This process separates the permitted and pure from the forbidden and impure through Chochmah, Binah, and Da’at, since “Oraita me’Chochmah nafkat”—Torah emerges from Chochmah.

1. Structure of Torah SheBe’al Peh
   • This refinement happens through:
     • Chochmah of Atzilut, clothed in Malchut of Atzilut (Torah SheBe’al Peh).
     • Malchut of Atzilut clothed in Malchut of Yetzirah (Mishnah and Beraitot).
     • These garments interact with Kelipat Nogah, corresponding to Yetzirah and Asiyah, where good and evil begin to mix.

Takeaway:

In exile, halachic study is not just legal analysis—it is a cosmic act of refinement, elevating sparks and preparing the world for redemption. This explains why pilpul in issur veheter and tumah ve’taharah is central: it mirrors the spiritual work of separating good from evil in creation.