2nd elul
š The Nature of Mitzvot and Measurement
- Mitzvot (commandments) were given through the attribute of Gevurah (strength/discipline) and Tzimtzum (constriction of divine light).
- As a result, most mitzvot have precise, limited measurements.
š Examples of Specific Measurements in Mitzvot
- Tzitzit: 12 thumb-breadths in length.
- Tefillin: 2 fingers by 2 fingers, perfectly square.
- Lulav: 4 handbreadths.
- Sukkah: 7 handbreadths.
- Shofar: 1 handbreadth.
- Mikveh: 40 seāah of water.
- Korbanot (Sacrifices): Age limits ā lambs (1 year), rams (2 years), bulls (specific age).
š° Charity and Kindness ā Also Measured
- Even though tzedakah (charity) and gemilut chasadim (acts of kindness) are pillars of the world (āThe world is built on kindnessā), they also have defined limits:
- Optimal: One-fifth of oneās wealth.
- Average: One-tenth.
š āChesed Olamā ā Worldly Kindness
- Refers to kindness that manifests within the created worlds (spiritual and physical) through human action.
- This is the charity and kindness people do for one another, which draws divine kindness into the worlds.
ā³ Why Limits Exist in Kindness and Mitzvot
- The world itself is defined by boundaries and measurements (āFrom earth to heaven is 500 yearsā distance⦠six thousand years is the worldās spanā).
- Therefore, even mitzvot of kindness are given specific measures, just like all other mitzvot in the Torah.

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