*The article below is an excerpt from the above Sefer
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
DonateChapter 44: Loving Hashem-The love for life & love for your father
- Both qualities of love described in the previous chapter, which are Ahavah Raba and Ahavas Olam, subdivide into limitless grades and levels which correspond to each person on his level.
- One’s level of Love is personally tailored for him: The specific grade and level attained by the individual is dependent on the personal spiritual capacity granted to his soul by G-d. This follows the statement of the Zohar[1], which interprets the verse[2] “Noda Bashearim Baalah/The husband knows in the gates,” that this verse is describing Hashem [i.e. the husband of every Jewish soul] and how He attaches Himself in accordance with the gates of each person’s heart.
- Torah and Mitzvahs are equal for all while love fluctuates by person: It is for this reason that the Torah[3] describes the feelings of love and fear as “Nistaros LaHashem Elokeinu, matters that are hidden and known only to G-d” as in truth every Jewish soul has ability to experience a unique form and level of love in his heart which is only known to G-d. However, the Torah and Mitzvahs are considered “revealed to us and our children” as they equally apply to all Jews, as all Jews must follow the same Torah laws and perform the same actions of the Mitzvahs. This is in contrast to fear and love, its level and quality experienced by the person is dependent on his heart and mind.
- There exists one love that is incorporated of all the aspects and levels of Ahava Raba and Ahavas Olam, and is plausible for every Jew, being an inheritance from our forefathers. This love is referred to in the Zohar as the love of life.
- G-d is our life and we therefore love Him as we live our life: The Zohar[4] brings the verse[5] “Nafshi Avisicha Balayla etc./My soul, I desire you at night” and interprets it as follows: One should love Hashem the same way that he loves his soul and spirit, just as they are attached to the body and the body loves them. This then is the meaning of the words “My soul I desire you,” it means to say, “Since you Hashem are my soul and true life; therefore, I desire You.” Meaning, I desire and yearn for You like a man who yearns for the life of his soul.
- It is mostly conscious when you are weak or sleeping: This yearning for life becomes conscious in a person mostly when he is weak, and feels sick, in which case he desires and yearns that his soul return to him. Similarly, when one goes to sleep, he desires and waits that his soul returns to him upon awakening.
- A yearning to attach to G-d through learning His Torah: To this same measure one has a natural yearning and desire for Hashem and His infinite light who is the true source of life, to draw it down into his innards through learning Torah after awakening at night, as the Torah and Hashem are One. This too is expressed in the Zohar, as it states that man needs out of love for G-d to awaken each night and try to learn Torah until morning.
[1] Zohar 1 103b [Lech Lecha]
[2] Mishlei 31:23
[3] Devarim 29:28
[4] Zohar 3 68a
[5] Yeshayahu 26:9
Related Articles
Daily Tanya Thursday 21st Tamuz Igeres Hateshuvah Chapter 7 Part 2: How to be brokenhearted-Fasting and Cheshbon Nefesh
Post Views: 45 *The article below is an excerpt from the above Sefer *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Donate Buy in Paperback or Kindle Buy on Apple Books Purchase on our website Sign up for Daily Distribution Sponsor an Episode 21st Tamuz/26th Tamuz How to be
Daily Tanya Wednesday 20th Tamuz Igeres Hateshuvah Chapter 7 Part 1: The two methods of Teshuvah Tatah and returning the lower letter Hei back to its source
Post Views: 90 20th Tamuz 1. The two methods of Teshuvah Tatah and returning the lower letter Hei back to its source: The true and correct path of arousing the lower level of repentance and returning the lower letter Hei back to its source is accomplishing two methods. 2. The
Daily Tanya Tuesday 19th Tamuz Igeres Hateshuvah Chapter 6 Part 2: The explanation of why the sinner receives more divine energy when he sins
Post Views: 132 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
Daily Tanya Monday 18th Tamuz Igeres Hateshuvah Chapter 6: Receiving vitality from the side of evil versus from the side of good
Post Views: 155 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
Daily Tanya Sunday 17th Tamuz Igeres Hateshuvah Chapter 5 Part 1: Understanding Kares
Post Views: 196 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
Daily Tanya Thursday 14th Tamuz Igeres Hateshuvah Chapter 4 Part 2: The difference between the soul and angels, speech and breath
Post Views: 297 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
Leave A Comment?
You must be logged in to post a comment.