Daily Tanya Wednesday 6th Kisleiv Kuntrus Achron 4: Knowing G d vs. Studying Mitzvot

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6th Kisleiv

Knowing G‑d vs. Studying Mitzvot

  1. Study of Hishtalshelut vs. Study of Mitzvot
  • Comprehending the order of Hishtalshelut (the chain of descent of Divine light) is lofty, but it only reveals the external existence of the sefirot and spiritual levels.
  • Studying the laws of mitzvot is intrinsically superior because it allows one to grasp their essence, and in some cases, this study is considered equivalent to actual performance, as in the verse: “This is the law of the burnt offering…”.
  1. The Mitzvah of Knowing G‑d
  • Despite the above, the knowledge of G‑d is an exalted mitzvah, outweighing all others in spiritual stature.
  • Scripture commands: “Know this day that the L‑rd is G‑d” and “Know the G‑d of your father…”—indicating an obligation to attain intellectual apprehension of Divinity.
  • This knowledge leads to wholehearted service, fulfilling the ultimate purpose of all commandments: awe and love of G‑d.
  1. Why All 613 Mitzvot Are Necessary
  • The mitzvah of knowing G‑d is only one of the 613, and a person must fulfill all of them.
  • Each mitzvah descends from the essence of the external aspect of the vessels of Atzilut, making their study and performance essential.
  • Fulfillment must occur in thought, speech, and deed, corresponding to Beriah, Yetzirah, and Asiyah, to refine and purify sparks in these worlds.

Key Takeaway

While knowing G‑d is the most exalted intellectual mitzvah, the ultimate purpose of creation requires comprehensive engagement with all 613 mitzvot—through study and practical observance—to draw Divine light into every level of existence and complete the refinement of creation.

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.