1. The two forms of writing – Ink versus Inscription:

The verse states, “Im Bechukosaiy Teileichu/and if you walk in My statutes [then you will receive the following reward].” The use of the term Bechukosai remains to be understood as our sages state that it does not just refer to any regular command, but specifically to the commands known as statutes. Likewise, the term walk also needs to be understood as usually commands are fulfilled and not walked in. So, it is well known  there exist two forms of writing, one being a scribal writing of ink on parchment as found in every Torah scroll, and the second being the engraving of the letters on the tablets of the law, known as the Luchos. The difference between the two forms of writing is that in the form of writing in which one uses ink and parchment, the two items remain separate entities, and it is just that the ink sticks to the parchment hence allowing the words to be read. This is in contrast to the form of writing known as engraving in which the engraved letters are one and the same entity as the item in which it was engraved into. There does not exist two separate entities in engraving. Now, what is the spiritual resemblance and correspondence to the above within the soul of man?

Letters of the soul: There are two forms of letters that exist in the soul. The letters of speech, whether verbalized speech, or words thought in ones mind, are similar to ink letters written on parchment, as the letters are a distinct entity which are separate from the soul itself. While the ability for speech and letters of thought of course derives from the soul, nonetheless, it is not united with the soul and is a mere revelation of it. However, there does exist a form of letters which are similar to the engraved letters of the Luchos which are united and one with the soul itself. This refers to the letters of thought that do not involve the actual thinking of a physical form of letters, but rather a thinking of the subject. Indeed, it is not possible for a person to think of intellectual matters without the expression of letters of speech, however, when the focus is not on the letters but rather on the intellectual idea, then it is considered as if the letters are incorporated and nullified within the intellectual idea. These letters of speech are considered one with the intellect that is revealed from the soul and is hence similar to the engraved letters. However this is a mere similarity of the concept of engraving, as true engraving is when an aspect is actually one with the soul itself and not just with the souls intellect, and hence we don’t really have a true example of letters of engraving within the soul itself. The soul itself is much higher than even the subconscious letters found within an intellectual subject of contemplation. In truth however there does exist an aspect of the 22 letters of speech that are rooted within the more essential aspects of the soul and is higher than intellect, and this is the pronunciation of the letters. How to verbalize and pronounce the letters is something that is rooted and derived from the essence of the soul. This is the truest form of letters of engraving within the soul. Now that we have clarified the two forms of writing within the soul of man, and that engraved letters are rooted higher than ink letters, we will now clarify the different levels of writing found in the Torah.

The two levels of writing in the written Torah: The level of writing represented in the scribal writing within a Torah scroll corresponds to a lower level of G-dliness than does the level of writing represented in the tablets in which the writing was engraved. This form of writing in the Torah scroll corresponds to the revealed intellect of the soul, in which the letters of speech are incorporated and included but are not part of the actual soul itself. This corresponds to the level of wisdom, as well as its other attributes, of the world of Atzilus. The form of writing however that is engraved in the Luchos represents a level of G-dliness from the infinite light of G-d, and in the level of worlds, corresponds to Atik and Arich of Atzilus, which are above Seder Hishtalshlus. Thus it ends up that the Luchos are rooted in the level of Keser which is higher than the regular level of the written Torah which is rooted in Chochmah.

• The divine lesson: The above teaching of the Alter Rebbe on the outset seems very technical and dry, however, in truth contains a very important lesson and teaching. Many underestimate the power of the letters of speech and writing. Most people who read don’t verbalize the words and rather do so in their minds without exhausting energy in moving their lips. This is a more comfortable and relaxed form of reading, although forfeits the great intellectual depth that one can receive through the words of speech. The words and letters of speech are rooted within the level of Kadmus Hasechel, the subconscious intellect, and hence when one verbalizes the letters and words of the intellectual idea, it accesses the inner depths of his intellect within the subconscious of his mind and soul. This can then ignite the production of new insights and ideas into the subject. Talking out the intellectual idea stimulates the brain to open its reservoir of hidden intellect. The same likewise applies regarding writing, that writing out the subject can trigger new ideas to flow from the mind as a result of accessing one’s hidden intellect. Thus, we find in Jewish law that one does not fulfill his obligation of Torah study unless he verbalizes the words, and it does not suffice for the words to be read in his mind alone.