תּוֹרָה פב

Torah 82

Shame [cherpath] is the aspect of foreskin [orlah] — as it is written: ""we cannot — etc. — for one who has a foreskin — for that is a shame to us"" [Genesis 34:14]. And there are three skins of the foreskin — which are the aspect of the three husks: ""a stormy wind"" — ""and a great cloud"" — ""and a flashing fire"" [Ezekiel 1:4]. And through silence upon shame [sh'tikah al ha-cherpath] — one repels them. For one does not wish to quarrel and shame one's fellow. And there is the aspect of a thin fourth skin — which is the aspect of "nogah" [brightness] — the aspect of "chashmal" — that is, "chash mal" [to be silent and to speak]. For to be silent and keep still over shamings — is the aspect of circumcision [milah]. And indeed it is known that "nogah" is sometimes included in holiness and sometimes in the opposite. And therefore in silence upon shame there are also two aspects. Sometimes one keeps silent toward one's fellow in order to increase his suffering — it is found that through this one further shames one's fellow. And then the silence — the aspect of "nogah" — is included in the husk — in the aspect of shame as above. But those who hear their shame and do not respond — and act from love — that is, they are silent out of love — not wishing to shame and disgrace their fellow — then this silence — the aspect of "nogah" — is included in holiness. And behold it is written in the writings of the Ari, of blessed memory: that on Shabbos eve the husk of "nogah" is included in holiness — and the three impure husks also wish to ascend to take hold in the holiness. And then the flame of "Yah" descends and scorches them so they do not take hold in the holiness — see there. And therefore our Sages of blessed memory said [Shabbos 88a] regarding those who act from love as above: and about them the verse says: ""and those who love Him are as the sun going forth in its might"" [Judges 5:31]. Which is the aspect of the flame of "Yah" mentioned above — through which "nogah" is included in holiness — in the aspect of "chash-mal" [hushed speech]. For this silence is the aspect of the nullification of the foreskin and the shame as above.