תּוֹרָה פז

Torah 87

As soon as a person wishes to walk the straight path — he must have fear [yirah] — at least the fear of punishment [yiras ha-onesh]. [For it is impossible to come to faith except through the fear of punishment. And from this one will come to greater faith. (Explanation: for in every Jew faith is implanted by nature — through which one can come to the fear of punishment. And when one brings it to actuality through refraining from transgression through it — it strengthens and grows each time more — in the manner of the soul-powers: the more one uses them the stronger they become — and likewise in reverse if one does not use them they weaken.) ] And this fear is called "tzedek" [righteousness] — which is the aspect of judgments [dinim]. And from this comes that for the most part at the beginning of drawing close to the service of Hashem — judgments and afflictions are aroused upon the person — G-d forbid. But afterwards when one comes to the truth — that is, to the aspect of exalted fear [yiras ha-romemus] called faith — then all the judgments are sweetened at their root. And great kindnesses and mercies flow upon him.