More

🙏
Reader Otzar HaYirah גָּלוּת וּגְאוּלָה
A A
גָּלוּת וּגְאוּלָה

Galus u-Geulah (Exile and Redemption)

אוצר היראה - Otzar HaYirah

1

כָּל הַנְּקֻדּוֹת טוֹבוֹת שֶׁמּוֹצְאִין בְּכָל אֶחָד מִיִּשְׂרָאֵל, זֶה בְּחִינַת הִתְנוֹצְצוּת מָשִׁיחַ, כִּי עִקַּר הַטּוֹב הוּא מָשִׁיחַ, וְעַל־יְדֵי־זֶה עִקַּר קִיּוּם וּבִנְיַן הָעוֹלָם, וְעַל־יְדֵי־זֶה יִהְיֶה עִקַּר בִּנְיַן בֵּית־הַמִּקְדָּשׁ וְהַקְרָבַת קָרְבָּנוֹת וּקְטֹרֶת (הל' השכמת הבוקר ה"א אות ח).

1

The essential exile comes only because one relies on nature, G-d forbid. And then it is the aspect of night and darkness — the aspect of the withdrawal of the light. For the essential light is the light of Hashem — namely when one knows that everything is conducted through His providence. This is the essential light. And the essential of all redemptions comes only through Hashem drawing the light of His providence from the end of the world — from the aspect of the World to Come. And through this He alters nature — and through this one merits redemption.

2

בְּעִקְּבוֹת מְשִׁיחָא, שֶׁאָז תִּתְגַּבֵּר חַס וְשָׁלוֹם הַסִּטְרָא־אָחֳרָא מְאֹד כַּיָּדוּעַ, וְאָז יִהְיֶה גֹּדֶל הַבֵּרוּר וְהַצֵּרוּף, בִּבְחִינַת "יִתְבָּרְרוּ וְיִתְלַבְּנוּ וְיִצָּרְפוּ רַבִּים וְכוּ'", וַאֲזַי יִהְיֶה עִקַּר הַתִּקּוּן עַל־יְדֵי הַצַּדִּיקִים שֶׁיָּדוּנוּ אֶת הַכֹּל לְכַף־זְכוּת וְיִמְצְאוּ נְקֻדּוֹת טוֹבוֹת אֲפִלּוּ בְּהַפְּחוּתִים מְאֹד, חַס וְשָׁלוֹם, וְעַל־ יְדֵי־זֶה דַיְקָא יָבוֹא מָשִׁיחַ, כִּי זֶהוּ בְּחִינַת מָשִׁיחַ כַּנַּ"ל. וְזֶה מְרֻמָּז בְּסוֹף דָּנִיֵּאל: "יִתְבָּרְרוּ וְיִתְלַבְּנוּ וְכוּ', וְהַמַּשְׂכִּלִים יַזְהִרוּ וְכוּ' וּמַצְדִּיקֵי הָרַבִּים כַּכּוֹכָבִים", הַיְנוּ כַּנַּ"ל (שם יב).

2

The entire matter of the exile of Israel — that they are expelled from their land and scattered among the nations — and sovereignty and dominion are with them — and Israel are considered, through our many sins, as slaves and maidservants — all this flows from the aspect of the exchange of the king's son who was switched — explained in the Sipuray Ma'asiyos [Tales]. This is the secret of the aspect of the chambers of exchange [heichalei ha-temuros] — which flows from the sin of the first Adam who ate from the Tree of Knowledge. Through this he caused the aspect of the chambers of exchange to strengthen — from which is the essential hold of the Sitra Achra, G-d forbid. And from there the essential exile — both general and particular. And the essential exile is the exile and distress of the soul — that we are far from our Father in Heaven — through the strengthening of the exile and the chambers of exchange. For in truth the essential kingship belongs to Israel — as it was somewhat in the days of David and Solomon — and as it will be in the future. Only through the chambers of exchange the matter was reversed — the aspect of: "under a slave who reigns etc." [Mishlei 19:10]. And from there flow all the physicality and sins and blemishes of Israel — which is the essential trouble and exile.

3

עִקַּר תִּקּוּן עֲו?ֹן פְּגַם הַבְּרִית הוּא רַק עַל־יְדֵי מָשִׁיחַ שֶׁיָּבוֹא בִּמְהֵרָה בְיָמֵינוּ, כִּי מָשִׁיחַ יָבוֹא לְתַקֵּן זֶה הַחֵטְא בְּיוֹתֵר, כַּמּוּבָא וְכַמְבֹאָר בִּפְנִים (הל' תפילין ה"ב אות יב).

3

The essential exile of Egypt flowed from the dispute the tribes waged against Yosef the Tzadik — who merited the mochin of the Land of Israel — which are the aspect of the supernal pleasantness [no'am ha-elyon]. And through their disputing against him — the destructive forces [chovelim] strengthened — which are the aspect of dispute — the aspect of the mochin of outside the Land. And therefore they were compelled to leave the Land of Israel to outside the Land — namely to Egypt — which is the exact opposite of the holiness of the Land of Israel. And therefore Yosef called them spies — for the blemish from their disputing against him is the aspect of the blemish of the spies — who blemished in the holiness of the Land of Israel. And therefore when Moshe saw two Hebrew men fighting — he said: "indeed the matter is known" [Shemos 2:14] — namely the reason for the exile was made known to him — as our Rabbis stated. For the essential exile flows from dispute — through which the destructive forces strengthen. And likewise the essential exile of the present day flows only from dispute and baseless hatred — as our Rabbis stated. For through all this one becomes distanced from the holiness of the Land of Israel — which is the aspect of peace — the aspect of pleasantness — of being pleasant to each other in halachic discourse — as our Rabbis stated. And therefore before the redemption — Eliyahu will come to make peace in the world — as our Rabbis stated. For the essential redemption — returning to the Land of Israel — depends on peace.

4

מָשִׁיחַ יִהְיֶה כָּלוּל מִכָּל הַשְּׁלשָׁה צַדִּיקִים שֶׁנִּסְתַּלְּקוּ בְּשַׁבָּת בְּמִנְחָה, בְּרַעֲוָא דְרַעֲוִין, שֶׁהֵם יוֹסֵף משֶׁה דָּוִד. וְעַל־כֵּן הוּא יָכוֹל לְהַמְשִׁיךְ הַפִּדְיוֹן הָעֶלְיוֹן הַכּוֹלֵל הַמְתָּקַת כָּל הַבָּתֵּי־דִינִים, וְעַל־יְדֵי־זֶה יִהְיֶה גְּאֻלָּה שְׁלֵמָה (הל' בה"ש ה"ה, אותיות יח כא).

4

The more Israel multiply and increase — through this His glory is magnified — and the flow of the supernal pleasantness is drawn upon them more greatly. And through this the redemption comes. And this is the aspect of: "I made you as numerous as the plants of the field etc." [Yechezkel 16:7] — said regarding Egypt. And likewise in the future it is written: "the small one will become a thousand — and the young one a mighty nation — I am Hashem — in its time I will hasten it" [Yeshayahu 60:22]. For through the multiplying of Israel — which is the aspect of the flow of the supernal pleasantness — through this the redemption will come.

5

מָשִׁיחַ יִהְיֶה כָּלוּל מִבְּחִינַת משֶׁה וְדָוִד, שֶׁהֵם בְּחִינַת דַּעַת וֶאֱמוּנָה, בְּחִינַת אִתְעָרוּתָא דִלְעֵלָּא וְאִתְעָרוּתָא דִלְתַתָּא. וְאָז יָאִיר עָלֵינוּ הֶאָרַת בְּחִינַת כֶּתֶר שֶׁיַּשִּׂיג מָשִׁיחַ, וְעַל־יְדֵי־זֶה יִתְגַּלֶּה הַשָּׂגַת אֱלָקוּתוֹ יִתְבָּרַךְ (הל' נפילת אפים הלכה ד, אות כד).

5

The essential of our survival in the strength of the exiles — particularly in this long and bitter exile — is through Hashem drawing upon us even now — in the strength of the depth of our falling and descent — a wondrous illumination in great hiddenness from the spirit of Mashiach who will come speedily in our days — through whom the essential rectification of the world will occur. And this is alluded to in the verse: "and the earth was chaos and void" [Bereishis 1:2] — which alludes to the exiles — as our Rabbis stated. But all our survival is through: "and the spirit of G-d hovered over the face of the waters" — this is the spirit of Mashiach etc. For Hashem draws upon us the holiness from the ultimate final rectification.

6

נְעִימוּת הַשִּׁיר שֶׁיִּתְּעַר לֶעָתִיד, שֶׁזֶּה יִהְיֶה קִבּוּל שָׂכָר שֶׁל הַצַּדִּיקִים וְהַכְּשֵׁרִים, וּלְעִקַּר הַשִּׁיר הַזֶּה יִזְכֶּה הַמֶּלֶךְ הָאֲמִתִּי שֶׁל יִשְׂרָאֵל, שֶׁהוּא דָוִד־מָשִׁיחַ, וְכָל הַסְּמוּכִים אֵלָיו בְּיוֹתֵר, שֶׁהֵם רוֹאֵי פְּנֵי הַמֶּלֶךְ, הֵם יִזְכּוּ בְּיוֹתֵר לְנִפְלְאוֹת נְעִימוּת הַשִּׁיר הַזֶּה, וּמֵהֶם יְקַבְּלוּ כָּל יִשְׂרָאֵל, כָּל אֶחָד כְּפִי קֵרוּבוֹ לְרוֹאֵי פְּנֵי הַמֶּלֶךְ (הל' קה"ת הלכה ו, אותיות ה ז).

6

The essential exile is in order to refine the displaced ones — which are the holy sparks that were displaced into the depths of the kelippos. The aspect of: "Israel went into exile only so that converts would be added to them." And in truth it seems difficult at first glance to understand the matter of the exile — that it is because Israel sinned in the Land of Israel — and He exiled them to outside the Land in order that they rectify themselves and return to Hashem. And the matter is very difficult: for if in the very place of our vitality and holiness — which is the Land of Israel — the Evil Inclination overpowered Israel until it caused them to sin — then how is there hope that outside the Land — which is impure air — there specifically they will repent and be rectified? But in truth all this is the wonders of the Perfect in Knowledge. And this is the aspect of all the descents and fallings that every individual in Israel experiences according to one's aspect and level — until there are those who fell to the lowest pit, G-d forbid. And even so — ultimately all will be rectified — and not one of Israel will be lost, G-d forbid. For Hashem thinks thoughts so that the banished one is not cast away from Him. For in truth there are times when specifically when a person reaches a very low and distant place from holiness — there specifically one will be awakened with a great awakening to Hashem. And there are several reasons and aspects for this — see within. And the principle: when a person blemishes and falls through this to a place distant from holiness — Hashem thinks thoughts so the banished one is not cast away. Therefore He arranges for one there hints according to that place — and arranges for one some merit that one can acquire according to that far-distant place specifically. And this is the trial and free choice of one: if one strengthens one's heart in Hashem — and merits there to remember Hashem at every time — and do there what one can in His service according to what Hashem hints to one in every place one is — then one can easily return to Hashem. For according to that place one can merit through small service to give Hashem satisfaction that one would not have merited in a holier place. For Hashem receives great pleasure and delight when some service ascends before Him from a very low and distant place — the aspect of: "when Yisro came etc. — then the Name of the Holy One was magnified and elevated above and below." And this is the secret of the exile of Israel in general — and in particular the individual fallings of each and every person — which is the essential exile. For the lower and more distant from holiness one falls — one has some service and satisfaction to give Hashem there — which even a great Tzadik could not merit. And through this one elevates all the holy sparks that fell to that impure place. For there are many holy sparks that fell in ancient times to the very depths of the kelippos — and certainly no one would want to enter there to elevate them. And therefore when a person who blemished and fell there happens to come — immediately when one mentions Hashem and is awakened to serve Hashem in some small service that one can do there according to one's low place — all those sparks that have been lying and sunk there cleave to one — and one elevates them from there. And through this one gives Hashem boundless satisfaction and delight. And this is the aspect of the Jews dispersed to the four corners of the earth — in places far from Israel. And there are places where only one or two Jews are found — an artisan and the like. And in most cases these Jews dwelling in such places distant from the communities of Israel — certainly most of them are not such great Tzadikim — and perhaps on the contrary. But in truth — according to what can be understood from the writings of the Ari — specifically through them are refined lofty sparks from the depths of the kelippos. And all this is from the aforementioned matter — for in those places there are many sparks that have been lying there for thousands of years in exile and great suffering. And if they could smell even the faintest scent of Israel — they would revive themselves greatly. And therefore immediately when any Israelite enters there — as long as the name of Israel is called upon one — these sparks awaken and cleave to one. And even though they still cannot ascend because this person certainly has no power to elevate them — and therefore in most cases one falls even further through them because of the abundance of kelippos clinging to these sparks as is known — even so since this person came to such a distant and impure place — and even so strengthens oneself in the faith of Israel and the name of Israel is called upon one — this itself is very precious in Hashem's eyes. Until ultimately this person will ascend from there — and all the aforementioned sparks will ascend with one. And through this one will rectify all one's sins — since through one specifically these sparks ascended — which could not have ascended through any upright person in the world — for who would enter such an impure and defiled place. And therefore certainly from the outset every person must be very careful not to blemish, G-d forbid — so as not to need to fall, G-d forbid, to such places. But one who has already blemished — and Hashem has arranged matters until one came to such very low places — whether spiritually — having fallen to low levels, G-d forbid — or physically — being distanced, G-d forbid, from Jewish settlements and displaced and coming to the places of the nations — even so: also there — if one does not despair and remembers Hashem always — and hopes for salvation — and does there what one can in His service — then it is possible that specifically through one great rectifications are made in the elevation of the aforementioned holy sparks. And the essential is through the power of the great true Tzadik — who has the power to elevate all these people together with the sparks that cleaved to them from all low places — even from the very depths of the lowest pit, G-d forbid. And therefore as long as a person strives and seeks and searches to draw close to the true Tzadikim — one has hope forever — no matter what one's state. And this is the aspect of all the many upheavals one must endure before coming to the Land of Israel — all of it is for the refinement of the aforementioned sparks — all of which must be gathered to the Land of Israel. And through them specifically one merits to come to the Land of Israel. And all of this through the power of the Tzadik as above. And there are further matters here — but it is impossible to explain everything in detail.

7

גַּם כְּשֶׁיָּבוֹא מָשִׁיחַ, עֲדַיִן יִהְיֶה יֵצֶר הָרָע בָּעוֹלָם וְיִהְיֶה לָאָדָם בְּחִירָה, כִּי אִם לֹא כֵן, לֹא יוּכַל לְתַקֵּן הָעוֹלָם, כִּי כְּשֶׁאֵין יֵצֶר הָרָע וְאֵין בְּחִירָה, הֲרֵי הוּא תה כְּמֵת שֶׁנִּסְתַּלֵּק מִן הָעוֹלָם, שֶׁאֵין מוֹעִיל לוֹ תִּקּוּן הַתְּשׁוּבָה, כִּי "הַיּוֹם לַעֲשׂוֹתָם" כְּתִיב, אֲבָל בֶּאֱמֶת גַּם אָז יִהְיֶה לְהָאָדָם בְּחִירָה. אֲבָל מָשִׁיחַ יַמְשִׁיךְ בְּחִינַת בְּקִיאוּת בַּהֲלָכָה שֶׁל תְּשׁוּבָה, שֶׁהוּא שְׁנֵי בְּקִיאֻיּוֹת, בָּקִי בְּעָיֵל, בָּקִי בְּנָפֵק, בְּחִינַת "אִם אֶסַּק שָׁמַיִם שָׁם אָתָּה, וְאַצִּיעָה שְּׁאוֹל הִנֶּךָֹּ", הַיְנוּ לְהִתְחַזֵּק אֶת עַצְמוֹ בְּהַשֵּׁם יִתְבָּרַךְ תָּמִיד, הֵן בַּעֲלִיָּה הֵן בִּירִידָה, וְלֹא יִתְיָאֵשׁ אֶת עַצְמוֹ מִן הָרַחֲמִים לְעוֹלָם, אֲפִלּוּ אִם נָפַל לְתַכְלִית דְּיוֹטָא הַתַּחְתּוֹנָה. וּמָשִׁיחַ יַמְשִׁיךְ בְּחִינַת הַבְּקִיאֻיּוֹת הַנַּ"ל בְּהִתְגַּלּוּת נִפְלָא וּבְשֵׂכֶל נִפְלָא בֶּאֱמֶת כָּזֶה, עַד שֶׁכֻּלָּם יַחַזְרוּ עַל־יְדֵי־ זֶה לְהַשֵּׁם יִתְבָּרַךְ בִּבְחִירָתָם דַּיְקָא (הלכות ברכת הפירות הלכה ה, אות יז).

7

The essential length of the exile and the essential delay of the redemption comes only through dispute. For in every generation there are found people who contain the sparks of Dasan and Aviram — and they burrow to distance the hearts of Israel from the true Tzadikim. And through this all the destructions and all the exiles and all the length of the present exile have rolled about. But even so: "You, Hashem, are on high forever" [Tehillim 92:9]. For likewise in every generation there are found true Tzadikim and upright ones — who join with the chosen great Tzadikim — and are joyful to meet them — and hearken to their counsel. And through this the complete redemption will come.

8

אָמְרוּ רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זַ"ל: אֵין בֶּן־דָּוִד בָּא אֶלָּא בְּהֶסַּח־הַדָּעַת. כִּי כְּשֶׁיָּבוֹא מָשִׁיחַ, אָז יַתְחִיל בְּחִינַת חִדּוּשׁ הָעוֹלָם, כְּאִלּוּ אָז נִבְרָא הָעוֹלָם מֵחָדָשׁ, כִּי עִקַּר בְּחִינַת בְּרִיאַת הָעוֹלָם כְּתִקּוּנוֹ יִהְיֶה אָז. וְעַל־כֵּן צָרִיךְ שֶׁיִּהְיֶה מִקֹּדֶם בְּחִינַת הַצִּמְצוּם שֶׁל חָלָל הַפָּנוּי שֶׁהָיָה קֹדֶם לַבְּרִיאָה, שֶׁזֶּה הַצִּמְצוּם הוּא בְּחִינַת הִסְתַּלְּקוּת הָאוֹר. וְזֶה בְּחִינַת הַהֶסַּח־הַדַּעַת, שֶׁהוּא בְּחִינַת הִסְתַּלְּקוּת אוֹר הַדָּעַת. וְתֵכֶף כְּשֶׁיַּגִּיעַ בְּחִינַת הֶסַּחשׂ הַדַּעַת, שֶׁהוּא בְּחִינַת תַּכְלִית הַצִּמְצוּם, אָז יָבוֹא מָשִׁיחַ, כִּי תֵּכֶף שֶׁנִּגְמָר הַצִּמְצוּם מַתְחִיל לְהִתְגַּלּוֹת אוֹר הַבְּרִיאָה מֵחָדָשׁ וְיָבוֹא מָשִׁיחַ בִּמְהֵרָה בְיָמֵינוּ (הל' תפלת המנחה ה"ד).

8

The essential bitterness of the exile is sadness. And the more the exile weighs down — the sadness intensifies. And the more the sadness intensifies — the exile intensifies further. If so — from where will our help come? But all the survival in exile — and the hope to exit from there — is through the true Tzadikim — who know how to blow away the dustiness and the intensification of sadness from the hearts of Israel — and inflame their hearts toward Hashem — until they reverse all the grief and sighing to joy. And through this the redemption will come.

9

עִנְיַן נִפְלְאוֹת הָעֵצוֹת הַקְּדוֹשׁוֹת שֶׁיַּמְשִׁיךְ מְשִׁיחַ צִדְקֵנוּ, שֶׁעַל־יְדֵי־זֶה יַכְנִיס קִיּוּם הַתּוֹרָה בָּעוֹלָם בְּאֹפֶן שֶׁלֹּא תוּכַל עוֹד הַסִּטְרָא־אָחֳרָא לְהִתְגַּבֵּר וּלְהָפֵר עֲצָתוֹ, חַס וְשָׁלוֹם, וְשֶׁעַל־יְדֵי־זֶה יִהְיֶה אָז גְּאֻלַּת עוֹלָם שֶׁאֵין אַחֲרֶיהָ גָלוּת, וְשֶׁעַל־כֵּן נִקְרָא מָשִׁיחַ 'פֶּלֶא יוֹעֵץ' - עַיֵּן שַׁבָּת, אוֹת סז; עֵצָה, אוֹת ד, וְעַיֵּן פְּנִים גַּם־כֵּן.

9

The essential totality of all exiles — particularly this last exile — comes because the exile of the character traits and evil desires of the seventy nations strengthens. Their essential is the desire for sexual immorality and the blemishing of the covenant. And through not strengthening oneself to withstand the trial and break them properly — through this the physical exile also intensifies. And just as Israel is in exile — so the Holy One and His Shechina are in exile. For: "in all their troubles He was troubled" [Yeshayahu 63:9]. And it is written in the Tikkun: "and he is bound in fetters" [Iyov 36:8] — and it is said in the Tikkunim: "no prisoner can free himself from prison." And this thing depends only on teshuvah to break one's prison etc. For the essential strengthening of the Evil Inclination — which is the essential exile of the soul — is through all the desires — particularly through blemishing the covenant. Through this the vessels of one's mochin are not complete. And through this the light of the Torah is pictured in one's mind as the opposite of truth — the aspect of: "if one did not merit — it becomes for one a deadly poison." And then all the ways before one are like a plain — for one makes transgressions into commandments etc. And this is the essential aspect of the exile of the Shechina. For this is considered as if one seizes and imprisons the holy Shechina — in actual prison and captivity. Since one seizes such a lofty and holy light in the seizure of one's blemished mochin — until one pictures it as the opposite — G-d forbid. And because of the great power of free choice that Hashem gave to human beings — Hashem is compelled as it were to have His holy light seized in the seizure of one's mochin against His will as it were. This is the aspect of actual seizure and imprisonment of His glory's Shechina. And therefore one who teaches Torah to an unworthy student is punished with imprisonment — as explained elsewhere. For when one draws the light of the holy Torah to an unworthy student — and one receives the light in the seizure of one's blemished mochin — and pictures it as the opposite, G-d forbid — one is actually seizing His light in actual seizure. All the more so one who is wise in one's own eyes — while truly the vessels of one's mochin are blemished — and one pictures the light as the opposite — G-d forbid — one comes to dispute and pursues the upright ones for no reason. And sometimes one hands them over to actual imprisonment through one's dispute and pursuit. And then when this pursued upright one sits in prison — the Shechina — as it were — is with one in captivity and prison. For: "I am with him in trouble." Woe to those who cause all this! Woe to their souls for they have done evil to themselves — and their blemish is very great as is understood.

10

מָשִׁיחַ יַמְשִׁיךְ הִתְחַדְּשׁוּת הַתּוֹרָה בְּתַכְלִית הַשְּׁלֵמוּת, בְּחִינַת אוֹרַיְתָא דְעַתִּיקָא סְתִימָאָה, וְעַל־יְדֵי חִדּוּשִׁין אֵלּוּ יִהְיֶה נִמְשָׁךְ בִּשְׁלֵמוּת זֶה הַדֶּרֶךְ בָּעוֹלָם לַעֲשׂוֹת מִתּוֹרוֹת תְּפִלּוֹת, שֶׁעַל־יְדֵי־זֶה יִזְכּוּ יִשְׂרָאֵל לִתְשׁוּבָה שְׁלֵמָה וּלְקִיּוּם הַתּוֹרָה בִּשְׁלֵמוּת. וְהַתְּפִלָּה תִּהְיֶה אָז בְּתַכְלִית הַשְּׁלֵמוּת, כִּי הַגְּאֻלָּה רִאשׁוֹנָה הָיְתָה בִּבְחִינַת תּוֹרָה, שֶׁזֶּה בְּחִינַת קַבָּלַת הַתּוֹרָה שֶׁזָּכִינוּ עַל־יְדֵי משֶׁה רַבֵּנוּ, עָלָיו הַשָּׁלוֹם, אַף־עַל־פִּי שֶׁבְּוַדַּאי הִמְשִׁיךְ משֶׁה אָז גַּם תִּקּוּן הַתְּפִלָּה, כִּי תּוֹרָה וּתְפִלָּה תְּלוּיִים זֶה בָּזֶה, כַּמְבֹאָר בִּפְנִים, אַף־עַל־פִּי־כֵן עִקַּר עֲלִיַּת הַתְּפִלָּה הִתְחִיל עַל־יְדֵי דָוִד הַמֶּלֶךְ שֶׁיָּסַד סֵפֶר תְּהִלִּים, שֶׁזֶּה בְּחִינַת שֶׁעָשָׂה מִתּוֹרָה תְּפִלָּה, כַּמְבֹאָר בִּפְנִים. וּגְמַר הַתִּקּוּן יִהְיֶה עַל־יְדֵי מָשִׁיחַ, כִּי גְאֻלָּה הָאַחֲרוֹנָה הוּא בִּבְחִינַת תְּפִלָּה, וְאָז יִהְיֶה נִשְׁלָם גַּם הַתּוֹרָה בִּשְׁלֵמוּת יוֹתֵר, כִּי שְׁנֵיהֶם תְּלוּיִים זֶה בָּזֶה כַּנַּ"ל (הל' ר"ח ה"ה, אותיות ז כו לב).

10

When an Israelite sees that exile strengthens against one from all sides — and all the more so one who is so pursued that one comes to actual prison — one must give one's heart to flee and escape from there specifically toward Hashem. For certainly there is no counsel or stratagem against all the troubles — especially against the disputants who pursue one to the very soul — until one comes to prison, G-d forbid — except to cry out to Hashem. As it is written: "and if they are bound in chains etc. — then He uncovers their ear to discipline etc." [Iyov 36:8–10]. And it is written: "those who sat in darkness and the shadow of death etc. — and they cried out to Hashem in their trouble etc." [Tehillim 107:10–13] — that one must cry to Hashem and return to Him in complete teshuvah. And the essential teshuvah is in the aspect of: "let us search and examine our ways — and return to Hashem" [Eichah 3:40]. One must search and examine one's ways greatly — for what reason Hashem did this — it is only because I blemished the vessels of my mochin and seized the light of Hashem in seizure, G-d forbid — by having pictured my light not as is proper. For in this matter of how one can err from the truth — through not picturing the light of the Torah properly — there are countless aspects: subtle and coarse — and the most subtle of the subtle. In any case a person must take to heart at all times — especially in a time of trouble, G-d forbid — that one who is imprisoned — it is because one did not picture the light properly — and was therefore punished with imprisonment — measure for measure. For the supernal simple light that descends from above at all times — from which flows all human vitality — although it is one simple light in ultimate unity — even so when it descends below and is pictured for each person according to one's aspect — paths and byways without number branch and spread from it. And this — both on the side of holiness and on the opposite side, G-d forbid. For even on the side of holiness itself there are many many ways and paths. And likewise — to distinguish — on the side of the Sitra Achra there are many confused and corrupt ways. And free choice is free — and in the way a person wants to go one is led. And the light is pictured according to one's desire and choice. And a person must always intend toward the truly straight way — to turn one's heart toward Him — so that the light of the Torah is pictured in the way of truth according to one's aspect. And even within the ways of the Torah — one must not mislead oneself to turn from the way proper for one to another way that does not belong to one — even though it too is among the ways of the Torah — but it does not belong to one according to one's level. And certainly one must not turn from the truly true ways of the Torah entirely, G-d forbid. And therefore when a person is punished with imprisonment, G-d forbid — and is not allowed to go outside — one must take to heart: this is because I blemished the paths set before me — to picture the supernal light in the way I desired — and through blemishing this I was seized — until I cannot move from my place and go out to where I want. And there is no rectification except to return to the source and root of all the ways — which is the supernal light of Hashem — from which all the ways branch and spread — and return to Him — and connect oneself to the source of unity — and search and seek the truly true path — to choose a truly straight way for oneself. The aspect of: "in your distress etc. — and you returned to Hashem your G-d and hearkened to His voice" [Devarim 4:30]. And then Hashem's mercy will return to one — and bring one out to freedom. For there — in the place of the beginning of the picturing of the light at its root — is the aspect of the world of freedom — which is the aspect of Binah — which is the aspect of tzairay [the vowel sound] — from which all freedom flows. And there is the essential teshuvah — as is known — that one must return to the holy Binah — to contemplate one's deeds — and return to one's root — and picture the light for good — according to the truly true ways of the Torah that issue from there — and from there all freedom flows — as explained within. And the essential merit for this comes through crying and calling out — for crying always helps. For even though the light has already been pictured in one's mind as the opposite, G-d forbid — and through this one has greatly strayed from the straight path — until it is almost difficult to return — even so if in a time of trouble and imprisonment, G-d forbid, one is awakened through this to return to Hashem and cry out to Him greatly — and one is not of those about whom the verse cries: "and the hypocrites of heart will heap up wrath — they will not cry out for He has bound them" [Iyov 36:13] — who pay no attention at all to understand Hashem's hints in this. But the upright of Israel — the more they are pressed, G-d forbid — the more they are awakened each time and flee to Him — for one must return from the darkness and shadow of death and from each person's prison according to one's aspect — to bind and connect oneself strongly to Him — to return to the source of unity — and draw the light from there again and picture it for good as above. And then: "He saves them from their straits — He brings them out from darkness and the shadow of death — and their bonds He snaps."

11

עִקַּר שְׁלֵמוּת תִּקּוּן הַמִּשְׁפָּט, שֶׁעַל־יְדֵי־ זֶה יִהְיֶה גְּמַר הַתִּקּוּן וְתִתְמַלֵּא פְּגִימַת הַלְּבָנָה, זֶה יִהְיֶה רַק עַל־יְדֵי מָשִׁיחַ, כִּי אָז יִהְיֶה עִקַּר תִּקּוּן הַמִּשְׁפָּט הַמְבֹאָר בִּפְנִים, וְאָז יִתְתַּקֵּן כִּסֵּא דָוִד בִּשְׁלֵמוּת, שֶׁהוּא בְּחִינַת "כִּסְאוֹת לְמִשְׁפָּט כִּסְאוֹת לְבֵית דָּוִד" (שם ה"ו, אותיות ו טו יט).

11

The matter of the length of this present exile — which is the end of wonders. See "Converts etc.," section 18.

12

גְּאֻלָּה רִאשׁוֹנָה הָיְתָה בִּבְחִינַת הֶכְרֵחַ, עַל־יְדֵי רִבּוּי הָאוֹתוֹת וְכוּ', שֶׁאָז נִתְקַדְּשׁוּ כָּל הַיָּמִים טוֹבִים שֶׁהֵם זֵכֶר לִיצִיאַת מִצְרָיִם. אֲבָל גְּאֻלָּה הָאַחֲרוֹנָה תִּהְיֶה בִּבְחִינַת שַׁבַּת שָׁלוֹם, שֶׁמָּשִׁיחַ יִכְבּשׁ כָּל הָעוֹלָם בְּלִי מִלְחָמָה כְּלָל, רַק עַל־יְדֵי גֹּדֶל הַדַּעַת שֶׁיְּגַלֶּה בָּעוֹלָם, שֶׁעַל־יְדֵי־זֶה מִמֵּילָא יִתְבַּטְּלוּ כָּל בְּחִינוֹת כֹּחוֹת הַמַּכְרִיחוֹת שֶׁהֵם נֶגֶד הַקְּדֻשָּׁה, וְהַכֹּל יֻמְשְׁכוּ אַחֲרָיו עַל־יְדֵי קְדֻשַּׁת כֹּחַ הַמּוֹשֵׁךְ שֶׁלּוֹ, כְּמוֹ שֶׁכָּתוּב: לְפָנָיו יִכְרְעוּ צִיִּים וְאֹיְבָיו עָפָר יְלַחֵכוּ, וּכְתִיב: כִּי לֹא בְחִפָּזוֹן תֵּצֵאוּ (הל' יו"ט ה"ה אות ט).

12

The matter of how all the exiles will be reversed for good — for through this one will merit the building of the House in the future with wondrous renewal. And how this matter applies to every person and every time — in the general and in the particular. See "Upheaval and Journey," section 10.

13

לֶעָתִיד כְּשֶׁיָּבוֹא מָשִׁיחַ, אָז יֻכְלְלוּ משֶׁה וְדָוִד בְּיַחַד בְּתַכְלִית הָאַחְדוּת, כִּי שִׁילֹה דָּא משֶׁה־מָשִׁיחַ, וְכֵן דָּוִד הוּא "מְשִׁיחַ אֱלֹקֵי יַעֲקֹב", כִּי נִשְׁמַת מָשִׁיחַ תִּהְיֶה כְּלוּלָה מִשְּׁנֵיהֶם, מִמּשֶׁה וְדָוִד. וְאָז תִּהְיֶה גְּאֻלָּה שְׁלֵמָה שֶׁאֵין אַחֲרֶיהָ גָּלוּת, כִּי נִזְכֶּה לִזְכֹּר הָאַזְהָרוֹת שֶׁל משֶׁה וּלְקַיְּמָם בִּשְׁלֵמוּת עַל־ יְדֵי בְּחִינַת דָּוִד, כִּי שְׁנֵיהֶם, משֶׁה וְדָוִד, יֻכְלְלוּ יָחַד. וְאָז כָּל הַשִּׁבְעִים אֻמּוֹת יִתְהַפְּכוּ אֶל הַקְּדֻשָּׁה וְיִתְאַסְּפוּ כֻּלָּם אֶל משֶׁה־מָשִׁיחַ, שֶׁיִּהְיֶה כָּלוּל מִדָּוִד גַּם־כֵּן, שֶׁזֶּה בְּחִינַת תּוֹרָה וּתְפִלָּה, תּוֹרָה שֶׁבִּכְתָב וְשֶׁבְּעַל־פֶּה, מַחֲשָׁבָה וְדִבּוּר. עַיֵּן פְּנִים (הל' יין נסך הלכה ג, אות ו).

13

In this time the Shechina is in exile — as it were — the aspect of: "like a wandering bird from its nest etc." [Mishlei 27:8] — the aspect of: "when a bird's nest chances before you on the way" [Devarim 22:6] — ba-derech [on the way] specifically — the aspect of wandering and exile — as it were. And then it is incumbent upon every person to strive to rectify this bird's nest — and elevate — as it were — the Shechina from the exile. And the essential rectification is through the seeking and searching of: "Where is the place of His glory?" For the essential exile of the Shechina is that His sovereignty — as it were — has become hidden through the strengthening of the kelippos and the Sitra Achra. And one who merits to believe and know that in truth His sovereignty rules over all — and even though the nations — who are the kelippos — rule over the holy people of Israel — even so Israel believes that the kelippos themselves receive vitality only from Him. For He gives life to all — and His sovereignty rules over all. Only they receive from the aspect of the hiddenness and concealment of the hidden utterance — which is the aspect of the aforementioned ayeh [where]. And through believing and knowing this truly — and searching and seeking from there too after His glory — the aspect of: "where is the place of His glory?" — through this itself the kelippos and Sitra Achra fall and are completely nullified — and His sovereignty is revealed. This is the aspect of the elevation of the Shechina from exile. And this is the aspect of the mitzvah of sending away the nest — as explained within.

14

14

Translation not yet available

15

מַה שֶּׁיָּבוֹא אֵלִיָּהוּ הַנָּבִיא לְבַשֵּׂר גְּאֻלַּת מָשִׁיחַ - עַיֵּן 'שַׁבָּת', אוֹת קכא. עִנְיַן מַה שֶּׁמָּשִׁיחַ יַמְתִּיק כָּל הַדִּינִים כָּל־כָּךְ בְּשָׁרְשָׁן, עַד שֶׁעַל־יְדֵי־זֶה יְבַטֵּל לְגַמְרֵי כָּל כֹּחַ הַיֵּצֶר הָרָע שֶׁיְּנִיקָתוֹ מֵהַדִּינִים, וְעַל־יְדֵי־זֶה יָשׁוּבוּ כָּל יִשְׂרָאֵל בִּתְשׁוּבָה וְתָבוֹא הַגְּאֻלָּה בִּמְהֵרָה בְיָמֵינוּ - עַיֵּן 'צַדִּיק', אוֹת קנג.

15

The reason Israel are initially oppressed in exile in every place they are dispersed — is because in every place there are many holy souls and sparks — that were displaced and scattered there from the sin of the first Adam and the sins of all the generations. And these sparks and souls are always waiting and hoping for a Jew to come there. And immediately when a Jew comes there they fall upon one and surround one and cleave to one — in order that one rectify them. And since these sparks are situated among the nations and the kelippos — who hold on to them and are very tightly attached to them — through this there are great sufferings for the Israelite who comes there. For the kelippos and strange thoughts and confusions etc. coming from them also cleave to one. And the essential time they provoke is when this person engages in some matter of holiness — for then is the time of the rectification and redemption of the sparks from among the nations and kelippos. And then they provoke even more — the aspect of: "let the work be heavier upon the men" — which Pharaoh said [Shemos 5:9]. And this is the strength of the length of the exile and the provocation of the kelippos and desires etc. — that provoke in these times against each and every person. Because it is already close to the end — and they require very great strengthening against them — and to wait and hope for Hashem's salvation in every place they come in exile and wandering — until Hashem looks down and sees from the heavens. And then — not only does one ascend from there to freedom oneself — but one also refines and elevates from there many many sparks belonging to the root of one's soul — the aspect of: "and he too will remain for our G-d" [Zechariah 9:7]. Until even the very place where one was wandering will be sanctified with great holiness — the aspect of what our Rabbis stated: "the theaters and circuses are destined to be places where Torah is taught publicly." Now at the end of the exile — in the footsteps of Mashiach — the concealment has strengthened greatly greatly — through our many sins. All the prophets prophesied about these generations — about the immense troubles at the end of days. And the essential is the troubles of the soul — that we have become very far from our Father in Heaven — as has not been the case since ancient times. For troubles in the physical realm — although certainly many troubles pass over Israel even now — even so Israel have suffered physical troubles in the earlier generations as well — and perhaps even more and more. For there were several expulsions and forced conversions — may the Merciful One save us. But the essential trouble about which all the prophets prophesied — regarding the birth pangs of Mashiach — and several Tannaim said because of this: "let him come, but let me not see it!" — and similar statements in which our Rabbis greatly magnified the immensity of the troubles at the end of these days — the essential is the troubles of the soul — and the great strengthening of the concealment of His glory. For strength has failed — and there is no one restrained or free — and all the true Tzadikim have departed through our many sins. And falsehood goes and strengthens. And truth comes in flocks and flocks — and each one says that with one is the truth — even though one knows in one's own heart the afflictions of one's heart — and all that one sinned and blemished. Even so one glorifies oneself with greatness — claiming to have attained the true path — and knowing new wisdoms in the service of Hashem. And one confuses and twists the hearts of many people away from the truly true ways of Hashem — from the ancient path that our ancestors always walked — a wholesome and true path without any wisdoms and inventions whatsoever. Such and similar things — yet more than can be counted — through many many ways in which falsehood has overpowered truth — through our many sins. And: "and it cast truth to the ground" [Daniel 8:12] was fulfilled. Particularly the great trouble above all troubles — that the wisdom of philosophy has strengthened in the world — and they began to teach the youth of Israel foreign wisdoms and languages — and uproot them from both worlds. For there is no greater evil and trouble than this. Therefore now — in the strength of the final exile at its end — every single person must be very careful to seek and request greatly at all times and in all places after His glory — and ask and seek: "where is the place of His glory?" And then: if you seek Him — He will be found by you. For even though certainly the concealment has strengthened as it has strengthened — through our many sins — even so if one is strong in this to seek from there — from the place of displacement — after His glory — then certainly one will merit to find Him. As it is written: "and you will seek from there Hashem your G-d and you will find Him etc." [Devarim 4:29]. And then one can merit that the descent becomes the ultimate ascent — as explained within.

16

כָּל הַמְשָׁכַת נִשְׁמַת מָשִׁיחַ הָיָה בְּהֶעְלֵם וּבְסוֹד וּבְתַחְבּוּלוֹת, כְּגוֹן עַל־יְדֵי מַעֲשֵׂה לוֹט עִם בְּנוֹתָיו, וּמַעֲשֵׂה יְהוּדָה וְתָמָר, וּמַעֲשֵׂה בֹּעַז וְרוּת, כִּי הַכֹּל הָיָה בְּסוֹד וּבְהֶעְלֵם גָּדוֹל כְּדֵי לְהַמְשִׁיךְ נִשְׁמָתוֹ בְּסוֹד וְכוּ' כַּמּוּבָא. כִּי מָשִׁיחַ הוּא בְּחִינַת סוֹד, בְּחִינַת שְׁתִיקָה, כִּי הוּא מִבְּחִינַת הַמַּקִּיפִים הָעֶלְיוֹנִים מְאֹד שֶׁהֵם בְּחִינַת כֶּתֶר, בְּחִינַת שְׁתִיקָה. וְעַל־כֵּן אָסוּר לְהַרְהֵר חַס וְשָׁלוֹם עַל אֲרִיכַת הַגָּלוּת כָּל־כָּךְ, כִּי אִי אֶפְשָׁר לְהַשִּׂיג זֹאת, כִּי הוּא בְּחִינַת מַקִּיפִים הָעֶלְיוֹנִים שֶׁאִי אֶפְשָׁר לְהַשִּׂיגָם, כִּי הֵם בִּבְחִינַת שְׁתִיקָה. וְעַל־כֵּן הַקֵּץ סָתוּם וְחָתוּם, וְהַמַּאֲמִין לֹא יָחוּשׁ, כִּי בֹא יָבֹא לֹא יְאַחֵר בִּמְהֵרָה בְיָמֵינוּ אָמֵן (הל' ראשית הגז ה"ג אות טז).

16

The essential strength and length of our exile is only so that we should seek and search for "where is the place of His glory?" For we now need to ascend to a great ascent — and to merit the final redemption — when Israel will ascend to the ultimate ascent. Therefore the descent and exile have strengthened greatly over a long duration — the aspect of: "and she has descended wondrously" [Eichah 1:9]. Until each one asks: where is His promise — and until when is the end of wonders? And through this itself — that we merit to seek and search well after His glory — the aspect of: "where is the place of His glory?" — where is His promise that He promised our holy ancestors? And certainly He will fulfill His promise and redeem us with everlasting redemption. But when will this be etc.? Through this itself we will merit the ultimate ascent and complete redemption. And this is the aspect of: "Watchman — what of the night? etc. — if you will seek — seek. Return — come!" [Yeshayahu 21:11–12].

17

עִנְיַן מַה שֶּׁמָּשִׁיחַ יַשִּׂיג בִּשְׁלֵמוּת הָאוֹר שֶׁהוּא בִּבְחִינַת אֲלָפִים, וְגַם תז הוּא יֵדַע בִּשְׁלֵמוּת אֵיךְ לְצַמְצֵם הָאוֹר וּלְחַלְּקוֹ לַחֲלָקִים, בִּבְחִינַת חֲלֻקַּת הָאֲלָפִים לְמֵאוֹת, בִּכְדֵי שֶׁיּוּכְלוּ גַּם הַקְּטַנִּים לְהַשִּׂיגוֹ, וְעַל־כֵּן אָז תִּמְלָא הָאָרֶץ דֵּעָה - עַיֵּן 'בָּנִים', אוֹת

17

All the exiles of Israel in general — and all the individual upheavals and journeys of each person in particular — all of it is in order to raise and elevate all the places — that they be included in the holiness of the Land of Israel and Jerusalem — to ascend to the aspect of above place [l'ma'alah min ha-makom]. And therefore a person must intend in every place one is scattered and exiled to — in every place one stands — as if one is standing in lower Jerusalem — which is aligned opposite upper Jerusalem — which is the aspect of above place. And this is through remembering Hashem in every place one's foot treads — and all the more so when one merits to pray and pour out one's speech there. For all the service and prayers need to ascend through the Land of Israel and Jerusalem — as our Rabbis stated. And this is: "our feet were standing at your gates — O Jerusalem etc." [Tehillim 122:2].

18

מָשִׁיחַ יַעֲסֹק בָּזֶה בְּיוֹתֵר לְהַעֲלוֹת אֶת הַכֹּל מִבִּזָּיוֹן לְכָבוֹד, וּלְקַיֵּם בְּתַכְלִית הַשְּׁלֵמוּת מַאֲמַר רַבּוֹתֵינוּ זַ"ל: אַל תְּהִי בָז לְכָל אָדָם, לִבְלִי לְבַזּוֹת שׁוּם אָדָם שֶׁבָּעוֹלָם, רַק לַעֲסֹק עִם הַכֹּל לְתַקְּנוֹ וּלְהַעֲלוֹתוֹ מִכָּל מִינֵי חֲרָפוֹת וּבִזְיוֹנוֹת וּלְהַכְנִיסָם לְתוֹךְ הַכָּבוֹד דִּקְדֻשָּׁה, כְּמוֹ שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר: "יָחֹס עַל דַּל וְאֶבְיוֹן וְכוּ' וְיֵיקַר דָּמָם בְּעֵינָיו", וְיֵיקַר דַּיְקָא, בְּחִינַת יְקָר וְכָבוֹד. וְעַל־כֵּן נִקְרָא מָשִׁיחַ, עַל שֵׁם שֶׁנִּמְשַׁח בְּשֶׁמֶן הַמִּשְׁחָה, שֶׁעַל־יְדֵי־זֶה מַעֲלִין הַכֹּל מִבִּזָּיוֹן לְכָבוֹד דִּקְדֻשָּׁה, שֶׁזֶּה סוֹד מְשִׁיחַת הַמִּשְׁכָּן וְכֵלָיו וְכֹהֲנִים וְהַמְּלָכִים וְכוּ', כַּמְבֹאָר בִּפְנִים (הלכות אפותיקי הלכה ה, אות ט).

18

The essential of all redemptions and salvations is only the salvation and redemption of the soul from the exile of the evil desires coming from the Sitra Achra and the Evil Inclination — which are the essential troubles and exile of Israel. And the essential of all redemptions — spiritual and physical — general and particular — are through Moshe our teacher — peace be upon him — who is the aspect of the true Tzadik of every generation. For the expansion of Moshe is in every generation — for what was is what will be — as brought in the holy Zohar. And he also redeems Israel in every generation — and saves them from all their troubles at every time. For the Torah is in every person and at every time. And every single person from Israel who wants to enter the truly Israelite path — the truly holy path — all the exiles and all the wars and the stories explained throughout the entire Torah — pass over one. For every individual from Israel comprises the entire Torah — and all the wars and all the exiles must pass over one — the aspect of the exile of Egypt and their redemption — and all the other exiles and their redemptions — and the war of Amalek — and the war of the thirty-one kings — and all the other wars that were against Israel — explained throughout the entire Tanach — all of it must pass over every individual from Israel. Until one merits the aspect of complete redemption with no interruption after it — namely when one merits to establish oneself with great permanence in the holy path — like a strong peg that will never be moved forever. And one merits to draw close to Hashem as is proper and truly. And one redeems one's soul from all the desires and all the vanities of this world entirely. This is the essential redemption in particular for every individual of Israel — as brought in the name of the Baal Shem Tov — the aspect of: "draw near to my soul — redeem it." And when one town or one congregation merits such teshuvah — which is the aspect of complete redemption — then we will merit that the righteous redeemer come to us speedily. For this matter depends only on teshuvah — as brought in the holy Zohar.

19

עִקַּר סְמִיכַת הָעַרְבוּת שֶׁקִּבֵּל הַשֵּׁם יִתְבָּרַךְ עַל מַתַּן־תּוֹרָה הוּא עַל אֲנָשִׁים הַבְּטוּחִים בְּיוֹתֵר, שֶׁהֵם הַצַּדִּיקִים הַגְּדוֹלִים הָאֲמִתִּיִּים. כִּי אֲנָשִׁים פְּשׁוּטִים, אַף־עַל־פִּי שֶׁגַּם הֵם עֲרֵבִים זֶה בָּזֶה, אַף־עַל־פִּי־כֵן עַרְבָךְ עַרְבָא צָרִיךְ, עַל־כֵּן עִקַּר הַבְּטוּחוֹת וְהַסְּמִיכָה שֶׁל הָעַרְבוּת הוּא עַל גְּדוֹלֵי הַצַּדִּיקִים הָאֲמִתִּיִּים, שֶׁהֵם מַזְהִירִים אֶת יִשְׂרָאֵל וְשׁוֹמְרִים אוֹתָם מִכָּל הַמַּעֲשִׂים רָעִים וּמַצִּילִים אוֹתָם מִכָּל הַצָּרוֹת רַחֲמָנָא לִצְּלַן בְּגַשְׁמִיּוּת וּבְרוּחָנִיּוּת. וְעִקַּר הַסְּמִיכָה וְהָעַרְבוּת הוּא עַל נִשְׁמַת מָשִׁיחַ, שֶׁהוּא שֹׁרֶשׁ כְּלַל כָּל הַצַּדִּיקִים שֶׁבְּכָל הַדּוֹרוֹת, וְהוּא יִגְמֹר כָּל הַתִּקּוּנִים וִיתַקֵּן כָּל הַקִּלְקוּלִים שֶׁקִּלְקְלוּ בְּכָל הַדּוֹרוֹת. וְעַל־כֵּן מָשִׁיחַ סָבֵל מַרְעִין עֲבוּר כָּל יִשְׂרָאֵל, מֵאַחַר שֶׁנַּעֲשָׂה עָרֵב בְּעַד כֻּלָּם. וְעַל־כֵּן דָּוִד הַמֶּלֶךְ, שֶׁהוּא מָשִׁיחַ, מְבַקֵּשׁ מֵהַשֵּׁם יִתְבָּרַךְ: "עֲרֹב עַבְדְּךָ לְטוֹב וְכוּ'", הַיְנוּ, כִּי הֲלֹא אֲנִי נַעֲשֵׂיתִי עָרֵב (בִּתְחִלַּת מַחֲשֶׁבֶת בְּרִיאַת הָעוֹלָם) בְּעַד הַכֹּל, וְאֵין מִי שֶׁיַּעֲמֹד בְּעֶזְרִי לִגְמֹר וּלְקַיֵּם הָעַרְבוּת בִּשְׁלֵמוּת, כִּי אִם אַתָּה לְבַד, וְעַל־כֵּן מְבַקֵּשׁ: "עֲרֹב עַבְדְּךָ לְטוֹב וְכוּ'" (הלכות ערב ה"ד, אותיות ג ד).

19

All the exiles flow through baseless hatred and dispute — which comes from the aspect of the difference of opinions between one person and another. This is the aspect of the strengthening of varied actions that are not included in the simple unity. And through this the nations of the world strengthen — which are from the world of separation — from the aspect of varied actions. And Israel — one nation — is in exile among them.

20

עִקַּר הָאֱמוּנָה - עַל־יְדֵי בְּחִינַת הַמְשָׁכַת קְדֻשַּׁת רוּחוֹ שֶׁל מָשִׁיחַ, כִּי הוּא יַמְשִׁיךְ אֱמוּנָה גְדוֹלָה בָּעוֹלָם בְּתַכְלִית הַשְּׁלֵמוּת, שֶׁזֶּהוּ עִקַּר הַגְּאֻלָּה (שם אות ט).

20

The essential redemption will come through the Tzadikim — who strive to draw even the distant close to His service. Through this His glory is elevated and magnified. And also through the many neighbors added to the holy assembly of Israel — through these distant and displaced ones who drew close to holiness — through this the holy houses multiply without end. And through this the redemption will come speedily in our days — Amen. Overview. A 20-entry chapter that ranges from cosmic cosmology to the most intimate individual spiritual geography. The chapter is built on two interlocking axes: (1) the nature and cause of exile — in its cosmic, national, and personal dimensions — and (2) the path of redemption — which is ultimately the same path in reverse. Running through the entire chapter is the question the chapter is really answering: not "when will the exile end?" but "what is the exile actually for?" The essential exile is reliance on nature (entry 1). The chapter opens with the most fundamental definition: exile is the withdrawal of the light of providence — when one no longer sees Hashem's hand in events. All redemptions come through the restoration of that light — which overrides nature. The physical exile of the Jewish people is a manifestation of this deeper exile of consciousness. The chambers of exchange and the prince who was switched (entry 2). The cosmic root of exile is the heichalei ha-temuros — the chambers of exchange — which flow from Adam's sin. The practical consequence: the kingship that truly belongs to Israel has been exchanged to the nations — and all the physicality and blemishes of Israel flow from this exchange. This is explicitly connected to the story of the switched prince from Rabbi Nachman's Tales. The secret of exile: refining displaced sparks (entry 6). The longest and most philosophically searching entry. The paradox: Israel sinned in the holy Land — so how can the impure outside-the-Land rectify them? The answer: exile is not merely punishment — it is a redemptive mission. Every displaced Israelite — even a deeply sinful one living in the most remote, unkosher place among nations — carries sparks that have been waiting there for thousands of years. The moment they remember Hashem in even the smallest way — all those sparks attach to them. The teaching extends to the Jew living alone among nations: through simply keeping the name of Israel — through not despairing — one raises sparks that no upright Tzadik could reach. "For who would enter such a defiled place?" And ultimately — all these sparks will ascend with that person. Even the places of exile — the theaters and circuses — are destined to become study halls for Torah. The exile of the Shechina and blemished mochin (entry 9). The exile of the nation mirrors the internal exile of the individual: when the vessels of the mochin are blemished — through immorality and blemishing the covenant — the holy light of Torah is pictured in one's mind as the opposite of truth. This is the exile of the Shechina — it is as if one has imprisoned the divine light inside one's own distorted perception. The horrifying corollary: those who hand upright people over to prison through baseless dispute are — measure for measure — imprisoning the Shechina Herself. The redemption through ayeh (entries 13, 15, 16). The antidote to exile — in every dimension — is the search: ayeh mekom k'vodo — "where is the place of His glory?" Entry 15 is the chapter's most urgent cry: a searing description of the spiritual devastation of the generation — the passing of all true Tzadikim, the strengthening of falsehood, each one claiming truth while knowing one's own heart's afflictions. And yet: "if you seek Him — He will be found by you." Entry 16 gives the deepest explanation for the length of the exile: the descent must be proportional to the ascent. The exile is so long and so deep because the final redemption will be so high. The personal redemption (entry 18). The chapter's closing teaching: the essential redemption is the redemption of the individual soul — from the exile of evil desires. Every war and every exile in the entire Torah must pass over every individual Israelite in one's personal spiritual journey. The quote from the Baal Shem Tov seals it: "draw near to my soul — redeem it" — the Geulah begins with each individual. And when even one town or congregation achieves this — the national redeemer will come. נ נח נחמ נחמן מאומן

Keyboard Shortcuts

Hebrew modeH
English modeE
Both columnsB
Toggle nikudN
FullscreenF
Search in textCtrl+F
Save bookmarkS
Listen / PauseL
PrintP
Next segmentJ / ↓
Prev segmentK / ↑
Toggle favoriteG
Previous/Next← →
Show shortcuts?

💬 Comments

Loading comments…