In Torah Itself there’s Ohr Yashar (from top down) and Ohr Chozer (from the bottom up). Ohr Yashar is when one is tapping into Torah’s light. This includes both ta’anug (delight) light and intellectual light. This is true on two levels 1) Torah as a scholarship vs. Torah for Halacha’s sake. 2) In fixing Halacha…

This Maamar begins by analyzing the repeated phrase: “Hafuch bu VaHafuch bu”. This refers to a movement from the top down (“Milma’ala liMata”) and another from the bottom up (Milmata liMa’ala). Though normally Tefilla (prayer) is associated with “From the bottom up”; a similar idea exists in Torah as well. In 1) Tora Shebaal Peh,…

The idea of “Ta’am” isn’t reason (as it is conventionally understood) but “gishmak”, pleasantness or (most precisely) enlightenment. Ratzon with no Taam is a level where the light is so strong as to be like the essence (unknown). While Ratzon (will) with Ta’am can be felt as the light is (less and therefore) revealed. Ta’am…

Atzmus vs. Giluyim The absolute “essence” (an unknowable Truth), vs. the relative (“knowable”) truth.This prepares the discussion (in the next class)for explaining how Sa’aros (hair) are a mashal for Atzmus, and their relationship to Halacha. Page 413 ff. NEW SV p. 542 ff.

Continued . “NEH”I Chadashim”. In the lower third of hishtalshelus the Ein Sof’s power is revealed. How this ties in with halachos being from Ratzon (Sovev) haelyon. And G-dly in spite of the great tzimtzum. Pages 411-13, NEW SV page 541 ff.

Halachos are compared to hair. Sa’aros (hair) represent an enormous tzimtzum. The issue discussed in this Shiur (and the next) is when do sa’aros mean a huge tzimtzum and when do they reveal a very high level of G-dliness. Ha’ara diHa’ara is a light that doesn’t reflect it’s source. If the source is very high…

Conclusion of the idea of “Ben Shenaase’ Eved”. We now go back to earlier points in the hemshech (Series). 1) Ben Shenaase Eved. (P. 380 ff.), 2) Toras Havaya and Toraso (The Torah is Hashem’s; and on a higher level it is your own) (p. 385 ff.), 3) Hakim Ola Shel Torah, The Kabalas Ol…

The Talmid Chochom’s fear when Paskining (determining) a Halacha (law) has nothing enlightening in it. It’s pure Bittul (and therefore purely from the person) and therefore reaches “Helem HaAtzmi”. This then is the point where Ben Naase’ Eved. Pages 406-7, NEW SV p. 534-5.

The point of the above series of discussions now comes to a conclusion. Hashem always helps (even in Birur of Ohr Chozer), but His help is subliminal. It doesn’t undermine our effort. There are levels in this as illustrated by the various mishalim (examples) sighted above. pages 404-5. NEW SV p. 532-4.

Fourth example of subliminal help: Reiyas Pnei HaRav (looking at your teacher as you learn) attaches you to his essence. If one is sensitive, this adds an entirely new dimension in being able to access the teachers greater resource of knowledge. It is however, the Talmid’s effort that gets him there. page 403-4, NEW SV…