As is well known,1 the world is structured according to the dimensions of
space and time because its creation comes about through the medium of the name
E-lohim. Were creation to have come into being [solely] from Havayah
([a name which indicates the fusion of] past, present and future as
one2), it would not have the limitations of space and time.
This is why with regard to the Beis HaMikdash the verse states, “truly
Havayah is found in this place,” for3 in the Beis HaMikdash,
space was not subject to its [ordinary] limitations, [as reflected in the
miracle,] “the space of the Ark was not subject to measurement.”4 Rather, the revelation that illuminated
the Beis HaMikdash was the revelation of the Divine Name Havayah
as it shines through the name E-lohim. For the Divine Name Havayah
as it exists independently transcends space [entirely]. [Within the Beis
HaMikdash, by contrast, space was significant.] Thus the Holy of Holies was
of a clearly delineated size (twenty cubits by twenty cubits) and the Ark as
well had a specific size (two and a half cubits in length and one and a half
cubits in breadth), Nevertheless the “space of the Ark was not subject to
measurement.” This represents the fusion of Havayah and E-lohim,
[that within space, there will be a revelation of a G-dly light that transcends
space].5
[The implication that the name Havayah is above the concept of space],
however, [requires explanation]: Even creation from the name Havayah
creates something new that is wholly incomparable to the source which brings it
into being. {The revelation of Havayah within the framework of existence
it brings into being merely results in nullification — that these created beings
feel that their entire existence is solely that of the Divine light which
creates them constantly}.6
Therefore it would seem that even the world as created by the Divine Name
Havayah should also be subject to the limitations of time and space?
The explanation is as follows: Since we say that Havayah includes the
past, the present and the future (as one), and time is [a continuum including]
the past, the present and the future, it is clear that the concept of time
applies even as the world is created from the name Havayah. It is merely
that in such a world, the past, the present and the future are all as one.
Similar concepts apply with regard to space. The concept of space applies
even were the world to be created from the name Havayah. [On that level,]
however the six directions of space are as one.
Accordingly, we may say, that the reason why there is neither limitation nor
division within time or space in the world as created by the name Havayah
(although even the world as created by the Divine Name Havayah is
also on an incomparably [lower level] than the source that created it), is
because, [on this level,] the world would be in a state of [absolute]
nullification. Since [at this level] within the past, the present and the future
(and similarly, within each of the six directions) is [felt] not their own
state of being, but that of Havayah which creates them, they do not
conflict with each other and are, indeed, as one.
Based on the above, it is necessary {to clarify the following] point: In
several texts, it is explained that [the dimension of] space within the Holy of
Holies stems from the name E-lohim (although this space as well was not
subject to the limitations of space) [— in contrast to the explanation given
above that even from the name Havayah, there would be the possibility of
space].
[The association with the name E-lohim is made] because the space of
the Holy of Holies (twenty cubits by twenty cubits) is characterized by
distinction [and hence, division] — each cubit was located in a different place.
Such a division of space stems from the name E-lohim.
This, then, is what is meant by [the statement that] “the space of the Ark is
not subject to measurement” reflects the fusion of Havayah and E-lohim:7 The
limitation and division of the space of the Ark, [that it was of a specific
measure,] derives from the name E-lohim, while the fact that
[ultimately,] its space was not subject to measurement came as a result of the
revelation of the light of Havayah within the space brought into being
by the name E-lohim. This represents the fusion of Havayah and
E-lohim.
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