Chapter III

Torah, however, represents the "inner keys,"1 for Torah draws down an effulgence from the essence of His Infinite Light.

Commenting on the verse:2 "And these words which I command you today," the Talmud says: " 'These words' refers to words of Torah."3 When the Torah was given, G-d said:4 "I am the L-rd your G-d." This, then, is the meaning of the verse: through Torah study, one draws down the level of "I am the L-rd your G-d," which G-d proclaimed when the Torah was given.

There is a well-known statement of our Sages:5 "Torah should be viewed as if it were given anew daily." When one studies Torah, he should feel that the subject matter is refreshingly new. By doing so, one draws down a level of G-dliness emanating from the Divine Essence.

When the effluence is from the Divine name Elokim, it comes down in a concealed manner, but when the effluence is achieved through Torah an effluence of the Ineffable Name Havayah then it is palpably perceived. Herein lies the difference between times when G-d looks at the Jewish people with one eye (which refers to the beneficence of Elokim), and times when He looks with both eyes6 (which involves the beneficence brought about through Torah, an effluence of His Essence).

But in order for the illumination brought about through Torah to last, one must perform mitzvos , for they are the proper vessels within which Torah illumination resides, as stated in the verse:7 "For a mitzvah is a lamp, and Torah a light." A lamp is a vessel which holds the oil and wick; only when a lamp is used will a fire burn continuously. Similarly, mitzvos are a lamp for the light of Torah.

Mitzvos are divided into two categories positive and negative commands. Positive commands act as a receptacle for the light drawn down through their performance, while negative commands act as implements that clean and remove all impurities. They also demolish anything that may seek to hinder the effulgence brought about through the performance of positive commands.

A parable may be drawn from the residence of a great person. In order that the building be a proper domicile, it is necessary to first make it sparklingly clean, for only then is it a fit dwelling for an important person.

So too in transforming this world into a proper dwelling for G-dliness, for as we know:8 "G-d desired to dwell in the nethermost world." The world must first be thoroughly cleansed.

Man's spiritual service involves distancing ourselves from all forbidden matters,9 as well as ridding ourselves of all evil traits such as anger and haughtiness, for according to the Talmud,10 G-d says of a haughty person: "It is impossible for us to live together."

The elimination of evil is accomplished through the performance of negative commands. Additionally, through man's spiritual service, G-d weakens and eliminates everything that hinders the study of Torah and the performance of mitzvos. Thus, Torah study alone does not suffice; there must also be performance of mitzvos. Only then does the light of Torah shine with its true and pure brilliance.

This is what our Sages meant when they said:11 "Whoever says 'Nothing occupies me but Torah' lacks Torah as well." In other words, Torah study alone does not suffice, for the main illumination of Torah is drawn down only through the performance of mitzvos. The Zohar12 states it succinctly: "Action above all," i.e., nothing stands higher than the actual performance of mitzvos.

It is written:13 "Not study, but deed is the essential thing," for through the performance of mitzvos especially when done with total self-sacrifice the essential light of Torah is revealed. The first step in spiritual service, however, must be a contemplation of "How manifold are Your creations, O L-rd."

In summary: Torah is known as the "internal keys" to the essential effluence of "I am the L-rd your G-d," which was revealed at the time the Torah was given. The light of Torah needs the vessel and lamp of mitzvos. Negative commands purify the world; positive commands draw down illumination. "Action above all" especially when done with total self-sacrifice.