The Unifying Waterfall of Torah

These conflicting themes can be resolved by recognizing that the Torah itself is harmoniously multi-layered. The dynamics of this G‑dly wisdom is such that it conveys varying perspectives and realities. Its many facets range from simple historical accounts to many lofty concepts, all of which align perfectly with the precise wording of the Torah, and all of which represent Divine Wisdom.29

Although we see the Torah as a narrative of creation, followed by the narrative of the Patriarchs, the Exodus, and the Jews’ sojourn in the Sinai Desert, we nevertheless need to understand that the essence of Torah, and by extension the essence of these very stories, is inherently Divine in and of itself.30 Therefore, these stories do exist in all realms as inherent truth.

As an analogy, imagine a waterfall: As the rushing cascade of water plummets downwards, it is merely the geographical location of the water that undergoes change. However, despite the water’s locational transition, the quality and nature of the water does not experience even the slightest change.

So too, the Divine Wisdom, which is likened to water,31 descends through the many rungs of existence in a cascade-like manner.32 However, much like a waterfall, the Torah itself does not undergo qualitative change. Instead, the pure and unchanging Torah is simply introduced to a new environment. The Torah now relates to the physical realm, as it details the historical narrative and practical instruction, all the while retaining its pristine G‑dly nature.33

The Four Layers of Torah Interpretation

There are four methods by which to interpret the Torah: Pshat, remez, derush, and sod. These methods are:

1) Pshat, the contextual or simple interpretation of the Scripture;

2) Remez, the alluded meaning;

3) Derush, the ethical, inspirational, and interpretative meaning;

4) Sod, the esoteric perspective.34

The acronym of these four spells “Pardes,” which translates as “a delightful orchard,” as it is the wholeness ofTorah interpretation that expresses the harmonious ­beauty and delight of Torah.35

Scripture, therefore, is multi-layered, and when one reads a story of the Patriarchs, for example, one needs to be aware that each of the names and details of the story apply equally to metaphysical concepts as well as to their literal characters and events in this world.36 Moreover, when looking at the Torah from this perspective, one could say that the Torah is directly referring to the higher worlds and only alluding to the lower worlds, as everything in the physical realm is simply an expression of its source found in the higher worlds.37

Nevertheless, primary relevance is ascribed to the simple meaning of the Torah, as primarily this element of the Torah is meant to be actively applied in this physical world, fulfilling the ultimate purpose.38 Thus, the “Scripture never departs from its plain meaning,”39 and “the Torah speaks in the language of mankind,”40 so that it is accessible to all people for all times.41

Notably, as emphasized in the aforementioned analogy, every layer of Torah interpretation retains its pristine, G‑dly nature, just as the water at the base of the waterfall is the same as the water at the top of the waterfall. It is merely the application of Torah within the various realms which allows the Torah to be perceived according to the nature of its specific environment.

The Practical Halachah

Similarly, it is only by tremendous descent that the Torah manifests itself in practical halachic application. As stated, the Torahin its natural form is not application-oriented, as it precedes even the most basic parameters of existence.42 Therefore, it is only by means of its waterfall-like descent that the Torah’s wisdom relates to the physical realities of this world, providing the “dos and don’ts” of practical halachah.43

Thus, while these same Torah laws do inherently exist in some transcendent, G‑dly form, they also find application in this tangible world, guiding the Jew and the world in the fulfillment of G‑d’s purpose in creation.44