Coded Depth

To best summarize the wealth of ideas found in this chapter, let us refer to the actual words of the Midrash which detail the Purpose. Within the few words, our Sages hinted at all of the depth and detail discussed above. By taking a closer look at their original phraseology, we can gain a concise synopsis of the entire chapter.

The Midrash states: “Nis’ave HaKadosh Baruch Hu lihiyos lo Dirah BeTachtonim,” “The Holy One, blessed be He, desired a home for Himself in the lowest of worlds.”240

• Nis’ave HaKadosh Baruch Hu – G‑d desired.

The word nis’ave indicates a supra-rational desire, one not justified by any particular need or want. Instead, it is “just because.” Similarly, G‑d did not need existence to be. He simply chose to make all that there is in order for this physical realm to become His home.

• Lihiyos Lo – That it should be for Him.

This abode is for “Him,” referring to G‑d’s very Essence, Atzmus. While there will be a great extent of revelation accompanying G‑d’s move into His home below, this is a space designated for Him alone. G‑d’s Essence is the one which will dwell in this world, and He Himself will ultimately be revealed within existence.241

• Dirah – a dwelling.

This describes a place in which one lives on a permanent basis. It is not a place you visit; it is where you belong.242

Moreover, the home is decorated and structured to the resident’s personal liking. This makes living there an enhancing and delightful experience.243

• BeTachtonim – in the lowest realm.

This reality of G‑dly revelation is:

1) Located within our physical world, which is naturally oblivious of G‑dliness.244

2) Created by us, the inhabitants of the lowest world.245

3) Caused by iskafya and is’hapcha, utilizing and permeating the lower, most imperfect elements of our psyche and the existence of the world.246

A Closer Look

Beyond the meaning that can be understood from the entire phrase as a whole, even greater depth can be appreciated when we view each word as a portal into the entire message. Upon ­examination, we will find that each of the key words highlighted above informs of the entire message of purpose.247

• Nis’ave HaKadosh Baruch Hu – G‑d desired.

This term teaches us that the purpose results from an unexplainable desire of G‑d. This indicates that this purpose matters to G‑d’s undefinable Essence. Being the creator of reason, G‑d Himself is not limited by its bounds, and can desire something that transcends justification.

This also correlates with what the desire is for. Being that the desire is rooted in G‑d’s Essence, it is therefore for a Dirah, a dwelling where G‑d Himself can reside. The desire of His ­Essence is for something relevant to G‑d Himself.248

Additionally, nis’ave determines the destination of G‑d’s desire. Namely, that He specifically chose our lowly world, the Tachtonim, to be His home. While the spiritual worlds can be justified as serving the purpose of Divine expression, the existence of our world of concealment cannot be explained logically. In this manner, the physical world reflects the nis’ave, being “just because.”249

• Lihiyos Lo – That it should be for Him.

This gives insight that this abode is for “Him,” referring to G‑d’s very Essence, Atzmus.250

Additionally, because the Dirah is for G‑d’s Essence it follows that it must be in the physical world rather than in the spiritual realms.251 Spiritual realms are not able to receive Atzmus given their affinity towards their defined appreciation of G‑dliness. Only the physical world, which has no conscious relationship with G‑dliness, can receive His very Essence, as it doesn’t know any better.252

• Dirah – a dwelling.

From the depiction of G‑d’s revelation within the physical as dwelling, one can deduce that G‑d’s Essence will be revealed here. Just as a person feels fully comfortable to be themselves within their own home, similarly, G‑d will be able to be manifest “as He is,” without any inhibition.253

Also, a dwelling place implies permanence, something that supernal G‑dly revelations cannot guarantee. These revelations are dependent entities which rely on G‑d’s Will. Only G‑d Himself is completely self-sufficient and can endure without needing to be rejuvenated.254

• BeTachtonim – in the lowest realm.

The knowledge that the Purpose is within this world indicates that it serves a purpose for G‑d Himself. G‑d invested His Essence into creating this egocentric realm.255 He would certainly not involve Himself so intimately if it didn’t matter to Him.256

The location of the dwelling within the physical also proves that G‑d’s Essence will be revealed here. This world does not do well with transcendent revelation, as it is antithetical to earthly parameters. Only G‑d Himself, Who transcends all definitions, can arrive into a world devoid of spirituality and make Himself fully at home.257

Lastly, the elements of concealment and ego actually correlate well with G‑d Himself. This world is made with the sole ability of Atzmus, and experiences yeshus akin to His ultimate Yeshus; it follows that this is where G‑d can rightfully call His home.258

A Last Word

Our discussion of Dirah BeTachtonim from these various angles is intended to cause a real-to-life awareness of what G‑d expects from us. The Purpose can infuse all that we do, and cause us to rethink our priorities. It may just be time to close this volume, find a tachton near you, and fulfill the purpose of creation.