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.