In the previous chapter the Alter Rebbe explained the idea of contraction (tzimtzumIn this chapter, he will explain this in greater depth and how thinking about this will help us develop a very deep love for Hashem.
Not all contractions are the same. There are many different types of contractions, which are generally divided into three, generating three general worlds: the world of Creation, the world of Formation, and the world of Action (see chapter 39 for an explanation of these worlds).
Actually, there are four worlds, but the highest, the world of Emanation, is such a high world that the presence of Hashem There it is revealed, it is like an exclusively Divine world (not because it is beautiful and pleasant, but because of the Divinity and Holiness of Hashem There it is revealed). That is precisely why it is hidden from us, beyond our reach.
To move from that very special world to the next world, the world of Creation, there is an impressive contraction. And there is also another contraction to move from the world of Creation to the world of Formation, and then yet another to move to the world of Action.
And what does it do? Hashem All of this? To create our physical body so that we can feel that we exist. Because if the presence of Hashem If it were revealed, we could not exist and serve Hashem with the study of Torah and the observance of Mitzvot. Because that is the goal of the entire chain of worlds and levels that Hashem Create: that there exists a man in this physical world who elevates himself and draws near to Hashem (See chapter 36 for more on this topic.) In other words, let's consider that Hashem He creates the entire universe for us.
Why does the Alter Rebbe explain what "The Infinite Light" is, its contraction, and its levels? Now he gives us the key: just as Hashem He sets aside His own “infinite Light” and contracts and hides it so that it will not be revealed, solely out of love for us, so that we may rise and be with Him; in the same way, it is fitting that we set aside everything in life in order to unite with Him. Hashem, And let nothing prevent us from being with Him. As the Alter Rebbe explained in chapter 46: just as water reflects the face, so too does one's heart reflect another's.
With this idea, the Alter Rebbe explains why our sages established two blessings before reciting the Shema Israel. The blessing before each Mitzvah talks about the Mitzvah that we are going to fulfill, like the blessing of lulav in Sukkot, or the candles of Shabbat. But in the blessings before the Shema Israel It doesn't say once that we're going to recite the Shema Israel. So what do they have to do with the Shema Israel?
Because the essence of reciting the Shema Israel is to love Hashem, It is about overcoming all the difficulties we might encounter that prevent us from feeling love for Hashem. And to help us fulfill this idea by reciting the Shema Israel, Our wise men gave us two blessings.
The first blessing speaks of the angels and how they are nullified to Hashem And they praise Him. But even so, they don't understand Him and feel how Hashem He's separated from them. And where is he? HashemWith the Jewish people!
The second blessing speaks of the love that Hashem He has for us, that is, He set aside the infinite angels and highest worlds and united Himself with us, even calling Himself our God, that is, until He united Himself completely with us. Then He goes on to say that Hashem He chose us from among all the peoples, and brought us closer to Him and united us to Him (as the Alter Rebbe explained in chapter 46 the example of the simple man whom the king took out of the garbage dump).
When we think about these ideas, our soul will automatically ignite with love for Hashem, to put everything aside and join Him.
At the end of the chapter, the Alter Rebbe explains that the text of Shema Israel continue with the Mitzvah to study Torah. Because that's what union with Hashem. But for that union to be revealed, the words of Torah that we read (it is not enough to “read with our eyes”), because it is the only way to project Hashem in our mouths, in our Animal Soul, and throughout the rest of the world.
That is the purpose of all creation: that the glory of God may be revealed. Hashem in this material world. Moreover, in every Mitzvah that we fulfill, we must take into account that “The Infinite Light” is projected Hashem in this world. But for that to happen, we must first surrender our lives to Hashem.
With this idea, the Alter Rebbe concludes his explanation of love. Hashem of a reflexive type, saying that reciting the Shema Israel And the introductory blessings are a way to awaken love to Hashem in our hearts.