The class can be found here.
Once we instigate a movement down below through our free will, a corresponding movement is instigated from up above in response downward [1].
It’s important to know, though, that G-d has set certain specific and appropriate mechanisms [2] in place when it comes to these two interactions [3] corresponding to G-d’s arcane and overarching plans and means of governance both in the here and now and in the future [4].
Footnotes:
[1] This speaks to the reciprocal relationship between G-d and humankind: one acts and the other reacts in kind; without the actions of the first, the actions of the second are somehow less than ideal.
It also speaks to the idea of our being G-d’s “partners” in this world (see Shabbos 11a, 119b).
[2] See Da’at Tevunot 126.
[3] That’s to say that even loving reciprocal relationships follow rules which both participants must submit to. Given that G-d is one of the participants in the give-and-take discussed here, it follows that it’s His rules that are the ones needed to be taken into account, and that while G-d Himself so to speak “follows” (and initiates) the rules, man cannot help but follow them, too, despite his free will.
[4] This addresses a major theme in Ramchal’s kabbalistic works that’s beyond our scope. Refer to Klach Pitchei Chochma 80 for a discussion of “Radlah” for example.
(c) 2015 Rabbi Yaakov Feldman
Feel free to contact me at feldman@torah.org
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