We\u2019ll soon discuss how the vessels continued to exist (even when they didn\u2019t function) by means of the 288 sparks. But first we\u2019ll need to provide some background information.<\/p>\n
Ramchal\u2019s statement in Petach<\/i> 55 is very obscure, so let\u2019s explain it out before we cite it.<\/p>\n
As we\u2019d indicated in 5:5 above (as well as in 7:5 to a degree), the names AV<\/i> (72), SaG <\/i>(63), MaH<\/i> (45), and BaN<\/i> (52) represent different ways of spelling out the Tetragrammaton. It\u2019s important to know that while each name has the numerical value that it merits having based on its own specific spiritual level, sometimes the fact that they\u2019re all derived from a single source — i.e., AV<\/i> in this case, which is analogous to Erich<\/i> Anpin<\/i> — factors into that numerical value. As such we see that each of those four names contains within it an overt or recondite number value of 72 (the value of AV<\/i>) aside from its own inherent numerical value [1].<\/p>\n
What this indicates, among other things, is that while the source (AV<\/i> or Erich<\/i> Anpin<\/i>) may seem just like any other offshoot of the Tetragrammaton, it\u2019s in fact the most potent of them all, which important implications. Here\u2019s how Ramchal words it.<\/p>\n
When two or more <\/b>of the names <\/b>that are offshoots of the Tetragrammaton come to have the same numerical <\/b>value, i.e., 72, contained within it albeit by different means, it\u2019s to be understood that this is <\/b>an instance of a single root<\/b>, i.e., AV<\/i>, which each <\/b>of the other names must be connected to in its own way <\/b>to be sure, <\/b>but which in the end it will <\/b>come to be connected to after all of its machinations. <\/b><\/p>\n
This <\/b>in fact is the mystery of the name AV<\/i> <\/b>that\u2019s contained in <\/b>each of the four names of AV<\/i>, SaG<\/i>, MaH<\/i>, and <\/b>in BaN<\/i><\/b>. For, even though each <\/b>separate name has its own way <\/b>of doing so, each will all arrive at <\/b>or somehow contain this <\/b>value, i.e., 72. What this shows is that this <\/b>AV<\/i> is a root that each <\/b>name must arrive at in its own way. <\/b><\/p>\n
The truth <\/b>of the matter is that this derives from <\/b>and is analogous to Erich Anpin<\/i><\/b> from which Abba<\/i> and Imma<\/i>, Zeir Anpin<\/i>, and Nukveh<\/i> derive. Erich Anpin<\/i> <\/b>in this instance is an AV<\/i> whose four <\/b>separate Yud\u2019s<\/i><\/b> produce an AV<\/i>, SaG<\/i>, MaH<\/i> and BaN<\/i>. And each one of them, <\/b>i.e., each name AV<\/i>, Sag<\/i>, MaH<\/i>, and BaN<\/i>, must express the value of<\/b> i.e., must add up to, its root, which is <\/b>the name AV<\/i>, which is their dominant power.<\/b><\/p>\n
Finally, the fact that AV is the primary sum here alludes to the fact that \u201cnot only the expansion of AV<\/i> but also all the other expansions eventually reach the total of 72\u201d, which is the numerical value of Chessed<\/i>, representative of God\u2019s loving-kindness, \u201cshowing that the root of all the various means of governance is loving-kindness\u201d, as Ramchal notes in his own comments.<\/p>\n
That alludes to the fact that the lower Partzufim<\/i> of Abbah and Imma, and Zeir Anpin<\/i>, and Nukveh <\/i>respectively each derive from and draw upon God\u2019s overarching benevolence.<\/p>\n
Notes:<\/p>\n
[1]\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 See how R\u2019 David Cohen (\u201cThe Nazir\u201d) laid it out the way to find 72\u2019s in each name on p. 410 of his edition, as well as R\u2019 Friedlander on p. 207 of his.<\/p>\n
(c) 2013 Rabbi Yaakov Feldman<\/p>\n
Feel free to contact me at feldman@torah.org<\/a><\/p>\n ———————————————————-<\/p>\n AT LONG LAST! Rabbi Feldman’s translation of Maimonides’ “Eight Chapters” is available here<\/a> at a discount.<\/p>\n You can still purchase a copy of Rabbi Feldman’s translation of “The Gates of Repentance” here<\/a> at a discount as well.<\/p>\n Rabbi Yaakov Feldman has also translated and commented upon “The Path of the Just” and “The Duties of the Heart” (Jason Aronson Publishers).<\/p>\n Rabbi Feldman also offers two free e-mail classes on www.torah.org entitled “Spiritual Excellence<\/a>\u201d and \u201cRamchal<\/a>\u201d.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" We\u2019ll soon discuss how the vessels continued to exist (even when they didn\u2019t function) by means of the 288 sparks. But first we\u2019ll need to provide some background information. Ramchal\u2019s statement in Petach 55 is very obscure, so let\u2019s explain … Continue reading