"The Great Redemption" (17)

"The Great Redemption" by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto

-- A Discourse on The End of the Exile and the Beginning of the Great Redemption

Translated by Rabbi Yaakov Feldman
_____________________________________________

17.

We’ll now explain how the gate is to be opened. As you’ve already heard, it's to come about by means of the light of Chochma, which is why it’s said, “My hands dripped with myrrh and my fingers (dripped) with flowing myrrh upon the handles of the lock” (Song of Songs 5:5).

Understand that all these things refer to the great and mighty Luminaries standing next to the palace by the gate. For two mighty Luminaries -- figuratively termed “two hands” -- are found there that emanate from the Celestial Throne and reach the gate. They're alluded to in the verse, “I entrust (p’kad) my spirit to Your hand” (Psalms 31:6). There are in fact five other phenomena connected to the palace referred to as the “five fingers”.

The entire verse “My hands dripped with myrrh and my fingers (dripped) with flowing myrrh upon the handles of the lock” refers to their being taken over by Chochma’s illumination. For the light of Chochma is referred to as “myrrh”. The above-mentioned hands were (then lifted up) to receive this light while it was still above them; and when they were then set down they (were said to have) “dripped with myrrh.” When they dropped down even further yet, the “fingers” also received it. It’s therefore written, “and my fingers (dripped) with flowing myrrh”.

Now see whom this pure myrrh reached -- “the handles of the lock”. The tzaddik is “the lock”; and (the term) “the handles (kapot)” (is used) in the same sense as the “branches (kapot) of palm trees” (Leviticus 23:40), indicating that the Luminaries join together in a single bond.

We’re also taught here that the myrrh descends even further until it reaches the two Moshichim, who are the actual “handles of the lock”. We'll touch upon other mysteries about this later.

(c) 2005 Rabbi Yaakov Feldman

(Feel free to contact me at feldman@torah.org )

********************************
AT LONG LAST! Rabbi Feldman's translation of "The Gates of Repentance" has been reissued at *at a discount*! You can order it right now by logging onto www.tinyurl.com/49s8t (or by going to www.rowman.com and searching for it). Rabbi Yaakov Feldman has translated and commented upon "The Gates of Repentance", "The Path of the Just", and "The Duties of the Heart" (Jason Aronson Publishers). And his new work on Maimonides' "The Eight Chapters" will soon be available from Judaica Press.
His works are available in bookstores and in various locations on the Web.
Rabbi Feldman also offers two free e-mail classes on www.torah.org entitled "Spiritual Excellence" and "Ramchal".

"The Great Redemption" (16)

"The Great Redemption" by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto

-- A Discourse on The End of the Exile and the Beginning of the Great Redemption

Translated by Rabbi Yaakov Feldman
_____________________________________________

16.

Now, you need to know that all these lights and things will be illuminated internally and won’t be detected from the outside. That’s why only the Jewish Nation will experience stirrings and rectifications; and not the ministering angels, guardian angels, and all other angels. For as it’s known, the Jewish Nation emanates from the “inside” while the angels emanate from the “outside”. That’s why it’s said. “ ... and my insides yearned for him” (Song of Songs 5:4).

Know, too, that when these lights radiate with such longing and desire, they bestow great and mighty light upon each and every individual of the Jewish Nation, though it can't be detected. Their souls will take in this illumination and they’ll be moved to return to G-d their L-rd and to seek Him. Thus it's written, “When you are in distress and all these things come upon you in the end of days, you will return to G-d your L-rd” (Deuteronomy 4:30); and it’s said, “I arose to open to my Beloved” (Song of Songs 5:5).

Understand that the aforementioned “arising” (see Ch. 11) is a great secret. (It refers to this:) as long as the Jewish Nation dwelt in the dust -- which alludes to the husk -- the holy union couldn’t come about. It first had to arise, and (only) then unite with its Beloved. That’s (the import of) “I arose to open to my Beloved” (Song of Songs 5:5).

(c) 2005 Rabbi Yaakov Feldman

(Feel free to contact me at feldman@torah.org )

********************************
AT LONG LAST! Rabbi Feldman's translation of "The Gates of Repentance" has been reissued at *at a discount*! You can order it right now by logging onto www.tinyurl.com/49s8t (or by going to www.rowman.com and searching for it). Rabbi Yaakov Feldman has translated and commented upon "The Gates of Repentance", "The Path of the Just", and "The Duties of the Heart" (Jason Aronson Publishers). And his new work on Maimonides' "The Eight Chapters" will soon be available from Judaica Press.
His works are available in bookstores and in various locations on the Web.
Rabbi Feldman also offers two free e-mail classes on www.torah.org entitled "Spiritual Excellence" and "Ramchal".

"The Great Redemption" (15)

"The Great Redemption" by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto

-- A Discourse on The End of the Exile and the Beginning of the Great Redemption

Translated by Rabbi Yaakov Feldman
_____________________________________________

15.

When the Jewish Nation went into exile a huge vale and terrible barrier came between them and their Father in Heaven about which it’s written, “For your iniquities have separated you from your G-d” (Isaiah 59:2). The prophet Jeremiah expressed it is as, “You (G-d) have covered Yourself over with a cloud so our prayer cannot pass through” (Lamentations 3:44).

But G-d had mercy on the Jewish Nation. The light of holiness grew stronger and ripped at the barrier at many points, and the many rips acted like windows, like lattices upon the barrier. But the great entrance was no longer left open after that. It’s said of these rips, “Behold, He stands behind our wall gazing in at the windows, looking through the lattice” (Song of Songs 2:9).

Still-and-all it’s said “My Beloved put His hand through the doorway” (Song of Songs 5:4), because the Exalted King wanted the Jewish Nation to be redeemed. For a door hadn’t been open until that day, and He only puts His hand through these lattices.

What in fact is “His hand”? His right hand, which He’d hidden away in His bosom since the day of the destruction (of the Holy Temple), about which it’s said, “He has drawn His right hand back from the enemy” (Lamentations 2:3), and “My beloved put His hand through the doorway” (Song of Songs 5:4).

(c) 2005 Rabbi Yaakov Feldman

(Feel free to contact me at feldman@torah.org )

********************************
AT LONG LAST! Rabbi Feldman's translation of "The Gates of Repentance" has been reissued at *at a discount*! You can order it right now by logging onto www.tinyurl.com/49s8t (or by going to www.rowman.com and searching for it). Rabbi Yaakov Feldman has translated and commented upon "The Gates of Repentance", "The Path of the Just", and "The Duties of the Heart" (Jason Aronson Publishers). And his new work on Maimonides' "The Eight Chapters" will soon be available from Judaica Press.
His works are available in bookstores and in various locations on the Web.
Rabbi Feldman also offers two free e-mail classes on www.torah.org entitled "Spiritual Excellence" and "Ramchal".

"The Great Redemption" (14)

"The Great Redemption" by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto

-- A Discourse on The End of the Exile and the Beginning of the Great Redemption

Translated by Rabbi Yaakov Feldman
_____________________________________________

14.

Since the tzaddik was calling out to the Shechina, as I explained, because so much darkness had overtaken it till then, there didn't seem to be any place for light and the Jewish Nation was despairing of ever being redeemed ... “because of their anguished spirit and ... the cruel labor” (Exodus 6:9). So the Shechina said to the tzaddik, “I have taken off my robe; how could I put it back on?” (Song of Songs 5:3).

But let me tell you what this “robe” is. It's the precious and glorious cloak given the Shechina by Binah. It's said about this, “As an eagle stirs up its nest, flutters over its young, spreads out its wings, takes them, bears them on its pinions; so did G-d alone lead him, and there was no strange god with Him” (Deuteronomy 32:11). No stranger can approach holiness nor see G-d's presence when this robe is upon the Shechina.

When the Shechina plummeted into exile it “undressed and bared” itself (see Isaiah 32:11). That is the secret import of “bare and lacking everything” (Deuteronomy 28:48), for “bare” refers to the aforementioned robe which was set up to protect it from the cold and to guard it; and “lacking everything” refers to the tzaddik. So she wears other, black and meager, garments that are termed “weekday clothes”.

There seemed to be no way to return this robe to its (rightful) place, since the Jewish Nation had committed so many sins and the husks had grown so strong, which is why it's written “I have taken off my robe; how could I put it back on?” (Song of Songs 5:3).

And in fact, there's another impurity (in play) as well, (termed) the “washing of the legs”. And, as it's known, impurity takes hold of these legs. As it's said, “Her legs descend downward to death” (Proverbs 5:5).

The two Moshichim are these legs, and they're to redeem the Jewish Nation. And even when the impurity gains strength in their roots, their ability to redeem won't be withheld, which is why it's written, “I have bathed my legs; how could I soil them” (Song of Songs 5:3). In fact this verse is a figure of speech that means to say, “I have *soiled* my feet; how could I *bathe* them”.

As such, to this point it's very hard to bring about rectification and redemption -- (and that will be true) until the King's volition will become stronger. Thus it's said, “My Beloved sent forth His hand through the hollow, and my insides yearned for him” (Song of Songs 5:4).

But, understand (what is actually occuring) and see great mysteries (unfold)!

(c) 2005 Rabbi Yaakov Feldman

(Feel free to contact me at feldman@torah.org )

********************************
AT LONG LAST! Rabbi Feldman's translation of "The Gates of Repentance" has been reissued at *at a discount*! You can order it right now by logging onto www.tinyurl.com/49s8t (or by going to www.rowman.com and searching for it). Rabbi Yaakov Feldman has translated and commented upon "The Gates of Repentance", "The Path of the Just", and "The Duties of the Heart" (Jason Aronson Publishers). And his new work on Maimonides' "The Eight Chapters" will soon be available from Judaica Press.
His works are available in bookstores and in various locations on the Web.
Rabbi Feldman also offers two free e-mail classes on www.torah.org entitled "Spiritual Excellence" and "Ramchal".

"The Great Redemption" (13)

"The Great Redemption" by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto

-- A Discourse on The End of the Exile and the Beginning of the Great Redemption

Translated by Rabbi Yaakov Feldman
_____________________________________________

13.

I’ll now explain certain verses from Song of Songs that incorporate major themes about the P’kidah.

It’s written, “I am asleep, but my heart is awake” (Song of Songs 5:2). We know that the Shechina has a great Source that never veers from its place of honor, about which it’s said ”my heart is awake”, since this Source has never fallen into the deep sleep of galut like the others. It is the “I” referred to in “I am asleep”.

The truth of the matter is that the P’kidah has to come about when the Jewish Nation is in the thick of the great darkness and pitch black in which it’s most overpowered, and when it will be cast as far away from the Source as it could. Hence it’s said, “The voice of my Beloved knocks (‘dophek’)” (Song of Songs 5:2) since dophek has the very same (Hebrew) letters as (the word) P’kidah. For everything is heading to the same point.

For the P’kidah will only come about by means of the light of Chochma. But since Chochma is its Luminary, it will only illuminate the P’kidah as if from behind. This enigma is termed pk’d which is a revuah of 72. But Binah will illuminate in the course of the Z’chirah, along with Chochma rather than alone, face to face (with her) rather than from behind, which is z’chor.

For nothing will be done without Chochma -- and certainly the gates won't be opened without it. This is expressed by the vowel signs kametz-patach. That’s why the P’kidah is to come about through its power and illumination.

That’s what’s being alluded to by “Open up to me, my sister, my beloved, my dove, my perfect one” (Song of Songs 5:2), with its four salutations (corresponding to) the four letters of (G-d’s name,) A-D-N-Y. (In the phrase) “my head is filled with ‘dew’” (the word ‘dew’ ['tal']) is (numerically equivalent to the letters) YOD HAY VAV, and (the phrase) “my locks (are wet) with the drops of the night” (Ibid.) refers to the final HAY. Thus we find him now calling out to her to conjoin with him as hadn’t happened for so long.

I’ll now apprise you of several great secrets (regarding this) according to the order of some (other) verses.

(c) 2005 Rabbi Yaakov Feldman

(Feel free to contact me at feldman@torah.org )

********************************
AT LONG LAST! Rabbi Feldman's translation of "The Gates of Repentance" has been reissued at *at a discount*! You can order it right now by logging onto www.tinyurl.com/49s8t (or by going to www.rowman.com and searching for it). Rabbi Yaakov Feldman has translated and commented upon "The Gates of Repentance", "The Path of the Just", and "The Duties of the Heart" (Jason Aronson Publishers). And his new work on Maimonides' "The Eight Chapters" will soon be available from Judaica Press.
His works are available in bookstores and in various locations on the Web.
Rabbi Feldman also offers two free e-mail classes on www.torah.org entitled "Spiritual Excellence" and "Ramchal".

"The Great Redemption" (12)

"The Great Redemption" by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto

-- A Discourse on The End of the Exile and the Beginning of the Great Redemption

Translated by Rabbi Yaakov Feldman
_____________________________________________

12.

In fact, this initial stage (of redemption, i.e., P’kidah) occurred in (the course of the redemption from) Egypt. For indeed it’s written about that time that, “G-d (Elo-him) observed the people of Israel, and G-d (Elo-him) knew” (Exodus 2:25). Though G-d’s name is mentioned twice here, only one (usage) refers to G-d Himself. He was referred to as “Elo-him” since the Luminaries were still suffused with might and no mercy; His name Y-H-V-H (which signifies mercy) is only mentioned later.

“And G-d (Elo-him) knew” refers to the Shechina -- which is also referred to as Elo-him -- knowing; which will occur at the P’kidah, as I’d mentioned.

It’s said of this P’kidah, “Go and gather together the elders of Israel and say to them, G-d the L-rd of your fathers ... appeared to me, saying, I *have* surely visited (pakod pakaditi, alluding to the P’kidah) you and saw what is being done to you in Egypt” (Exodus 3:16) rather than “I *am* visiting you”, since it had already happened and the Z’chirah was about to come about.

Moses was hesitant to go because he knew it wasn’t yet time for the Z’chirah, so he said “But, behold, they will not believe me nor listen to my voice for they will say, G-d hasn’t appeared to you” (Exodus 4:1). But G-d said to him, “Let this be a sign to you that I have sent you ... ” (Exodus 3:12), for he wouldn’t have been sent had things not already been rectified, since one isn’t to ignite the love (just) any time he cares to.

(c) 2005 Rabbi Yaakov Feldman

(Feel free to contact me at feldman@torah.org )

********************************
AT LONG LAST! Rabbi Feldman's translation of "The Gates of Repentance" has been reissued at *at a discount*! You can order it right now by logging onto www.tinyurl.com/49s8t (or by going to www.rowman.com and searching for it). Rabbi Yaakov Feldman has translated and commented upon "The Gates of Repentance", "The Path of the Just", and "The Duties of the Heart" (Jason Aronson Publishers). And his new work on Maimonides' "The Eight Chapters" will soon be available from Judaica Press.
His works are available in bookstores and in various locations on the Web.
Rabbi Feldman also offers two free e-mail classes on www.torah.org entitled "Spiritual Excellence" and "Ramchal".

"The Great Redemption" (11)

"The Great Redemption" by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto

-- A Discourse on The End of the Exile and the Beginning of the Great Redemption

Translated by Rabbi Yaakov Feldman
_____________________________________________

11.

In fact, a lot will be accomplished in the P’kidah stage. And it’s all included in the verses of the sage’s (i.e., Solomon’s) Song of Songs, as I’ll explain later on, G-d willing.

The first accomplishment -- which is the ascent of the Shechina from the dust -- has already been explained by the verse I’d first cited, “Do not rejoice for my sake, my enemy! For though I fell, I arose” (Micha 7:8) as well as “Shake off the dust, Jerusalem. Arise, then sit!” (Isaiah 52:2). But let me explain what “Arise” here refers to.

The Jewish Nation had been in darkness and dimness, and there was no one to comfort them for all their sorrows and troubles that grow greater and greater each day. So their spirits plummeted to the ground, which is to say, to the husks.

Once the Tzaddik to joins them, as we’d indicated, they’ll have someone to comfort them; and the Shechina will arise from the dust and regain its strength, despite her being among the husks whose midst she hadn’t yet left.

But she would no longer be denigrated and subsumed in her “sorrows”. For she’ll take the (Celestial) light of rule upon herself, though she won’t yet display it openly. And she’ll use it to show all the other nations as well as all the (Celestial) ministers the rule that she’ll assume in the Z'chirah period -- may it come quickly and in our lifetime!

Once that first conjoining is completed, though, it won’t exhibit itself again until the Z’chirah period. That’s why it’s written, “Do not rejoice ... when I sit in darkness!” (Micha 7:8), for “G-d Himself will be a light unto me” (Ibid.) after the wrath will have abated.

But let me teach you more about this.

(c) 2005 Rabbi Yaakov Feldman

(Feel free to contact me at feldman@torah.org )

********************************
AT LONG LAST! Rabbi Feldman's translation of "The Gates of Repentance" has been reissued at *at a discount*! You can order it right now by logging onto www.tinyurl.com/49s8t (or by going to www.rowman.com and searching for it). Rabbi Yaakov Feldman has translated and commented upon "The Gates of Repentance", "The Path of the Just", and "The Duties of the Heart" (Jason Aronson Publishers). And his new work on Maimonides' "The Eight Chapters" will soon be available from Judaica Press.
His works are available in bookstores and in various locations on the Web.
Rabbi Feldman also offers two free e-mail classes on www.torah.org entitled "Spiritual Excellence" and "Ramchal".

"The Great Redemption" (10)

"The Great Redemption" by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto

-- A Discourse on The End of the Exile and the Beginning of the Great Redemption

Translated by Rabbi Yaakov Feldman
_____________________________________________

10.

But there are two things you’d have to understand.

First, that the Countenance was only withdrawn deep within (the Divine Presence) where Jewish souls resides, rather than outside where the (Divine) servants and soldiers dwell, as we’ll explain later.

And second, that the breach only lasted for a short time rather than forever. For it was only to do what it was supposed to (at that point), then the gate was to close behind until the (time of the) everlasting redemption.

(c) 2005 Rabbi Yaakov Feldman

(Feel free to contact me at feldman@torah.org )

********************************
AT LONG LAST! Rabbi Feldman's translation of "The Gates of Repentance" has been reissued at *at a discount*! You can order it right now by logging onto www.tinyurl.com/49s8t (or by going to www.rowman.com and searching for it). Rabbi Yaakov Feldman has translated and commented upon "The Gates of Repentance", "The Path of the Just", and "The Duties of the Heart" (Jason Aronson Publishers). And his new work on Maimonides' "The Eight Chapters" will soon be available from Judaica Press.
His works are available in bookstores and in various locations on the Web.
Rabbi Feldman also offers two free e-mail classes on www.torah.org entitled "Spiritual Excellence" and "Ramchal".

"The Great Redemption" (9)

"The Great Redemption" by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto

-- A Discourse on The End of the Exile and the Beginning of the Great Redemption

Translated by Rabbi Yaakov Feldman
_____________________________________________

9.

But I still haven’t explained to you just what the P’kidah stage was (like in the course of the Exodus, as well what it will be like when the final redemption comes about).

When the capacity that emanates from the perfect source reached Tzaddik (i.e. Yesod), who’s referred to in the Torah as “the redeeming angel” (Genesis 48:16), the (aforementioned) Luminary descended and appeared before the Shechina, its mate. It granted her a capacity she hadn’t been granted from the time the Jewish Nation was exiled to then. And the first coupling then came about, which was unlike any coupling before that.

Now let me now explain to you why it’s termed “P’kidah”.

Know that the P’kidah itself comes about through (the sephira of) Yesod, as I’d said, while the Z’chirah is revealed through Tipheret. It’s those two actions that will give Moshiach Ben Yoseph and Moshiach ben David the ability to accept the capacity to form an army for the redemption that’s to come.

And when the Tzaddik who will have coupled with the Shechina appears, what had been covered over as a consequence of the exile I’d mentioned will be uncovered, and the Countenance will no longer be concealed.

(c) 2005 Rabbi Yaakov Feldman

(Feel free to contact me at feldman@torah.org )

********************************
AT LONG LAST! Rabbi Feldman's translation of "The Gates of Repentance" has been reissued at *at a discount*! You can order it right now by logging onto www.tinyurl.com/49s8t (or by going to www.rowman.com and searching for it). Rabbi Yaakov Feldman has translated and commented upon "The Gates of Repentance", "The Path of the Just", and "The Duties of the Heart" (Jason Aronson Publishers). And his new work on Maimonides' "The Eight Chapters" will soon be available from Judaica Press.
His works are available in bookstores and in various locations on the Web.
Rabbi Feldman also offers two free e-mail classes on www.torah.org entitled "Spiritual Excellence" and "Ramchal".

"The Great Redemption" (8)

"The Great Redemption" by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto

-- A Discourse on The End of the Exile and the Beginning of the Great Redemption

Translated by Rabbi Yaakov Feldman
_____________________________________________

8.

The P’kidah stage first manifested itself in Egypt. For as the verse says, “G-d observed the Children of Israel, and G-d knew” (Exodus 2:25). But let me now tell you what the P’kidah is all about.

(It's important to) know that only the very first imperfection (i.e., the hiding of the Luminaries’ countenances) will be rectified in the course of the P’kidah -- and not even completely so, at that; while all the other imperfections will be rectified in the course of Z’chirah. As it’s said, “And G-d heard their groaning, and G-d remembered (yizkor) His covenant” (Exodus 2:24).

In truth, when the Supreme Sovereign decides to redeem the Shechina and the Jewish Nation, a certain capacity will emit from Him and begin to descend downward, level by level, throughout the various levels. This capacity will actually first gather its strength and exhibit its might where the two great and exalted Luminaries -- which are in charge of all the worlds, and through whose lips all deeds come to light -- are found.

(These Luminaries) are referred to metaphorically as “Upper Mazal” and “Lower Mazal”, but in essence they’re (the Divine names) Yud Hay Vav Hay and Aleph Hay Yud Hay which stand at the very summit of the universe and have the (combined) numerical value of 233, which is (also) the numerical value of Z’chor (a cognate of Z’chirah). They’re referred to in the verse (that reads), “ .... G-d remembered His covenant”.

As such, the Z'chirah stage will only actually begin once these Luminaries exhibit their actions in full, but it will be preceded by the P’kidah stage.

In reality, though, the P’kidah stage will only manifest itself first down below, for up above, the Z'chirah stage will (actually) come about first and then be followed by the P’kidah stage.

(c) 2005 Rabbi Yaakov Feldman

(Feel free to contact me at feldman@torah.org )

********************************
AT LONG LAST! Rabbi Feldman's translation of "The Gates of Repentance" has been reissued at *at a discount*! You can order it right now by logging onto www.tinyurl.com/49s8t (or by going to www.rowman.com and searching for it). Rabbi Yaakov Feldman has translated and commented upon "The Gates of Repentance", "The Path of the Just", and "The Duties of the Heart" (Jason Aronson Publishers). And his new work on Maimonides' "The Eight Chapters" will soon be available from Judaica Press.
His works are available in bookstores and in various locations on the Web.
Rabbi Feldman also offers two free e-mail classes on www.torah.org entitled "Spiritual Excellence" and "Ramchal".

"The Great Redemption" (7)

"The Great Redemption" by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto

-- A Discourse on The End of the Exile and the Beginning of the Great Redemption

Translated by Rabbi Yaakov Feldman
_____________________________________________

7.

Know that there are two stages to redemption, as was found to be in the redemptions from Egypt and Babylon, and as we know will be the case in the future one -- may it be revealed speedily and in our lifetime!

These two stages are alluded to in the verse I started off (this book) with. “Do not rejoice for my sake, my enemy!“ refers to the first stage known as P’kidah (“Protecting”), while “G-d Himself will be a light unto me when I sit in darkness!” refers to the second stage known as Z’chirah (“Remembering”). Yet they aren’t only alluded to in this verse but in many others as well. Thus it’s written, “Shake yourself from the dust; arise, and sit down, O Jerusalem” which alludes to the P’kidah, and “loosen yourself from the bonds of your neck, O captive daughter of Zion”, which refers to the Z’chirah (Isaiah 52:2); and “Arise, shine; for your light has come”, which alludes to the P’kidah, “and G-d’s Glory has shone upon you”, which refers to the Z’chirah (Isaiah 60:1).

I’ll now start to explain these two periods to you along with some great mysteries, but since they’re such great mysteries I won’t explain them in depth, and I’ll only offer what’s absolutely necessary in order to comprehend. Understand what I’m saying.

(c) 2005 Rabbi Yaakov Feldman

(Feel free to contact me at feldman@torah.org )

********************************
AT LONG LAST! Rabbi Feldman's translation of "The Gates of Repentance" has been reissued at *at a discount*! You can order it right now by logging onto www.tinyurl.com/49s8t (or by going to www.rowman.com and searching for it). Rabbi Yaakov Feldman has translated and commented upon "The Gates of Repentance", "The Path of the Just", and "The Duties of the Heart" (Jason Aronson Publishers). And his new work on Maimonides' "The Eight Chapters" will soon be available from Judaica Press.
His works are available in bookstores and in various locations on the Web.
Rabbi Feldman also offers two free e-mail classes on www.torah.org entitled "Spiritual Excellence" and "Ramchal".

"The Great Redemption" (6)

"The Great Redemption" by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto

-- A Discourse on The End of the Exile and the Beginning of the Great Redemption

Translated by Rabbi Yaakov Feldman
_____________________________________________

6.

And the fourth imperfection (brought on) was that of the Jewish Nation being cast into dire poverty and being forced to endure other harsh decrees, including death by the sword and captivity [1].

But in truth, all of that will prove to have been a smelting and refining process; none of the tribulations will have been in vain. They will have come upon (the Jewish Nation) because their sins had empowered the harsh might, and the ministering angels of punishment would have drawn strength from this terrible indictment and continued to do harsh and terribly cruel things to punish them (but for one end alone:) so that (the Jewish Nation) would be healed and to “finish the transgression and put an end to sin” (Daniel 9:24).

As the Jewish Nation will indeed be cleansed of all of its impurities (by then) and its (Heavenly) accusers will longer have nothing else to say against it, for (the forces of impurity) would have inherited their heavenly and earthly portions, they'd have crushed the spirit of the Jewish Nation under terrible pressure and have seized their sustenance from them.

But I won’t go into these matters in detail since it would call for a long explanation. (Instead,) I’ll offer a quick impression of all instances of wisdom involved for the sake of those who understand them, and only reveal more of the astounding wisdom involved when G-d grants me (permission to).

I’ve thus synopsized the four dreadful and frightening imperfections (brought on) by the exile for the wise-hearted as well as their very many consequences. But I won’t expand upon them until we come to the matter of the redemption when I’ll uncover enough of its hidden marvels and wonders for the discerning to understand, with G-d’s help.
_____________________________________________
Notes:

[1] Ramchal cites here from to the verse that reads “Thus says G-d: Those who are (destined) for death are to (suffer) death; those who are (destined) for the sword are to (die by) the sword; those who are (destined) for famine are to (die by) famine; and those who are (destined) for captivity are to (suffer) captivity” (Jeremiah 15:2).

(c) 2005 Rabbi Yaakov Feldman

(Feel free to contact me at feldman@torah.org )

********************************
AT LONG LAST! Rabbi Feldman's translation of "The Gates of Repentance" has been reissued at *at a discount*! You can order it right now by logging onto www.tinyurl.com/49s8t (or by going to www.rowman.com and searching for it). Rabbi Yaakov Feldman has translated and commented upon "The Gates of Repentance", "The Path of the Just", and "The Duties of the Heart" (Jason Aronson Publishers). And his new work on Maimonides' "The Eight Chapters" will soon be available from Judaica Press.
His works are available in bookstores and in various locations on the Web.
Rabbi Feldman also offers two free e-mail classes on www.torah.org entitled "Spiritual Excellence" and "Ramchal".

"The Great Redemption" (5)

"The Great Redemption" by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto

-- A Discourse on The End of the Exile and the Beginning of the Great Redemption

Translated by Rabbi Yaakov Feldman
_____________________________________________

5.

The third imperfection (brought on) was dreadful and frightening, for the Shechina was cast into exile (as a result, and had to dwell) among the ministering angels of impurity!

(In fact,) many powerful and mighty Luminaries accompanied Her there and were delivered into the hands of the husks (as a result)! It’s said about this mystery, “There are times when one man rules over another to his own disadvantage” (Ecclesiastes 8:9).

The second imperfection I’d cited (in Ch. 2) plays a role in this one, too. For when the husks took control of those Luminaries they drew emanation and might from them and grew very strong, as I explained. And that’s why they (i.e., the husks) enjoy “arrogance and an abundance of bread” (Ezekiel 16:49); why they say, “Our hands are raised high!”; and it’s why slaves lead their masters, in keeping with the verse that reads, “I have seen servants (riding) upon horses and princes going about like servants (walking behind them) upon the ground” (Ecclesiastes 10:7).

(c) 2005 Rabbi Yaakov Feldman

(Feel free to contact me at feldman@torah.org )

********************************
AT LONG LAST! Rabbi Feldman's translation of "The Gates of Repentance" has been reissued at *at a discount*! You can order it right now by logging onto www.tinyurl.com/49s8t (or by going to www.rowman.com and searching for it). Rabbi Yaakov Feldman has translated and commented upon "The Gates of Repentance", "The Path of the Just", and "The Duties of the Heart" (Jason Aronson Publishers). And his new work on Maimonides' "The Eight Chapters" will soon be available from Judaica Press.
His works are available in bookstores and in various locations on the Web.
Rabbi Feldman also offers two free e-mail classes on www.torah.org entitled "Spiritual Excellence" and "Ramchal".

"The Great Redemption" (4)

"The Great Redemption" by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto

-- A Discourse on The End of the Exile and the Beginning of the Great Redemption

Translated by Rabbi Yaakov Feldman
_____________________________________________

4.

The second imperfection has likewise been very great, and it follows in the wake of the first one I explained. It’s alluded to in the verse that reads, “Tyre said of Jerusalem, ‘She who was the gates of the people is broken and has turned to me; I will be full, now that she is barren’” (Ezekiel 26:2), about which our sages said, “for when one is full, the other is empty, and vice versa” (Pesachim 42B) [1]. For when holiness is weakened, impurity is strengthened and won’t itself be weakened until holiness is strengthened. But let me now explain this more fully.

(Know that) the power I spoke of before (i.e., the illumination of holiness) depends on two things. First, on its groupings being rectified -- for they’re now functioning in ways they hadn’t originally functioned, now that holiness was made imperfect and evil rearranged itself accordingly. And second, on the power they’d originally had at the time of the destruction.

Aside from that, many holy Luminaries descended which impurity itself then drew strength from and which they’d enstrenghthened, and that then allowed the other nations (to enjoy) a great deal of illumination, power, and dominion (over the Jewish Nation) which they hadn’t had before.
_____________________________________________
Notes:

1. Understand that Tyre, while once an actual political and geographic entity, also symbolizes the force of impurity, while the Jewish Nation symbolizes the force of holiness.

When israel lost in its battles against her, Tyre declared Israel “broken” and depicted it as having “turned” or succumbed to it. Tyre said of itself that it “will be full” because Israel “is barren” since, as our sages depicted it, when one of the two is “full” (or, “successful”) the other one is necessarily “barren” (or, “unsuccessful”). For both couldn’t succeed at the same time; it was always “one or the other”. What that means to say is that holiness and impurity can never fully coexist.

(c) 2005 Rabbi Yaakov Feldman

(Feel free to contact me at feldman@torah.org )

********************************
AT LONG LAST! Rabbi Feldman's translation of "The Gates of Repentance" has been reissued at *at a discount*! You can order it right now by logging onto www.tinyurl.com/49s8t (or by going to www.rowman.com and searching for it). Rabbi Yaakov Feldman has translated and commented upon "The Gates of Repentance", "The Path of the Just", and "The Duties of the Heart" (Jason Aronson Publishers). And his new work on Maimonides' "The Eight Chapters" will soon be available from Judaica Press.
His works are available in bookstores and in various locations on the Web.
Rabbi Feldman also offers two free e-mail classes on www.torah.org entitled "Spiritual Excellence" and "Ramchal".

"The Great Redemption" (3)

The Great Redemption" by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto

-- A Discourse on The End of the Exile and the Beginning of the Great Redemption

Translated by Rabbi Yaakov Feldman
_____________________________________________

3.

The first (imperfection) is explicated by the verse that reads, “I will surely hide My countenance on that day” (Deuteronomy 31:18), which touches upon a great mystery.

For (we’re taught that) G-d arranged for Luminaries to allow His emanations to shine upon the universe, and so they shine upon each other as well as upon their offshoots. But know that everything in the universe is an offshoot of these Luminaries -- all the angels, all people, and all other creatures. So, when these Luminaries set their countenances toward the lower world to illuminate it, all windows, light, and blessing open up, goodness intensifies everywhere, and there’s no longer any tribulation or sorrow in the world.

But (our) sins cause the Luminaries to hide their countenances and to not shine upon each other, and their offshoots become malnourished as a consequence. Holiness and everything that draws from it weakens, and the force of impurity become strengthened accordingly.

Understand well, though, that all this comes about because of the sins of the Jewish Nation. For impurity becomes emboldened and enstrengthened when they sin, which thus allows it to take the place of holiness. Know, too, that impurity has become so enstrengthened (as a consequence) that if that were to continue, the world would have to be destroyed!

But G-d loved the Jewish Nation so that He didn’t wait for their measure (of sin) to be filled and He set off the redemption (from Egypt), in keeping with the verses that read, “G-d kept a careful watch over evil and brought it upon us ... because we did not obey His voice. But now G-d our L-rd, who has brought Your people out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand ..., let Your anger and fury be turned away from Your city Jerusalem, Your holy mountain..., and shine Your countenance upon Your Sanctuary” (Daniel 9:14-17).

Now, understand just how this came about. For when the Luminaries shone as lustrously as they originally had, upon whom did this emanation shine? Why, the Jewish Nation. So the other nations couldn’t overpower them enough to cast them into exile, to say nothing of destroying the Holy Temple (which signaled the beginning of the final exile)!

But the emanations started to wane when the Luminaries hid their countenances, and they illuminated the Jewish Nation and the Holy Temple to a lesser degree. That’s when the other nations overpowered them and brought on the (final) exile.

All this was actually to the Jewish Nation’s advantage. For the prosecutors [i.e., the forces of impurity] could then inherit their portion (i.e., sustenance) and withdraw from holiness, and thus not defile the pathways (to holiness ... but that’s aside from the point at hand).

In any event, things stayed that way because the Luminaries were concealing their light. Don’t think that they didn’t emanate at all, though, for the world simply couldn’t exist if that were so. What they did was emanate only as much as was necessary (to maintain the world) and no more. That’s why everything’s in a circumscribed and limited state and why there’s no joy.

The (Divine) service of the great ministering angels and of many eminent guardian angels has been suspended as well because of the cutting back of this emanation and been replaced by (the Divine service of) other, lesser ones. And it’s (also) why fruit hasn’t any taste, as our sages pointed out (see Sotah 48A), and why in fact everything is smaller and much more lowly now.

The great conduit that emanates upon the Shechina was the first one to be stopped up. But it wasn’t completely stopped though, as we explained; it’s just that its opening was narrowed and whatever emitted from it only did so very clandestinely.

But let me now explain this in more detail. At first the (Divine) emanation flowed profusely and openly, and the Shechina was bolstered by a superabundance of honor, glory, and joy; and it (fully) ruled over all its hosts and camps. The Jewish Nation was likewise powerful and in all its splendor, and it prevailed over all the other nations.

When the times became calamitous, though, all that glory was taken away, and both the Shechina and the Jewish Nation only derived (spiritual sustenance) in a very covert way. The Shechina’s rule became unapparent, and the Jewish Nation held no sway whatsoever. In fact, the Shechina only derived (spiritual sustenance) from Yesod, and the Jewish Nation only suckled from holy Immah's breasts.

This then is the first imperfection (of the four) that the exile has brought about -- the hiding of the Luminaries’ lights and the (collateral) lessening of the (Divine) emanation and power.

Torah also came to be lacking among the Jewish Nation as a result and wisdom was lost. As it’s written, “the wisdom of their wise men will perish and the understanding of their sages will be be hidden” (Isaiah 29:14).

(c) 2005 Rabbi Yaakov Feldman

(Feel free to contact me at feldman@torah.org )

********************************
AT LONG LAST! Rabbi Feldman's translation of "The Gates of Repentance" has been reissued at *at a discount*! You can order it right now by logging onto www.tinyurl.com/49s8t (or by going to www.rowman.com and searching for it). Rabbi Yaakov Feldman has translated and commented upon "The Gates of Repentance", "The Path of the Just", and "The Duties of the Heart" (Jason Aronson Publishers). And his new work on Maimonides' "The Eight Chapters" will soon be available from Judaica Press.
His works are available in bookstores and in various locations on the Web.
Rabbi Feldman also offers two free e-mail classes on www.torah.org entitled "Spiritual Excellence" and "Ramchal".

"The Great Redemption" (2)

"The Great Redemption" by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto

-- A Discourse on The End of the Exile and the Beginning of the Great Redemption

Translated by Rabbi Yaakov Feldman
_____________________________________________

2.

It’s important to know that the redemption from Egypt and the one that will eventually come about have a lot in common, but the latter will be greater yet. For all of creation will experience a degree of tranquility then far beyond any other since the beginning of time. So I’ll now explain some things about the redemption from Egypt and many aspects of the eventual redemption so that “you will see the wonders of the One who is perfect in knowledge” (Job 37:16).

But I won’t go into them at length since they’re so great and auspicious, and also because the rarity of the wisdom (that) is (to be displayed by the process is) not to be elaborated upon. I’ll thus be brief and (only) provide you with several very important principles which you’d do well to dwell upon and delve into deeply. May “G-d grant (us) wisdom; (for) from His mouth comes knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:6).

I’ll first explain some of the imperfections that the exile brought upon the Jewish Nation so you might understand the phenomenon of the redemption well (in contrast), when all those imperfections will be rectified. And you’ll thus be able to note the profound wisdom (involved) in the fact that not a single thing happens in the world -- no matter how insignificant -- that isn’t tied in with many great secrets known to those aware of the truth.

Just know that while a lot of imperfections have come about as a result of the exile, they can be broken down into four main categories.

(c) 2005 Rabbi Yaakov Feldman

(Feel free to contact me at feldman@torah.org )

********************************
AT LONG LAST! Rabbi Feldman's translation of "The Gates of Repentance" has been reissued at *at a discount*! You can order it right now by logging onto www.tinyurl.com/49s8t (or by going to www.rowman.com and searching for it). Rabbi Yaakov Feldman has translated and commented upon "The Gates of Repentance", "The Path of the Just", and "The Duties of the Heart" (Jason Aronson Publishers). And his new work on Maimonides' "The Eight Chapters" will soon be available from Judaica Press.
His works are available in bookstores and in various locations on the Web.
Rabbi Feldman also offers two free e-mail classes on www.torah.org entitled "Spiritual Excellence" and "Ramchal".

"The Great Redemption" (1)

"The Great Redemption" by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto

-- A Discourse on The End of the Exile and the Beginning of the Great Redemption

Translated by Rabbi Yaakov Feldman
_____________________________________________

1.

The verse that reads, “Do not rejoice for my sake, my enemy! For though I fell, I arose; when I sit in darkness, G-d (Himself) is my light!” (Micha 7:8) divulges the secret of the Jewish Nation’s confidence in and anticipation of its total redemption, (which we pray will come) quickly and in our lifetimes, Amen!

But as those sages who have trod the paths of wisdom and come to recognize its veracity know, many mighty and prodigious things will have to transpire and a lot of preparations will have to be made before the redemption can come about. Still and all, once wisdom will spread about the world, everyone will see and know for himself that “G-d has wrought great miracles for us” (Psalms 126:3).

For while the Jewish Nation might have thought that G-d was hiding His countenance from them or had forsaken them, He was actually preparing goodness and blessings for them (all along)! For each and every moment He was preparing immeasurably far-reaching and vast storehouses for them, while setting priceless, precious, and captivating wealth and kingly treasure troves within those storehouses. In fact, they were being filled more than the mouth could enunciate, the ear could hear, or the heart conceive of.

And they’ll be opened up in the great halcyon days to come, when all sorts of exquisite things will cascade out of them and be handed over to the Jewish Nation in recompense for all the arduous things they had to do in exile.
For as it’s said in regard to this great mystery, “(G-d,) have us rejoice as many days as You afflicted us; as many years as we’ve seen wrongdoing” (Psalms 90:15).

All the light that didn’t shine upon the Jewish Nation for all the years they were in exile, that was to have shone, had never vanished. G-d stored it all in those storehouses. And it will pour out in one fell swoop once they’re opened. The Jewish Nation will then experience a degree of joy unlike any other, and the world itself will be rectified (and enjoy) a state of tranquility and calm then, and there’ll be no more sorrow.

But should you claim that the verse (" ... have us rejoice as many days as You afflicted us; as many years as we’ve seen wrongdoing”) only refers to the number of years (we’re to be in exile) then know that there aren’t enough years left to the world’s (allotted) 6,000 to equal the number we’ve been in exile.

(c) 2005 Rabbi Yaakov Feldman

(Feel free to contact me at feldman@torah.org )

********************************
AT LONG LAST! Rabbi Feldman's translation of "The Gates of Repentance" has been reissued at *at a discount*! You can order it right now by logging onto www.tinyurl.com/49s8t (or by going to www.rowman.com and searching for it). Rabbi Yaakov Feldman has translated and commented upon "The Gates of Repentance", "The Path of the Just", and "The Duties of the Heart" (Jason Aronson Publishers). And his new work on Maimonides' "The Eight Chapters" will soon be available from Judaica Press.
His works are available in bookstores and in various locations on the Web.
Rabbi Feldman also offers two free e-mail classes on www.torah.org entitled "Spiritual Excellence" and "Ramchal".

"The Great Redemption" (Intro.)

"The Great Redemption" by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto

-- A Discourse on The End of the Exile and the Beginning of the Great Redemption

Translated by Rabbi Yaakov Feldman
_____________________________________________

I'm beginning a new series now, please G-d, and offering a translation of Ramchal's lesser-known "Ma'amar HaGeulah" (A Discourse on The Redemption). The translation will be left uncommented upon (probably), though I might offer a series of explanations after the whole series. Here's an introduction for the meanwhile.

A Preliminary Overview:

The Great Redemption (The "Geulah") will start to unfurl at a slow, steady pace as the great Luminaries ("M'orot") begin the awesome process of adjustment and repair. The end will be the perfection of the Jewish Nation along with the rectification of the entire world. But a lot will happen before that. And it's "Ma'amar HaGeulah" that details what will go on both within the Luminaries themselves and in the course of the great unfurling.

The work itself is divided into four parts: First is an explanation of the nature and consequences of the exile ("Galut") we're now in; second, an overview of the "P'kidah" and "Z'chirah" stages; third, the rectification of the Shechina and both Moshichim (plural of Moshiach, or "Messiah"); and fourth, an explication of certain recondite themes like "tumah", the "husks" and the "other side", as well as the "union of HaKodesh Boruch Hu and His Shechina", the coming of the Moshiach, the unfurling of wisdom and the supernal light that's been sequestered away, and our eventual eternal D'vekut onto G-d.

Galut:

Four tragic things characterize the galut (aside from our being in exile). The light that the Luminaries emit is hidden away, thusby emboldening the powers of impurity; other nations rule over us with a vengeance; the Shechina dwells among the impurities; and we suffer all sorts of trials and tribulations.

P'kidah:

This is the first stage in the geulah. The term "p'kidah" itself implies a visitation or a special dispensation of Divine favor, as in "G-d *visited* Sarah as He said (He would); ... did what He said (He would) for Sarah, and Sarah conceived" (Genesis 21:1-2).

At this stage the earliest damage done by the exile -- The hiding of the supernal light and the subsequent emboldening of the powers of impurity -- will be repaired to a great degree though not entirely. And the Shechina will emerge out of the dust. But those things will only come about on a level we wouldn't actually experience (i.e., on a soul level), and only for a short time at that.

The Moshiach's spirit will start to come to life then, too, and he'll begin to blossom. Finally, our people will be inspired to return to G-d's service. Then the z'chirah stage will begin.

Z'chirah:

The term z'chirah implies dwelling upon something and remembering it, as in "And G-d remembered Rachel, ... listened to her, and opened her womb" (Genesis 30:22).

It's in the z'chirah stage that outward and apparent changes will come about, and that all four forms of harm done in galut will be amended. Moshiach Ben Yoseph and Moshiach Ben David will have both appeared and lead the Jewish Nation to Israel, all of our troubles will cease, and the Holy Temple ("Beit Hamikdash") will be rebuilt.

The great and ultimate truth that G-d is indeed the Sovereign King of the universe will become manifest, and that will bring on the goodness and peace we've always wanted as well as the destruction of evil, and the great universal rectification.

The Rectified World:

The "Great Gate" will be reopened in the end, and holiness will reign. We'll understand that harm and wrongdoing was never meant to be permanent, and joy will fill the world.

(c) 2005 Rabbi Yaakov Feldman(

Feel free to contact me at feldman@torah.org )

********************************
AT LONG LAST! Rabbi Feldman's translation of "The Gates of Repentance" has been reissued at *at a discount*! You can order it right now by logging onto www.tinyurl.com/49s8t (or by going to www.rowman.com and searching for it). Rabbi Yaakov Feldman has translated and commented upon "The Gates of Repentance", "The Path of the Just", and "The Duties of the Heart" (Jason Aronson Publishers). And his new work on Maimonides' "The Eight Chapters" will soon be available from Judaica Press.
His works are available in bookstores and in various locations on the Web.
Rabbi Feldman also offers two free e-mail classes on www.torah.org entitled "Spiritual Excellence" and "Ramchal".

Welcome!

Welcome. I'll be transferring some of my Ramchal material from my main blog, www.acrispelulmorning.blogspot.com and going on from there.
Thanks