Bitul (Self-Nullification)

Bitul (Self-nullification or self-effacment) is a fundamental concept in Chassidus in the context of divine service and Jewish philosophy, which deals with the nullification of ego and personal existence.

Importance of Bitul

In Chassidus, it is explained in many places that the prerequisite for receiving the Torah and mitzvos was the bitul of the Jewish people when they declared "naaseh v'nishma" (we will do and we will listen), as they nullified their intellect and existence, committing themselves to fulfill whatever they would be commanded.

In Chassidic teachings, this concept was given additional depth, as part of the general approach of Chassidus to instill in human consciousness the absolute divine reality, and the recognition that there is no true existence besides Him and everything is nullified to Him.

Among Chassidim, pride and ego were viewed as the most despised and forbidden things.

Chassidus also teaches that all growth and renewal comes specifically through bitul, both in the rotting of a seed in the ground as a preparation for the growth of a new tree, and in the dissolution of seed in a woman's body.

Methods of Bitul

Bitul is achieved through recognition and feeling of matters higher than oneself, until one's ego does not take up space in their own eyes. The inner meaning of the sefirah of Chochmah is bitul.

Generally, there are two levels of bitul: "bitul hayesh" and "bitul b'metzius". Within each of these levels, there are many sub-levels.

Bitul Hayesh

Bitul hayesh is the nullification of creation to the Creator, to the extent of transforming one's personal will to be aligned with Hashem's will, in a way that the one nullifying has no will of their own. An example of this is the Avos' bitul to Hashem, where the essence of this nullification is like a chariot to its rider, where it's clearly visible that the chariot has no personal opinion and is completely subordinate to the rider's will. Similarly, Avraham Avinu said about himself "I am dust and ashes," indicating bitul hayesh - "may my soul be like dust to all" - like dust that everyone treads upon, though there remains some existence that nullifies itself to Hashem - "there is one who is nullified."

Bitul B'metzius

In contrast, there is bitul b'metzius, meaning that one is not an existence at all, not even an existence that is nullified, like fish in the sea that are not considered a separate existence at all. This is the level of Moshe Rabbeinu's bitul when he said "v'nachnu mah" (what are we) - complete nullification in every way, where he did not exist as an entity at all.

Wine and Oil

In the Oil Chamber of the Beis Hamikdash, there was wine and oil. According to Chassidus, this alludes to the combination of wine - representing joy and service with excitement and enthusiasm, and oil - representing service with bitul and quietude, which is the nature of olive oil that flows after prayer in nullification and doesn't flicker. Although it contained both wine and oil, it was called the Oil Chamber, because the main emphasis is on the aspect of bitul.

See Also

• Iskafya
• Daas Elyon and Daas Tachton

Further Reading

• "Es Iz Nito Kein Ich" (There is No "I"), Short sayings from Chassidus, Kfar Chabad Weekly, Issue 1850, page 12