Hamshachah (Drawing Down) and Atzalah (Emanation)

The terms Hamshachah (Drawing Down) and Atzalah (Emanation) express the profound difference between created beings and the world of Atzilus.

The Difficulty in Understanding the Reality of the Sefiros

Created beings are "mechadashim" (something from nothing), and therefore the essence of their existence (even when they exist) is "ayin" (nothingness) (since they are "made" from "ayin," as Hashem took "ayin v'efes" and from it made the "yesh" (something)). But chas v'shalom to say such a thing about the Sefiros of Atzilus (that they are "ayin" or "nullified in existence") - for they are Elokus (G-dliness), and therefore they are true existence from their own perspective (unlike created beings - whose entire existence is only from the perspective of Hashem's will).

And so a tremendous question arises: How does the fact that the Sefiros are an existence "fit" with the belief that Hashem is One and Simple? If He is Simple (not composed of parts and limbs), what is meant by saying that He has will and wisdom and understanding and kindness, etc.?

The Explanation of the Alter Rebbe

To this the Alter Rebbe answers that the Sefiros are "hamshachah v'hatzalah" (drawing down and emanation), meaning they are not created from nothing but are a drawing down and emanation of Him.

See Also

Olam HaAtzilus (The World of Emanation)