Ohr Yashar (Direct Light)

Ohr Yashar (Direct Light) is the revelation and drawing down of illumination from the Name Havayah to become the source for the creation of the worlds, as Havayah is related to the term "hisehavus" (coming into being). This refers to the drawing down of light in the order of Hishtalshelus (chain-like progression) from above to below.

There are three reasons why this flow is called Or Yashar (direct light):

1. To distinguish it from Or HaIgul (encompassing light, Sovev Kol Almin), which has no beginning or end—teaching that it is unlimited. Or Yashar, which flows from above to below, has a beginning and an end, since it shines from the Source to the created beings to give them life, and it is light that comes with limitation.
2. To distinguish it from Or Chozer (reflected light) which shines from below to above, from the transformation of darkness into light, which is the ultimate purpose. Therefore, the light shines there with greater intensity, in the aspect of the Supernal Will—Ein Sof, blessed be He.

Whereas Or Yashar—although it is light that comes from the essence of the Source (unlike Or Chozer which is merely reflected from something that does not shine on its own)—nevertheless comes with limitation.

3) Because it is "yashar" (straight/direct)—without change in its inner essence. Just as it was before the world was created, when it was G-dly light—included in its root and source, Ein Sof blessed be He—like the light of the sun within the sun, when it was truly nullified and united with its source, so too after the world was created. Even though the light was drawn down after the Tzimtzum (contraction) in a limited form, nevertheless—in its inner essence it did not change, and it is G-dly light. As it is written, "I, Havayah, have not changed"—I have not been altered, and it is direct—as it is above, so it is below.

See also

• Or Chozer (Reflected Light)

Sources for further study

• Igeres HaKodesh 20, 31; Torah Or 5a, 33a; Tanya ch. 21.