Tehiru Ila'ah

The concept of Tehiru Ila'ah originates in the Zohar, and the disciples of the Arizal disagreed about whether it refers to the Infinite Light (Ohr Ein Sof) before the Tzimtzum (contraction) (the view of Emek HaMelech, based on the Kabbalah of Maharai Sarug) or to "Adam Kadmon" (A"K, the first level after the Tzimtzum - the view of Rabbi Chaim Vital). The Rebbe leaves as "requiring further study" the reason why most discourses in Chassidic teachings specifically adopt the view of Emek HaMelech.

Since the concept of Adam Kadmon is explained in its own entry, this entry explains only the view of Emek HaMelech (and it is worth noting that in discourses following the view of Emek HaMelech, Adam Kadmon is called "Tehiru Tata'ah" - Lower Light).

Explanation

Tehiru Ila'ah is at the level of the Infinite Light itself before the Tzimtzum. Tehiru is a term for revelation and illumination, similar to "the essence of heaven in its purity."

Tehiru Ila'ah is called Primordial Air in relation to the Line and Thread which is called Primordial Light. The Line and Thread is the root of the ten revealed Sefirot.

Regarding Tehiru Ila'ah it is said "Him and His Name alone," as it is in a state of simple unity.

In the Zohar's statement "At the beginning of the King's Will," it is explained that even within Tehiru Ila'ah, the ten Sefirot are concealed in the form of engraved letters, and these are the ten concealed Sefirot. The nature of these Sefirot is that He estimated within Himself what would be after the Tzimtzum. And the aspect of Malchut of the Infinite Light is the tenth Sefirah and measure of the ten concealed Sefirot.

Elsewhere it is explained that the concept of "engraved engravings in the Supreme Light" refers to the formation of the Partzufim (Divine Configurations) of Atik Yomin and Arich Anpin of the world of Atzilut. These Partzufim are in the form of engraved letters, in contrast to the ten Sefirot of the world of Atzilut which are in the form of written letters.

Tehiru Ila'ah is at the level of "the heaven of heavens" compared to Tehiru Tata'ah which is at the level of "heaven." The concept of Tehiru Tata'ah is the general encompassing light that surrounds all the worlds of ABY"A (Atzilut, Beriah, Yetzirah, Asiyah), like the heavens surrounding the earth, and it extends from the Reshimu (impression) after the Tzimtzum. This is not the case with Tehiru Ila'ah, which is at the level of the Infinite Light before the Tzimtzum.

The aspect of simple pleasure is also included in Tehiru Ila'ah.

See Also

• Bereish Hormanuta D'Malka (At the Beginning of the King's Will)
• The King's Delight in His Essence