Zeir Anpin

Zeir Anpin is the name of the divine countenance formed from the integration of the emotional attributes (middot) in the World of Atzilut. Together with Malchut of Atzilut, they are also known as "Kudsha Brich Hu U'Shechintei" (The Holy One Blessed Be He and His Divine Presence). The unity created between them is called "Yichuda Tata'ah" (Lower Unity). Therefore, the commandments we perform are intended to unite Zeir Anpin with Malchut of Atzilut. Many have the custom to recite a "L'shem Yichud" (For the sake of unity) formula before performing commandments, for example: "For the sake of unifying the Holy One Blessed Be He and His Divine Presence."

Spiritual Elevations and Shabbat

Zeir Anpin shines especially brightly on Shabbat. During the Musaf prayer of Shabbat, it ascends to the level of Abba and Ima (Father and Mother), which is an extremely high level of holiness. From there, Zeir Anpin (and Malchut) draw sustenance from Atika Kadisha (just as every world draws from the light of the world above it, as Abba and Ima constantly draw from Atika Kadisha). Therefore, the Shabbat morning meal is called "the meal of Atika Kadisha." During the third meal, it ascends even higher, to the highest level equivalent to Yom Kippur. At this time, Zeir Anpin itself reaches the level of Atika Kadisha, this meal is specifically called "the meal of Zeir Anpin”.

Essential Nature

Zeir Anpin is the countenance formed from the integration of the six emotional attributes, specifically referring to Zeir Anpin of the World of Atzilut. Its essence is the revelation of the Divine in a revealed state. This distinguishes it from Abba Ila'ah and Ima Ila'ah of Atzilut, which are in the realm of concealment and do not come into revelation. It also differs from Malchut of Atzilut, which is the aspect of Shechinah, the divine life-force dwelling within the worlds and within the congregation of Israel.

Structure and Components

Zeir Anpin is also called 'Adam' and is explained to be in the aspect of "248 limbs of the King," where the Infinite Light dwells. These 248 limbs are structured as follows: Zeir Anpin is built from nine sefirot, each containing all nine sefirot, and each particular sefirah contains aspects of head, middle, and end, totaling 243. With the addition of five kindnesses that cause growth, it reaches 248, corresponding to the 248 limbs of the King.

Relationship to Arich Anpin

The source of pleasures in the external aspect of Keter in the World of Atzilut is called Arich Anpin (Long Face), signifying its extensive expansion. Arich Anpin is the source of Zeir Anpin (Small Face). Zeir Anpin is quantitatively smaller and essentially condensed in its existence compared to Arich Anpin. This can be compared to the emotional attributes of the human heart, which are inherently condensed in relation to their root in pleasure.

An analogy for the difference between Zeir Anpin and Arich Anpin: It's like comparing a map of a geographical area to the actual area itself. For instance, a real river versus its symbol on a map, or the emotional attributes of a small child compared to those of an adult.