Editing Atzmus U'Mahus (section)

== Terminology ==
The reason for this terminology will be understood by first explaining what is taught in Chassidus, that every concept and existence within the order of Hishtalshelus (chain of spiritual worlds) has a 'geder' (limitation), a specific definition by which they are defined. For example, a physical object is defined and limited to a specific place, specific time, and specific form. This definition expresses the lack of true authenticity of the physical object, because 'truth' means something 'correct', and untruth, falsehood, means something incorrect. Therefore: when dealing with something defined - its definition expresses its lack of correctness, since its existence is contingent and correct only within certain limitations.

In contrast, when speaking about the Holy One, blessed be He, His Essence, which is beyond all limitation and definition, it is said "Hashem Elokim Emes" (G-d is Truth) and regarding this the Rambam states that there is no truth like His truth. It is explained that there can be a true existence that is not truth in its ultimate sense, as explained above. A physical object's existence is indeed correct, but only from a superficial perspective. From a deeper perspective - it is not truth, it is correct only in a specific state and situation.

This quality of the Holy One, blessed be He, if one can call it a "quality" - is called "abstraction." This is the meaning of something 'abstract', like a person abstracted from clothing, this name expresses abstraction from any limitations and definitions whatsoever. This is the meaning of the concept 'essence'. An essential thing means it is the essence of the thing, not as it relates to something else, without specific limitations. This is, in brief and concisely, the explanation of the word "Atzmus."

The existence of the Creator is the first existence in the world ("kadmon" - primordial) and no type of existence preceded Him. Therefore, His existence is also necessary from Himself and not from any external factor. Unlike other creations, which may exist or may not ("possible existence"), the existence of the Creator is necessary from Himself ("obligated existence").

Regarding the essence and being of the Creator, it is said "I, Havaya, have not changed," meaning that just as He, blessed be He, exists in the higher realms, so does He exist equally in the lower realms. Regarding His essence and being, all revelations in the worlds, even in the Ohr Ein Sof (Infinite Light) before the Tzimtzum (contraction), do not take up any space, G-d forbid, not even like the value of a drop from the ocean compared to the entire ocean. For a drop from the ocean has some value in relation to the great sea, since both are water and the difference between them is in quantity, but in quality they are equal. This is not the case regarding Him, blessed be He, and the worlds, there is absolutely no comparison, since it is about a completely different '''type''', one side of spirituality to the extent that even spirituality does not take up any space at all in relation to Him, blessed be He, and one side of physicality. Thus, besides the incomparability in quantity, there is also incomparability in quality; the type is completely different.

The caution with this term represents the ultimate heights in all matters relating to the abstraction of concepts in Kabbalah and Chassidus; there is no more abstract term than this. It is recounted that once the Mashpia Reb Zalman Moshe HaYitzchaki pressed one of the great Chabad Chassidim in Tel Aviv, Rabbi Moshe Gurary, to explain to him "what is Atzmus." He, of course, repeatedly argued that "Atzmus - it cannot be explained!" But he persistently urged him to nonetheless say something. Finally, he agreed and tried to explain. As soon as he opened his mouth, he slapped him in the face and said to him, "You want to explain what Atzmus is?!"...

This anecdote describes the classic conflict of the term; on one hand, the term has a certain meaning while at the same time it is also '''patently abstract'''.