Editing Seder Hishtalshelus (Chain of Descent) (section)

==== Ohr Ein Sof (Infinite Light) ====
The initial and highest stage in the order of Hishtalshelus is Ohr Ein Sof. This is the light that shone even before the creation of the worlds, and about it is written "before the world was created, there was only He and His name [=His light]." When speaking about Ohr Ein Sof as the beginning of the order of Hishtalshelus, it should be noted that even the ten sefirot are included in it, but in the form of the ten hidden sefirot, meaning - only potentially and in a concealed manner. This is because Ohr Ein Sof has qualities of actual infinity, and therefore doesn't divide at all and there is no place for different sefirot. In Chassidus, the metaphor for this is like a flint stone, which cannot be said to contain fire, but it has the potential to create fire.

At the level of Ohr Ein Sof, there are generally three levels: a. The highest - the essence of the light that doesn't relate to anything else external. This is Ohr Ein Sof as it is included in its source, before it shines and spreads. b. The spreading and revelation of the light, in a way that the light is above being clothed in and belonging to the worlds. This level is the root of the Ohr Sovev Kol Almin (Light that Surrounds All Worlds). c. The lowest - the spreading and revelation of light, in a way that gives place and possibility (in the most subtle way) for the existence of worlds and levels. This is the root of Ohr Memaleh Kol Almin (Light that Fills All Worlds).

At this level, everything is absolutely included in the Creator, and there is no possibility for any reality other than Him.