Editing Avodat HaBirurim - The Work of Refinement

'''Avodat HaBirurim''' is a concept in [[Chassidus]] relating to the work of refining the holy sparks that fell among the kelipot (shells of impurity). This work was placed upon the Jewish people throughout all generations in exile<ref>In 1992, the Rebbe declared that after all the avodah in golus, and especially through the avodah of our Rebbeim who revealed Toras HaChassidus - now the "avodas haberurim has been completed and finished," and our avodah in our time is a special avodah to bring the revelation into actual reality in the world, and to open our eyes to see the geulah (based on the sichos of Dvar Malchus - Shabbos Parshas Vayeitzei, Vayishlach, Vayeishev 1992, and more).</ref> and is mentioned many times in Chassidic teachings.

== The Nature of the Work ==
According to [[Kabbalah]], during the "breaking of the vessels," 288 divine sparks "fell" into this world and are scattered in everything - whether objects used by Jews or any creature.

During the Egyptian exile, 202 sparks were refined through work (corresponding to the number of the "mixed multitude" that left with them), and the remaining sparks were scattered throughout the world to be refined during the exile of Edom, which is the final exile before the building of the Third Temple.

When an object or creature has no revealed connection to holiness, it belongs to the "other side," the Sitra Achra. The Jew's role is to "refine" and elevate the divine spark hidden within the thing, to return it and elevate it to holiness, as the divine spark is meant for revelation, not to remain in a place where it is hidden and covered.

== Methods of Refinement ==
There are two ways of refining the kelipot, depending on their types:

[[Kelipat Nogah]] (the more subtle kelipah) - can be "refined" when using the specific thing properly, for holy purposes.

The three impure kelipot (which are more impure kelipot, including things forbidden for eating or benefit, impure animals, actions against God's will, etc.) - the divine spark hidden in this kelipah is "bound" to them with a strong connection, and "imprisoned" within them, therefore it cannot be elevated and "refined" except through rejection and distancing from it.

== Future Times ==
In the future redemption, there will also be a refinement in the world called "second refinement." Unlike its predecessor, the purpose of this refinement is not to separate evil from good, but rather as part of a higher order of influence (the world of Akudim, the inner dimension of Keter) that will be revealed then.

== Current Work ==
In a talk from Shabbat Parshat Vayishlach 5752 (1991), the Rebbe declared that "the work of refinements has been completed," and now the work is not the work of refinements - but rather "special work to bring about the revelation of Geulah in practice in the world."

[[Category:Concepts in Chassidus]]
[[he:עבודת הבירורים]]