Etzem HaNeshama (The Essence of the Soul): Difference between revisions
Created page with "Etzem HaNeshama (or Etzem HaNefesh, Mahut V'Atzmut HaNefesh) is the term used in Chassidic teachings to describe the deepest and most internal part of a Jewish soul, which is abstract from any power or characteristic. = Its Level = In the Tanya, the Alter Rebbe refers to the ten powers of the soul - the three intellectual faculties and seven emotional attributes - as "Mahut V'Atzmut HaNefesh" (the essence and being of the soul). However, in Likkutei Torah, he elaborate..." |
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Etzem HaNeshama (or Etzem HaNefesh, Mahut V'Atzmut HaNefesh) is the term used in Chassidic teachings to describe the deepest and most internal part of a Jewish soul, which is abstract from any power or characteristic. | Etzem HaNeshama (or Etzem HaNefesh, Mahut V'Atzmut HaNefesh) is the term used in Chassidic teachings to describe the deepest and most internal part of a Jewish soul, which is abstract from any power or characteristic. | ||
= Its Level = | == Its Level == | ||
In the Tanya, the Alter Rebbe refers to the ten powers of the soul - the three intellectual faculties and seven emotional attributes - as "Mahut V'Atzmut HaNefesh" (the essence and being of the soul). | In the Tanya, [[the Alter Rebbe]] refers to the ten powers of the soul - the three intellectual faculties and seven emotional attributes - as "Mahut V'Atzmut HaNefesh" (the essence and being of the soul). | ||
However, in Likkutei Torah, he elaborates further and explains that the ten powers, and even their source which is the Sefirah of Chochma, are merely vessels for the Etzem HaNefesh. The Etzem HaNefesh itself is "a portion of G-d that is not defined by ten aspects that have specific definitions, but rather is a simple light." | However, in Likkutei Torah, he elaborates further and explains that the ten powers, and even their source which is the Sefirah of Chochma, are merely vessels for the Etzem HaNefesh. The Etzem HaNefesh itself is "a portion of G-d that is not defined by ten aspects that have specific definitions, but rather is a simple light." | ||
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Etzem HaNeshama is the true existence of the soul as it is united with Hakadosh Baruch Hu (as the Zohar states, "Israel and Hakadosh Baruch Hu are completely one"). Therefore, the expression of Etzem HaNeshama is not necessarily in the movement of self-nullification and self-sacrifice (which are connected to the level of Yechida), but in the very existence of a Jew as he is. | Etzem HaNeshama is the true existence of the soul as it is united with Hakadosh Baruch Hu (as the Zohar states, "Israel and Hakadosh Baruch Hu are completely one"). Therefore, the expression of Etzem HaNeshama is not necessarily in the movement of self-nullification and self-sacrifice (which are connected to the level of Yechida), but in the very existence of a Jew as he is. | ||
= Its Expression = | == Its Expression == | ||
In a person's divine service, Etzem HaNeshama is expressed through Mesirus Nefesh (self-sacrifice), which expresses that his connection to Hakadosh Baruch Hu is embedded in his very existence. | In a person's divine service, Etzem HaNeshama is expressed through Mesirus Nefesh (self-sacrifice), which expresses that his connection to Hakadosh Baruch Hu is embedded in his very existence. | ||