Sefiras HaNetzach

The Sefira of Netzach is the 7th Sefira (from above) among the Ten Sefiros, and the fourth among the six Middos. Netzach is the first of the NHY Sefiros, which are "outside the body," and their purpose is to draw down the Mochin (ChaBaD) and Middos to the Sefira of Malchus.

Netzach is the first among the NHY Sefiros that are "outside the body," whose purpose is outward influence. Within NHY, Netzach stands on the right line and works together with the Sefira of Hod, its counterpart on the left line. The Sefiros of Netzach and Hod are inherently connected, working as one, and together they form "Trein Shokin" - the two legs that support the structure of the Sefiros.

Its Essence

The Sefira of Netzach represents dominion and leadership with superior ability to influence the environment, as well as the concept of 'eternity' - the persistence and continuity needed to accomplish the goal. Essentially, the Midda of Netzach is a branch of the Midda of Chesed. While Chesed expresses the flow of abundance and love, Netzach helps to direct this influence steadily and persistently, with a strong desire to guide others to become vessels for receiving this abundance, generally through pleasant and peaceful ways (these are the balancing messages from the Sefira of Hod).

The Midda of Netzach, like the Midda of Hod, is rooted in the essence of the soul and beyond that in the essence of Hashem. Therefore, a person guided by this Midda is ready to give everything they have and even sacrifice their life to 'win.'

After victory in war, when all that opposes Elokus will be defeated and turned to nothing like a broken earthen vessel, the power of the victor will be revealed - revealing that Hakadosh Baruch Hu is the only existence. As it is written regarding earthen vessels, "their breaking is their fixing," causing the world to become refined and purified, worthy of being a dwelling place for Hakadosh Baruch Hu, which is what He desired.

When the Midda of Netzach unites with the Midda of Gevurah, which represents self-control, justice, criticism, and primarily Yiras Shamayim, then every action stemming from Gevurah - constructive criticism, educational discipline, etc. - is done with consistent persistence and great effectiveness. This is the Midda of Netzach within Gevurah.

When a person forces the Midda of Netzach from its holy side to the Sitra Achra, even if they are a tzaddik and talmid chacham, they fall hard. This happened to Rabbi Akiva's students, who didn't treat each other with respect. The Rebbe explained that clearly Rabbi Akiva taught his students the concept of Ahavas Yisrael, yet precisely from this Ahavas Yisrael they tried to force their opinions on their friends, using the Midda of Netzach negatively and in unacceptable ways. This was their bitter sin, and therefore they were punished comprehensively.

According to the Tanya, a person can use the Midda of Netzach within Gevurah in a sharp and rigid way only towards themselves (as it is said "Who is mighty? One who conquers their inclination"). When one realizes they have become completely distant from Hashem and their heart has become like a heart of stone that doesn't open at all to serving Hashem, then they need to lead themselves with contempt and disgust (in their own eyes), to crush and humble and disgrace their physical materiality to the very dust, and do this even loudly (with themselves). However, with others, they must conduct all the beautiful Middos they can and influence their environment with maximum goodness and pleasantness, through understanding and explanation in a universally acceptable way, directing their persistence to reflect a good personal example towards others.

Thus, the two meanings of the Midda of Netzach - victory and eternity - are connected and dependent on each other. First, a person needs to remove anything that might interfere with their connection to others, so that others will be receptive and listening even to criticism coming from the Midda of Gevurah, while ensuring that the connection with others continues persistently, giving a good chance that others will become proper vessels for receiving the abundance given to them.

Netzach and Hod

Netzach is closely connected to the Sefira of Hod, as these two Sefiros are compared in Pasach Eliyahu to "Trein Shokin." These Sefiros are also called "Klayos Yoatzos" which advise how the influence from the Sefira of Yesod should flow.

Its Place in the System of Sefiros

The Sefira of Netzach continues the right line as an extension of the Sefira of Chochma and the Sefira of Chesed.