An overview of a ma’amar that presents the Chabad Chassidic interpretation of the story of Elisha and the widow of Ovadia ha Navi found in the Haftorah on Parshas Vayeira (II Melachim, Chapter 4). The origins of this famous maamar¹ are discussed and the content is summarized in a short inspiring shiur. Intermediate level but accessible to motivated beginners (a quick review of the story at the above link will help to understand the shiur). 1. Source: “Ve’isha Achas”, Sefer HaMaamarim Melukat, Vol. IV, pp. 45-46, 5746. New Version from Beis Midrash Linashim (5772/2012).
New version
Class One. Two levels of Bittul, the first is based on reason, that means ‘koach hagevul’; the second is Bittul with complete abandon (hefker). These two levels correspond to the two interpretations of ‘ViAt UBanayich Tichyi BaNosar’. The Neshama in this world loses touch with its’ source and falls back on its’ Yechida. This is revealed either through 1) Mitzvos with Kabalas Ol (reasonable mesiras nefesh) or 2) Brokenness (the higher level of Mesiras Nefesh).
Class One.
Class Two. The second half of the Maamar VeIsha Achas is the Maamar Ki Hamitzva from 5673, which addresses the idea of Mitzva as being both 1) all the Mitzvos and 2) specifically Teshuva. The levels of Niflais and Richoka and even what is beyond those levels (as Torah and Teshuva are by themselves in Him) are all available to a Yid because of ‘Mimecha’- what we were given at Har Sinai from Anochi 1) as it manifests in Havaya Elokecha (Mitzvos) and as it is by itself (Teshuva). All this is available to a Yid. This explains the two ideas in “Kailim Raikim al tamiti” [1) Mitzvos 2) Merirus which we now learn means Teshuva] of the first half of the Maamar. It also explains how it is possible that “ViAt uBunayich tichyi banosar”- the makif can become life itself.
