This Maamar deals primarily with the question of why Hashem created the world. It concludes that the only absolute explanation is ''Dira Bitachtonim''. NOTE: Some of the classes on this Maamar were given in 5767. The flow may appear a bit bumpy. I did it because some of the classes are missing from 5768.

This Maamar introduces us to three basic levels 1) Atzmus 2) Sovev 3) Mimalei. Many different illustrations will be given for these three over the next few Maamarim.

NOTE: The last shiur on this Maamar has the beginning of the next (Lech Lecha) in it also.

NOTE: The last class on the previous Maamar (Noach) includes the first shiur of this Maamar also. In the middle of this maamar begins the classic sugia of Taanug and Ratzon. The question is: which is ultimately higher in the Nefesh- taanug or Ratzon. The final conclusion is that the deepest level is a Taanug that is entirely inaccessible. Thus, as a practical Matter Ratzon is the highest idea. In Avoda this means that one reaches Atzmus mamosh only through Mitzvos, and not through Torah. This conclusion begins to change in the Maamar of Chayey sara (VeAvrohom Zakein).

NOTE: This Maamar opens the sugia of Torah. Until this point the Rebbe RASHAB has suggested that ''Atzmus'' is available through Mitzvos with Kabbalas Ol only. This is about to change because of the Zohar that says: ''Man Dedayaik bMili deChukmesa''. Through Torah one can also reach ''Atzmus''. The next four Maamarim will discuss Torah directly then the Rebbe will diverge, returning to this subject much later in the hemshech.

NOTE: This Maamar concludes that Torah can only reach the helem ha'atzmi of chochma, not atzmus mamosh. [Only through Teshuva can ATZMUS be reached]. But this will change much later on in the Hemshech (Noach 5667).

NOTE: This Maamar (which is quite unusual and interesting) begins the discussion of Ratzui veShov. The structure of this Maamar in particular is 1) The mind (Ratzui) and heart (Shov) 2) Aish (Ratzui) and Ruach (Shov). Accordingly we will discover that Ruach (wind) is higher than Aish (fire).

NOTE: This Maamar begins the discussion of Ratzui veShov.

NOTE: This Maamar I didn't teach in 5768. For convenience I included the shiurim I gave in an earlier cycle of classes, [they also appear in the other series of classes that are on the site]..

NOTE: This Maamar deals with Shov. It is quite deep and subtle.

NOTE: This Maamar and the next (Vayolech Hashem) are text based (I read all of it inside). This slows down the pace considerably. (The end Of) This Maamar marks the beginning of the hemshech Hachodesh that is so popular among the bochurim. The essence of the discussion is about Atzilus- the idea that something other (ZULAS) can know and experience Ein Sof light.

This Maamar discusses (in part) the sugia of Ohr and Shefa as a means of explaining Ohr Ein Sof.

Ki Savou ...Vshuvsa 5666 NOTE: This Maamar was taught at the end of one school year and repeated at the beginning of another. Consequently there is some repetition. classes 182-183 are repeated again in the subsequent classes. I left them in because each class has a different feel.

NOTE: The last shiur in the previous maamar (Ki Merosh Tzurim) is the beginning of this Maamar.

VaHashem Amar Hamichase Ani... 5667.

This Ma'amar opens up the last great chapter of the Hemshech Samach Vov. So much has been said about "Dira BiTachtonim, now the issue is Neshamos Yisroel. How do Neshamos gain from making His Dira? The answer: Yerida Tzorech Aliya. The aliya from the level from Garmohi (Keilim) to Chayohi (Oros).

The Rebbe RaSahB wrote a conclusion to this monumental hemshech which he did not say. It brings the hemshech full circle answering the questions asked on the very first page of the Samach Vov.