End of the Ma’amar. When the Yidden went through that Golus they opened themselves up to seeing G-d in the world in the miracles of Yetzias Mitzrayim and in the miracles going into Eretz Yisroel.

The extent to which it is true that whether something is or isn’t Avoda Zara depends on whether it connects or separates. Example: the Keruvim according to the RaMbaN. Every rule has exceptions except Avoda Zara and it really comes down to whether it is connected or separated. Dor Haflaga separated between Elokus and Adna-i…

The Rebbe’s Sicha (Lkutei Sichos vol. 20 Parshas Noach (page 13)) about the first chapter of the RaMbaM’s Hilchos Avoda Zara and the story of idol worship. The issue is if the intermediates are one with Him or independent in any way. Examples: Shlomo’s book of Refua and the Serpent Chizkiyahu melted down. The question…

Four philosophies: אחדות שיתוף עבודה זרה וכפירה. אחדות There is no power other than Him, no one but He has any power, and on the higher level, nothing but Him actually exists. שיתוף There is One G-d who is in charge but there are other forces with independent power and free will; who LISTEN TO…

Parnasa (1). The unique combination of making a vessel and remembering G-d makes the balance of faith vs. effort (for most people) a challenge. Too much vessel is called “Idol-worship in purity”. This then is the challenge to see Havaya through Elokim and not let the garment (Elokim) become G-d (Havaya).

Nisyonos (2). 3) Teshuva heals even the involvement in the three completely evil Klipos, lifting them up because they cause the pain that creates the impetus for the Teshuva. 4) Nisyonos- impossible tests from darkness that have no reality (on the one hand) and are impossible to overcome within nature (on the other). In this…

Nisyonos (1). There are four levels: 1) Yichudim, bringing G-dliness down into vessels through Yichudim (Mimalei Kol Almin). 2) Birurim, sparks from Noga are separated and uplifted.

Nimshal for third answer (4). Ultimately, since Hashem is revealing and not hiding we can know the Ein Sof itself. Introduction to the second half of the Ma’amar, what is the meaning of knowing Ein Sof completely. Teva isn’t a blockage. Two examples. From This point on (until the end of the Ma’amar) the classes…

Nimshal for third answer (3). The Ein Sof isn’t hidden it’s just delivered in a receivable manner.

Nimshal for third answer (2). The Tzimtzum isn’t real to the Mashpia so it’s not real for the Mikabel. Havaya has three meanings: 1) Atzmus, 2) Ein Sof, 3) Mihaveh (Creator). The third Havaya is using Elokim to create, but the creation (as understood in THIS Ma’amar) is attributable to Havaya (only through Elokim).