Chinuch Katan: Introduction to the philosophical treatise of CHABAD is entirely about the heart! Passions of Tzadik (joy); Passions of ordinary jew (from work); When spiritually down one reverts back to basic inspiration of childhood upbringing.

Introduction The Mitzva of Achdus Hashem isn’t (only) about G-D being one, but that the world isn’t separate (second) from Him. Three levels 1. Rambam- all the tools of creation are “as tools in the hand of a craftsman”; 2. Kabala- The faculties employed in creation are His lights (sfiros) that are one with Him...

Chapters 1-2. Constancy of creation. There are divine words that are manifest in each creation (individually and) constantly, to perpetuate their continued existence from nonexistence (G-Dliness). This requires a constant involvement of the Creator in His world.

Chapters 3-4. The truth of creation is (only) the divine words that (individually) sustain each being. “If G-D would open our eyes we would see that reality is nothing other than the divine words that sustain all”. We are what we think we are because He hides.

Chapters 4-5. Divine concealment is as G-Dly as His infinite power to create. Two ideas: 1. G-Dly concealment allows the worlds to feel themselves separate from Him (and in a position to serve Him); 2. G-Dly concealment is the essence of G-Dliness. Even the holiest men can’t see through this concealment.

INTRODUCTION to the following chapters. Kabala- two basic ideas 1. Ein Sof light; or- G-Dliness. It is a reflection of Him that (at least in theory can be perceived by “other”). 2. Adam Haelyon or the ten Sfiros (faculties). Though they are distinctive and various they are in fact One, based on the idea of...

Chapter 6. Achdus based on the unity of the Kochos (faculties) employed in creation. In Kabbala the Sfiros aren’t outside of Him but simply His lights. Thus, there is a unity among the Kochos called “Ihu Vechayohi Chad”. as a result of this unity Elokim can’t truly conceal over Havaya.

Chapter 7. The question of yedia (How can Hashem know something outside of himself). The Rambam’s resolution: He is the Know-er, the Knowledge, and the Known. This explains the unity of the Sfiros (explained in the last lesson); and on a (much) higher level it explains the position of Chassidus that the tzimtzum is not...

Chapter 7 (beginning). Yichuda Tata’a (“the Lower Unity”) says there is a world and that we exist sufficiently to be able (to choose) to serve Him. This is G-D’s will “I want to be a King” over lowly subjects.This is represented by the Possuk (Talmudic passege) “Boruch Sheim Kvod Malchuso L’olom Vaed”.

Chapter 7 begins and ends in a way that suggests that Hashem’s want from His world is dual: It should be one with Him and exist.

NOTE: This class which is meant to summarize chapters 8-12. is being put put up with hesitation. Rabbi Paltiel based this class on several Sichos (found in “The lessons in Tanya”), but he’s a bit unsure of the accuracy of this information. Please be advised.