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Posted on April 24, 2015 By Rabbi Yaakov Feldman | Series: | Level:

Once we instigate a movement down below through our free will, a corresponding movement is instigated from up above in response downward 1.

It’s important to know, though, that G-d has set certain specific and appropriate mechanisms 2 in place when it comes to these two interactions 3 corresponding to G-d’s arcane and overarching plans and means of governance both in the here and now and in the future 4.

Footnotes:

1. This speaks to the reciprocal relationship between G-d and humankind: one acts and the other reacts in kind; without the actions of the first, the actions of the second are somehow less than ideal.

It also speaks to the idea of our being G-d’s “partners” in this world (see Shabbos 11a, 119b).

2. See Da’at Tevunot 126.

3. That’s to say that even loving reciprocal relationships follow rules which both participants must submit to. Given that G-d is one of the participants in the give-and-take discussed here, it follows that it’s His rules that are the ones needed to be taken into account, and that while G-d Himself so to speak “follows” (and initiates) the rules, man cannot help but follow them, too, despite his free will.

4. This addresses a major theme in Ramchal’s kabbalistic works that’s beyond our scope. Refer to Klach Pitchei Chochma 80 for a discussion of “Radlah” for example.


Rabbi Yaakov Feldman has translated and commented upon “The Gates of Repentance”, “The Path of the Just”, and “The Duties of the Heart” (Jason Aronson Publishers). His works are available in bookstores and in various locations on the Web.