R. Moshe Chaim Luzzatto · Amsterdam, c. 1735–4518 teachings
דרך ה׳Derech Hashem.
Why would a perfect God create at all? So a creature could earn His good,
and every law, prayer and season draws it nearer to His light.
The Creator and the Purpose of Creation
6
- Iמציאות פשוט בלי הרכבהThe Simple OneWise, willing, able, and yet one undivided light.
- IIלהטיב מטובו לזולתוThe Good Bestows Its GoodPerfect goodness can only give itself.
- IIIבעל הטובOwning the GoodA gift becomes yours only when you have earned it.
- IVמורכב מב׳ הפכיםBody and Soul at WarWhen the soul wins, it carries the body with it.
- Vזמן העבודה וזמן קיבול השכרTwo Times: Work, RewardThe labor is measured; the delight has no end.
- VIכטבעות השלשלתRoots Above, Branches BelowEverything descends, except what a person chooses.
Providence
4
- VIIפקודתו ומשאו בעולם הזהEach Person's AssignmentWealth and want alike are questions put to you.
- VIIIאילן מעולה ויקרRoots, Branches and AbrahamWhen the time of roots closed, one tree stood tall.
- IXשר האילנותAngels at Their PostsEvery power holds its post until the word moves it.
- Xמלכותא דרקיעא כעין מלכותא דארעאThe Heavenly CourtEach judge sees one facet; together they see it all.
The Soul, Inspiration and Prophecy
4
- XIנפש רוח נשמה חיה יחידהThe Chain of the SoulFive rings of one soul, the highest tied above.
- XIIענין החלוםWhat Rises in SleepAt night the soul climbs while the body sleeps.
- XIIIהשכלה הנשפעתBestowed UnderstandingSome knowledge is climbed; some is given.
- XIVאספקלריא מצוחצחתProphecy Through LensesMany clouded mirrors, or one polished glass.
Divine Service
4
- XVהשפעה א׳ עליונה מכל ההשפעותDrawing the Highest LightSpeak the words and the light comes down.
- XVIיחודו וקבלת עול מלכותוThe Shema: Witnessing the OneWhere His unity is spoken, the dark gives way.
- XVIIיתעוררו הם אליוPrayer as ArousalReach upward and the channel opens.
- XVIIIיאיר אור מעין האור הראשוןThe Light ReturnsEach year the old light rises at its hour.