Idra Raba: Chapter 41

The form of man

Synopsis

Rabbi Shimon begins by saying that the Atik of Atikin and Zeir Anpin are really all one; time has no meaning in this context. Really there is no change from compassion to justice, for example, it is just that it was established with these Corrections (formations) for the sake of the lower ones. The Atika Kadisha established His own Corrections (formations) and the Corrections (formations) of Zeir Anpin in the image and structure of the form of man. Rabbi Shimon says that when Hashem Elohim formed man he made a form within a form, meaning the highest form called man that is comprised of both male and female. He talks about the breath of life and how the man became a living soul.