Safra Det'zniuta: Chapter 5

Fifth Chapter

Synopsis

Rabbi Shimon begins by explaining the seven levels, that culminate in the souls of Adam and Eve outside of Atzilut. Zeir Anpin concealed His face from them because of their sin of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. After this we read about the verses in Beresheet that tell of the creation of the heavens and the earth, the firmament and the waters. The part played by various letters and the significant numerology are explored as well. Rabbi Shimon turns to the question of the Nefilim, speaking about those who fell from the grades of Atzilut. When Solomon came he corrected those who were not holy with his wisdom. The text now reviews the main points spoken of in all the five chapters, the characteristics of the beard and skull of Arich Anpin in particular, with emphasis on the numbers thirteen, nine and seven. We read that Malchut shelters under the shade of Yesod of Zeir Anpin, that rules over the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. He who does good walks among the seven pillars (the lower seven Sfirot) and merits the four living creatures - Lion, Ox, Eagle and Man. Rabbi Shimon speaks about the Angel Metatron who was Enoch, and then about the courts of law - four above and four below. He tells us that there are different kinds of judgment, some more harsh and some less harsh. The last section here speaks about "And it came to pass when men began to multiply on the face of the earth"; we learn that "men" alludes to supernal man, namely Moses. Various references are made to "horn," one that is used for anointing and one, the horn of Jubilee, the first Hei of Yud Hei Vav Hei, that blows the breath of life into everything.

When the first Hei appears to the lower Hei, namely Binah to Malchut, then the name is considered full, Adonai Elohim. And when it becomes perfect, in the future to come, then "Hashem alone shall be exalted on that day."