Nugget #19 – Sefirot

Within the TNK there are literally 10 root “Forces” that are identifiable. “Elohim” is composed of these root “Forces”. These “Forces” are named according to their attribute or, sometimes called quality. From this point on attribute and quality will be used interchangeably.

Note I did not say, “Attributes” or “Qualities”, for these are root attributes or qualities expressed within creation. To illustrate: If I was to say, “Actors.” We would immediately think of our favorite actors and actresses. Our thoughts would be on many actors not on the source of actors. So by keeping the singular we are speaking of the source, the root of each attribute.

I am sure some are thinking that the source or root of these roots is the Creator. Yes that is correct.

Collectively, these attributes are called Sefirot in Kabbalist circles.

Ask yourself: How many 10 of something do we see in the Torah?

Nugget #18 – Elohim and YHVH

Here we will compare “Elohim” and “YHVH” to each other. They are not opposites nor detached; rather they are THE model of cooperative attributes the Creator has imbued into creation for the purpose of sustaining creation.

“Elohim” is the attribute of power and “forces” that enforce the Creator’s will. Creation is forced into existence similar to a mother giving birth to a child. Out of the unlimited forces and unlimited possibilities that creation could have been configured, the Creator chose a limited number of attributes to carve out only one configuration of creation. Of course we are familiar with creation we inhabit. “Elohim” limited possibilities in accordance to the will of the Creator to this one configuration of creation.

“YHVH” is the attribute of balance, harmony, peace, and integration. It is all about the proper order of things. Think of a company of soldiers. Without each member of the company knowing their proper role and position, the company would be in disarray and ineffective. The soldiers are likened to “Elohim”, and “YHVH” is each soldier in their proper role and place in the team. It gives focus and direction to the team as well as increasing it effectiveness. So too “YHVH” defines our role and place, via intent and desire, that we are to take on.

Ask yourself: In the TNK. What does “YHVH our Elohim” mean? What does “YHVH Elohim” mean?

Nugget #17 – YHVH, Relationship

Today we are looking at “YHVH”.  Again volumes can be written on this name just as with “Elohim”.  “YHVH” is translated as “LORD”. Many TNK/Bible versions will have this name in caps to distinguish it from other words that are translated into “lord” or “Lord”.  Often the introduction will let you know if this convention is used.

The first occurrence of “YHVH” is found in Genesis 2 for a total of 11 times.  The context of the chapter gives us clues to what “YHVH’s” role and meaning is.  The entire chapter is about relationships, In particular with the human being, though not limited to that end.  “YHVH” is a close relationship with the Creator, which is accomplished by equivalency of form as covered in previous Nuggets.  “YHVH” is descriptive of a proper state, and condition of that relationship between us and the Creator.

“YHVH” draws man near to the Creator.  It is about the alignment of our will with the Creator’s will.  When we align our desires with the Creator’s desires we draw nearer (See Nugget #9).  “YHVH” is the embodiment of the intent and desire of the Creator that is kept before us and we are to connect to it by taking on and becoming that intent and desire.

Ask yourself: Is it appropriate to refer to our Creator as “LORD” or “YHVH”?  If we do, would that be idolatry?

Nugget #16 – Elohim, Forces

In the previous Nuggets we found “YHVH our Elohim” being mentioned.  Please forget the English translations for these names which is typically “the LORD our GOD”.  This translation actually confuses what is being said.   As stated already, volumes can be written on this and in fact the Zohar’s core is established on the subject of the names as well.  We will just cover the basics that apply to our study.

Let’s look at Elohim this time around.   Elohim is plural and means “Forces”.  Most of the time we find this translated as “God” in our English translations.  There are other words that translators use “God” for.  When reading the TNK and you encounter “God” try replacing “God” with “Forces”.  For instance Genesis 1:1 should say, “In the beginning, the Forces created the heavens and the earth.”  These forces have no consciousness and are guided by the Creator.  They are like our own fingers.  Our fingers are not conscious and cannot act on their own will.  They are guided by the mind just as the Creator guides the forces (fingers). 

Exodus 8:19a Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh: 'This is the finger of God';

This takes place during the plagues for the freedom of Israel.  The magicians are so overwhelmed by the Creator’s sheer force of will that they literally use the phrase “finger of G-d” in their explanation, for their failure, to Pharaoh.

So in reality these “Forces” are simply tools used by the Creator to create creation.  Thus Genesis 1:1, which is supported by the Hebrew, can say, “IT (the Creator) created the forces that created the heavens and the earth.”

So we can see that Elohim is simply a reference to the forces the Creator utilized in creation and is embodied within creation to sustain it.  It is not a reference to the Creator directly.

Ask yourself: Is it appropriate to use “God”, “Forces”, or “Elohim” in reference to our Creator?  If we do, would that be idolatry?

Nugget #15

Deuteronomy 19:18b, “You are to love your neighbor as yourself for I am YHVH.”

In the previous Nuggets we found that love is a giving action not a taking action. In our culture we can easily say, “Give me some love”. However, in Hebrew (Ahavah) love is about giving not receiving. So to love our neighbor is to give to our neighbor. Could we image a world where we give to our neighbors and our neighbors gives to us? We are not just speaking of giving but rather doing for the betterment of all. All working towards a greater good, based upon taking on a role of bestowal by taking on the desire of the Creator as our own. Our neighbor is to be treated as though they are us for in reality they are.

Note that the reason to do this is “for I am YHVH”. This is an interesting comment! Volumes could be written on this name. However, it will suffice to simply realize that the verse is saying that by performing this command we take on equivalence of form of YHVH.

Ask yourself: What else can YHVH mean? In what ways can we give to others that we currently don’t do?

Nugget #14

Deuteronomy 6:4, “Love YHVH your Elohim with all of our heart, all of our soul, and all of our might.”

This is one of two passages considered to be the core of the Torah.  This verse is speaking of our relationship with the Creator.  We are to love, which means we are to give.  Our ego is to be transformed from self-centered receiving to an altruistic giving, which is the same nature as the Creator. We are to give over our heart to the Creator’s desire, meaning taking on the Creator’s desires as our own.  The heart is the sum total of our desires.

The Hebrew word for soul, used here, is the lowest level of the soul.  This is where our soul interfaces with and is compromised through the influence of the world.  This soul is also to be turned over to the desire of the Creator.

Finally, with all our might, our actions should be those for the betterment of the Creator via advancement of the Creator’s desire within our world.  Our actions are to reflect our changed nature.

When we apply this verse we start experiencing the equivalence of form.

Ask yourself: Why do we sometimes see “YHVH our Elohim” and other times we only find “YHVH” or “Elohim”?

Nugget #13 – Altruism

We all know what the ego is and how it is self-centered. This ego causes the ills of the world. If we can capture it and control it for the betterment of the Creator, with the Creator’s help, the world would be transformed.

The opposite of the ego is altruism. This is our goal. Altruism is what we are to toil for. We see this exemplified within the Torah, in two specific passages.

Deuteronomy 6:4, “Love YHVH your Elohim with all of our heart, all of our soul, and all of our might."

Deuteronomy 19:18b, “You are to love your neighbor as yourself for I am YHVH.”

We will comment more on these verses in future postings. In the meantime we can see that the Torah is really about community, altruism, and unity. However we are not speaking in the modern sense where compromise, exploit without another’s knowledge, and coercion is applied, for these are tools of the ego. It is the relinquishing of the control of the ego to altruism. It is transforming from selfish motives to selfless motives. Meaning we should work just as hard at altruistic activities as we did for selfish activities.

Ask yourself: Can we, simply by following Torah and/or Judaic practices, expect the ego to transform into selflessness?

Nugget #12

In Ezekiel 28:12-18 we find what Christians use as a proof text for personifying Satan as an anti-G-d god. Read just the first verse with the understanding of the last few Nuggets for “son of man”. Remember the King of Egypt (Pharaoh) is viewed as the epitome of the ego. Foreign kings are used in this way, as an embodiment of the ego. Notice the King of Tyre is used as the symbol for the ego. Now reread the text.

Does this passage speak differently to you now?

Nugget #11

In previous Nuggets we talked about “equivalence of form” and how our nature is opposed to that. Remember Nuggets #7 and #8 we spoke about the ego?

It is a good idea to make the association between the “equivalence of form”, ego and HaSatan. In our culture we are taught that Satan is an entity, which is opposed to the nature of the Creator, while man is caught in between. We are the battleground according to this myth! We need to choose G-d and live eternally or Satan and be eternally damned for allying with the wrong side. But is this truly the case?

Satan is essentially an opposite of the Creator’s form and purpose. Who does that sound like? It is the “son of man”. It is our nature being described. Thus, we are HaSatan, the adversary. It is not an anti-G-d god that has powers and the ability to cast spells over man. The task is for us to give up that opposing nature and transform it to “equivalence of form.” By doing this, eventually, HaSatan will not exist since no one will be practicing this opposing nature. Our ego will be blessing our Creator rather than itself.

So can we say, we create our own heaven and hell?

Nugget #10 – Equivalence of Form

In the last Nugget we talked about “drawing near” to the Creator. We learned that by taking on the qualities of the Creator and fall in-line with the Creator’s purpose we would draw closer. The idea is to continually take on more of the Creator’s qualities until we reach a point called “equivalence of form”. At this point we will be the same as the Creator in purpose and quality.

We are opposites in nature to the Creator. Our qualities are inherently opposed to the Creator. We are receivers while the Creator is a giver. We are individualistic while the Creator is altruistic. Our task is to transition from that opposite nature to “equivalence of form”. This takes generations and is a step-by-step process. The TNK actually has two names in relations to this. When a person is in “equivalence of form” that person is called “son of G-d” while the opposite nature is called “son of man”.

Ask yourself: So what role does Torah play and how should it be implemented into our lives to facilitate “equivalence of form”? How can the Torah change our nature or can it?

Nugget #9 – Near and Far

The meaning of near and far depends on whether we are speaking of physical space or the spiritual dimension. We see the phrase “draw near” as onto G-d in the TNK. What is being spoken of? Are we speaking of 3-dimensional space or are we speaking about spiritual concerns? Being that G-d is the “location” we have to conclude it is not a physical location?

For instance if we were to take a pencil and a glass and place them near each other we can say they are near even though their structure, purpose, and function are divergent. So within physical space, being near, simply means objects are in closer proximity to each other. Two friends that share a common passion or interest are drawn close to each other even if they are not in the same room, town, state, or country.

G-d is not limited to a location in space. So how do we “draw near”? We “draw near” by becoming G-d like via becoming similar in quality and purpose. When we take on the qualities of the Creator, we do this to accomplish His purpose, our original ultimate purpose.

The title “Son of G-d”, which we find in the TNK, is speaking of this. We are not speaking of having a physical descendant of G-d.

Ask yourself: Does this change our perspective on worship? What attributes are we to take on?

Nugget #8

The ego goes by a few names.   They are Yitzer HaRa, Serpent, and HaSatan.

The Yitzer HaRa is Hebrew for the Evil Inclination.  This is the part of us that wishes to do according to its own will not the Creator’s will.  We find that Jacob wrestled to force it to bless him, which means to follow the Creator’s will though Jacob.  Thus the evil inclination is meant to bless through proper control.  This is a true Israelite not through a bloodline.

The Serpent is revealed in the Garden of Eden.  The Serpent’s role was to bring us to a new awareness through contrast.  It brings an understanding of good and evil.  It opened up the freedom of choice that did not exist before.

HaSatan, which means “the adversary”, is not a demon with a pitchfork.  It is simply a force that permits us to have a range of choices, which we call “freedom of choice”.  However, ultimately it is us who are HaSatan for that force is within us.  We choose to resist the correct decisions we know we should make.

These titles are simply expressions of our possible decisions and the decisions we make.  They are not spirits looking to set us up for punishment and damnation.  These are for fairytales. 

Nugget #7

In the last post we spoke about contrast being the key to our learning. This learning is meant to being an awareness to recognize the need to correct the ego by controlling and harnessing it. Please note that I am not implying that this effort is squarely on our shoulders. We are learning that we need the Creator’s help in this mission as well. Through the Creator’s help we can gain the upper hand. When the Creator is not reigning the ego reigns. We were given the ego and through the Creator’s help the ego will be corrected. Again, the presence of the ego teaches us we need help.

The ego helps us to experience and learn about self. For example, we can learn how others feel when we experience another’s ego at our expense?

One of the ego’s ultimate roles is to take part in an altruistic community by identifying and preserving the individual’s unique role in the community. The ego helps us to discover and preserve our unique purpose that can be plugged into the community for the betterment of the community.

Something to note: Pharaoh is viewed as THE self-serving ego and Moshe is THE altruistic servant of G-d. Contemplate that for a while. Jacob’s wrestling is believed to be with the ego. What did he do? He forces it to bless him meaning to serve the Creator, which is the proper role of the ego.