However, with regard to the actual performance of the physical Mitzvos, such as tefillin, sukkah, and the mitzvah of giving tzedaka (charity), concerning which the verse states, (Yeshaya 32:17) “And the act of Tzedaka (will bring peace),” and similar physical Mitzvos, there is a difference.
The difference is that the physical performance of the mitzvos are a revelation of the Will of Hashem, which transcends the explanation and knowledge that derive from Chochma-Wisdom. This is because their source is from a much higher level than the source of the Torah. Therefore, they became invested specifically in physical matters, since their source cannot be grasped in understanding, but only in action.
As our Sages said, (see Zohar I, 26b) “For a wise person, a hint is sufficient.” This is because something very deep cannot be revealed in speech. It can only be expressed in a hint, such as showing a sign with a finger movement. Sometimes a concept can be expressed to with a hand signal much better than it could be related by speech.
So too, regarding physical Mitzvos: Their source in the Inner Will of Hashem, as it were, is so lofty and transcends understanding. Therefore, they cannot be revealed below in this world except through being invested specifically in physical things. This is due to the principle taught in Sefer Yetzira (1:7), that “the highest level is expressed specifically in the lowest level.”
This is the meaning of what we say in the Shema prayer, “And these words אֲש ֶרַׁאָּנֹכִיַׁ -that I (Hashem) ַׁךְ ו צְמ -command you ה י וֹםַׁ -today should be on your heart.”
Now, the entire passage of Krias Shema, which begins “ש ְמ עַׁיִש ְרָּאֵּל-teaching that a Jew should hear and understand,” is only about the contemplation of Hashem’s “Names.” The first two verses of Krias Shema speak about Hashem’s Names, Havayeh and Elokim: “ש ְׁמַע יִּש ְׁרָ אֵּל -A Jew should hear and understand that הוי' אֱלֹ -הֵּינו -Hashem, who is called Havayeh, is our Elokim (G-d), and that הוי' אֶחָד-Hashem as He is called Havayeh is the One and only existence, even of the physical heavens and earth.” The name Havayeh, means that He exists beyond time and space; He always was, He is, and He will be forever without change. The name Elokim refers to Hashem giving us life and power and watching over us in our daily lives. The meaning of ‘Havayeh is Elokeinu’ is that Hashem (as He expresses Himself in a Light that transcends time, space, and nature) comes down to be our life and strength and watch over us in our daily lives. We then declare that Havayeh is really the One true existence of the all the physical and spiritual worlds.
Through this contemplation, we come to fulfill the command to “love Hashem... with all of your heart.” We then reach the level of loving Hashem “with all of your might,” as mentioned above. This is the passionate yearning to become united with the Essence and Being of Hashem.
However, this connection with Hashem’s Essence is only possible through the fulfillment of Hashem’s Mitzvos, which are the Inner Will of Hashem. The “lowest level (action of Mitzvos) is connected to the highest level (Hashem’s Essence).”
