Summary of Chapter 1 of the Maamar
Q1 The month of Elul is represented by the verse “אֲנִי לְדוֹדִי וְדוֹדִי לִי,” which is an acronym for the word Elul-אֱלוּל. The same verse in Shir Hashirim also says that Hashem nourishes us with “roses.” What is the connection?
A1 The “roses” here refer to 13 petal roses, which represent Hashem's 13 Attributes of Mercy, and, starting in Elul (until Yom Kippur) these 13 Attributes are revealed to us.
Q2 How do we see Hashem’s mercy expressed in Elul? During the time between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur we need Hashem’s mercy to judge us favorably and forgive our sins, but in the month of Elul no judgment is being made, so, in what way do we see Hashem’s mercy?
A2 Later in the maamar, the Alter Rebbe will answer that Hashem’s mercy is expressed in giving us the power to do Teshuva. But first, he explains the idea of Teshuva, in general. To understand the greatness of Teshuva, he first explains the difference between Torah study and Mitzva observance. The difference between Mitzvos and Torah corresponds to the difference between Hashem’s “encompassing Light” and His “internalized Light.”
Q3 What is the difference between the verse, “I fill the heavens and earth,” and the verse, “The whole earth is full of His glory?”
A3 The first verse is describing how Hashem’s encompassing Light equally fills the heavens and the earth without any distinction, just like Hashem is equally found everywhere. The second verse is describing the Light of Hashem that varies according to the capacity of every individual creation, giving it its particular existence and life. This Light provides a perception of the glory and greatness of Hashem on a level that each being can understand according to its capacity. (Whereas, the encompassing Light doesn’t directly reveal Hashem’s glory since it is above our perception).
Q4 What is the advantage of Torah study over Mitzva performance, and the advantage of Mitzva performance over Torah study?
A4 The advantage of Torah study is that it comes down into our understanding and feeling, and becomes “food” for the Divine soul, nourishing it in an internalized way. This is because it comes from Hashem’s Light that becomes revealed and internalized to each creature and person individually. The advantage of the Mitzvos is that they connect us to Hashem’s encompassing Light, which is beyond all limitations, and they become the “garments” for the Divine soul, allowing it to connect to the infinite greatness of Hashem. However, the Torah study has an additional advantage, that even the Mitzvos need the Torah study to reveal the connection to Hashem that they accomplish.
