Gap between the contact of one scale of the fin and the next. Kosher slaughter requires one continuous motion of the blade, thus, the gap between the serrated edges of the fins would constitute an interruption in the motion.
Nevertheless, in the future, we will understand why it must be this way.
Because the idea of this slaughter is to elevate the Shor HaBar to the greatest heights, by means of the Livyason, which can elevate it using its fins. Therefore, this interruption caused during the slaughter is necessary, since it is impossible to elevate the Shor HaBar all at once.
The reason for this is that, as is known, there are various supernal chambers (the chamber of merit, the chamber of desire, etc.). It is impossible to do each elevation through each chamber all at once. Rather, there must be a pause in between one chamber and the next.
In Kabalah it explains how our prayers ascend to Heaven through various “chambers,” which are spiritual levels. The order of our daily prayers is corresponding to those levels. Each level requires its own “integration,” to be fully present in each level before ascending to a different, higher level.
Stages of Elevation in Prayer and Holiness
Therefore, the prayers cannot be done at all once, rather each part of prayer requires its own “pause” before proceeding to the next section. This allows the prayers to ascend through all of the chambers, one chamber at a time.
There is a difference between elevating something from unholiness to holiness, and elevating one level of holiness to a higher level of holiness: Elevating something from unholiness to holiness, like a cow that is from Kelipas Noga, into holiness, like making it kosher for a Jew to eat, must be done at one time. The shechita process must be done without any gaps or interruptions. This is because leaving unholiness must be done in a way of “jumping.” This is similar to when the Jews left Egypt they were rushed out without time for the dough to rise. Since they were leaving unholiness and entering holiness, it couldn’t be done halfway.
However, in holiness itself, to go up from one level to another must by done in stages, it cannot be done all at one time. This is similar to what it says about the Future Era “you will not go in rushed manner.” We will go from one level of holiness to the next in an orderly progression, not jumping to do the whole thing at once.
Thus, the shechita of the Shor HaBar must be done with “gaps” and interruptions. This is because the Shor HaBar is level in holiness already, and the shechita is to elevate it to an even higher level of holiness. This is why it cannot be done all at once.
The Mutual Elevation of Shor HaBar and Livyason
At the same time, the Shor HaBar will also elevate the Livyason by piercing it with its “horns.”
In a different version of this maamar (Maamarei Admur HaZakein on Maamar Razal, page 151), the Alter Rebbe explains the idea of the “horns.” The horns grow on top of the head, similar to how a crown goes on top of a person’s head. This represents a level even higher than intellect, the essential will-power and power of enjoyment which is deeper in the person than intellect.
In terms of Hashem’s revelations, this is called “Keser-Crown,” and refers to levels that are higher than Atzilus, where Hashem’s “intellect and emotions,” as it were, are expressed.
The revealed Tzadikim are involved with transforming the physical into something holy. Through this, they elevate the “sparks of Holiness” from the level of Tohu that were trapped in those physical things. The Light of Tohu is above and beyond the level of Atzilus, is called in this context the “Keser-Crown.” The revealed Tzadikim reveal the lofty Lights of Tohu through their transformation of physicality into holiness. Because of this, they have an advantage over the hidden Tzadikim, whose service is primarily connected with the level of Atzilus.
This is the idea of the “horns of the Shor HaBar”: The horns represent the crown, which is above intellect, and refers to the Lights of Tohu drawn down through the revealed Tzadikim, who are called “Shor-Ox HaBar-who is refined and transformed.” With these Lights of Tohu, referred to as “horns,” they will elevate the hidden the Tzadikim, by connecting them to the level of Tohu that is higher than Atzilus.
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