Shabbos HaGadol: Body And Soul
For the ultimate intent is the establishment of a dwelling for G-d in this lowly material world. This is achieved through using the lowest powers we possess — performing mitzvos with the power of deed. Nevertheless, the completion of G-d’s dwelling comes about when a person observes the mitzvos with all his potentials.
On this basis, we can appreciate the reference to love and fear as “the ways of G-d.” The ultimate purpose is the actual observance of the mitzvos; this is what establishes a connection to G-d’s essence. But it is “the ways of G-d” which bring that connection from a hidden state into revelation. Our understanding, love, and fear of G-d bring out the connection to G-d established through our deeds.
Two Ways
The above also enables us to understand why the Alter Rebbe speaks of “the ways of G-d,” using the plural term. With regard to the observance of mitzvos, by contrast, he uses the singular form “the deed which must be performed.”
The distinction can be explained as follows: Although there are 613 mitzvos, they all have the same purpose: the dedication of one’s power of deed to G-d. Therefore, the singular term is in place. By contrast, everyone serves G-d according to his personal level. Hence with regard to “the ways of G-d” the plural is employed.
16. See Tanya, ch. 36.
17. To explain this concept within the analogy of a dwelling: There are two aspects to a dwelling: a) that one’s entire essence is found there, and b) that in one’s dwelling, this essence is revealed. The latter dimension is contributed by love and fear, which introduce vitality into our observance of mitzvos. See the sichah to Parshas Korach in this series where this concept is explained.
Two Ways: Ascent and Descent
In general, there are two types of “ways” (or it can be said that a single way serves two purposes): one of ascent and one of descent (in analogy, one goes from the field to the king’s palace, and one goes from the king’s palace to the field). This represents the difference between the Divine service of the month of Nissan and the Divine service of the month of Tishrei. Nissan expresses the drawing down of G-dliness into our world, while Tishrei gives expression to man’s potential for ascent, as explained in other sources.
Therefore the custom is for our Rabbis to speak twice a year, on the Shabbos before Pesach, and on Shabbos Shuvah, for the Shabbos before Pesach expresses the motif of drawing down G-dliness, and Shabbos Shuvah relates to man’s ascent. These two addresses thus embrace the Divine service of the entire year: the address of Shabbos HaGadol includes the Divine service of the summer months, and the address of Shabbos Shuvah includes the Divine service of the winter months.
(Adapted from Sichos Shabbos Shuvah, 5719)
