Chapter 3
Another explanation of bringing an offering “מִּן הַבְּהֵמָה”, based on what was previously explained: In order to subdue and refine the animal soul, this process is accomplished specifically through revealing its spiritual origin and source in the level of angels known as “the face of the Ox” of the “Merkavah.”
The second half of the verse states: “תֶּא תַּקְרִיבוּ מִן הַבְּהֵמָה מִן הַבָּקָר וּמִן הַצֹּאן קָרְבַּנְכֶם-from the animals, from the cattle, from the sheep and goats, you shall bring your offering.”
The deeper meaning explained previously in the maamar is that the verse is referring to the animal soul, which is what must be brought as a spiritual "offering." Here, the Alter Rebbe is adding another explanation of the verse. In order to fulfill "תַּקְרִיבוּ אֶת קָרְבַּנְכֶם-you shall bring your [spiritual] offering” of the animal soul to Hashem, it is through revealing its spiritual source “מִּן הַבְּהֵמָה-from the [spiritual] 'animals' [i.e., angels, as they exist in the "Merkavah"]." These spiritual 'animals,' which are angels that are totally dedicated to Hashem and passionate about Him, are the spiritual source of our animal soul in the physical person. By re-connecting the animal soul to the way that "animals" exist in holiness, it will be able to be subdued and transformed to holiness through the Divine soul.
This is the reason why we mention in the two blessings before Krias Shema how the angels and the holy Chayos (lit. “animals”) angels “sanctify and proclaim the kingship of the Name of Hashem, the Great King.” From this specific contemplation, the animal soul will become excited about Hashem.
This is the meaning of “מִּן הַבְּהֵמָה...תַּקְרִיבוּ,” meaning from the contemplation regarding the angels called the “face of the Ox” of the “Merkavah,” you will be able to bring close your own animal soul to Hashem.
The Alter Rebbe analyzes another part of the verse: "מִן הַבָּקָר וּמִן הַצֹּאן" The deeper meaning of “מִן הַבָּקָר וּמִן הַצֹּאן-from the cattle and from the sheep and goats” is as follows: This refers to two general categories of animal souls. The word “צֹּאן” refers to both sheep and goats.
