The differing paths of “All is G-d” vs. “G-d is All”; Take advantage of in-person Yeshiva mentorship
By the Grace of G-d
Shushan-Purim, 5712
Brooklyn 13, N.Y.
Sholom u’Brocho:
In reply to your letter, briefly: . . .
2) The difference between 'G-d is All,' and 'All is G-d,' is in the approach and deduction. In the first instance, our starting point is G-d, and through study and research we can deduce that G-d's Being is revealed even in material and 'natural' things. Our study of the Unity of G-d and His other attributes will lead us to recognizing the same attributes in nature and the world around us, the practical results of which find expression in unity among mankind and the practice of G-d's precepts as the proper application of G-d's Attributes in our own life, etc. One who sets out on this path dedicates himself wholly to communion with G-d. He is averse to all material aspects of life, including even the bare necessities connected with his physical wellbeing, and tries to avoid them as much as possible. Being engaged in spiritual communion with G-d, he considers all material and physical necessities, even those permitted by the Torah, as a hindrance in his consecrated life. However, his intelligence convinces him that the material and physical world is but an expression of the Divine Being, and that in them, too, G-d is to be found.
In the second part of the statement 'All is G-d,' the starting point is the outer shell of the universe and all material things in it, a study of which will lead to the conclusion that there is cosmic unity in the whole world and that there is a Divine 'spark’ vitalizing everything,
