This is the seventh of a series of a text-based class on the Chassidic discourse, Basi Legani 5724 (1964), which was said by the Lubavitcher Rebbe 60 years ago at the Farbrengen of Motzei Shabbos Beshalach, 11 Shevat, 5724, January 25, 1964. Rabbi YY Jacobson presented this class on Thursday, 8 Shvat, 5784, January 18, 2024, in Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim, Monsey, NY.

This class explores the practical relevance of “Atzilus” in our lives, expressed in the life of Yosef. His brothers, who came from Beriah, could not fathom his lifestyle: How can you be enmeshed in running a superpower, yet remain anchored in Divinity? Yosef explained to them: “Do you think I am lower than Elokim?” they were from Beriah, Yosef was from Atzilus. And in the world of Atzilus, even the finite and defined thought is an expression of infinite consciousness. 

With this the Alter Rebbe explains how Hashem contains all thoughts of every human being, without this constitution “alien thoughts.” And how the Baal Shem Tov managed to answer people about their individual issues while his soul ascended to heaven. Tzaddikim who mirror their Creator can remain present with every thought and emotion, with every person where he or she is, while not “leaving” the “space” of infinite oneness.

The Baal Shem Tov set an example for each of us. How can I listen to the conversations within myself, respond to the various parts inside of me throwing out questions, with the empathy of my core Divine self, now allowing any thought to tear me away from my intimacy with the Divine?