The Torah begins with an excerpt from the Sifra D’Tzniusa section of the Zohar relating to 9 Tikkunim given over from the Partzuf of Arich Anpin to Ze’er Anpin. (beyond the scope of this summary; we provide a brief intro in the shiur). We will get back toward the end of this Torah to the relevance of this passage.)
Some of the concepts in this lesson include: Pas b’melech tochal and the ability to receive Torah; quarrels against tzaddikim; Miriam HaNeviah; Be’er Miriam; Lev Elyon and Tzur Levavi; Splitting open the rock for water;
1.
We first begin the discussion of how Torah is drawn down to those who learn, teach, and explain (without resorting to the Tikkunim referenced above). This is accomplished via a particular nesham in every generation.
This special “neshama’ is suited to connect with, draw down, and reveal explanations of Torah by virtue of its suffering (ref. MIriam HaNeviah) and that its words of like “fiery coals.” (In simple terms, we can explain that to be a suitable ‘kli’ for something that is fire and otherwise beyond human capabilities, this neshama must remove limitations of physicality, both for itself as well as due to its role as part of the greater klal).
When this neshama ‘cools’ off, e.g. before it leaves the world, and is not longer in a position to create and maintain this connection, the clarity of the Torah through such connection is lost, leading to quarrels against tzaddikim.
When the soul through which all Torah explanations are revealed expires it takes with it these explanations and so gives rise to quarrels against the tzaddikim. We related this to the cessation of access to water from the be’er Miriam after Miriam’s passing.
2.
As explained above, access to explanations of Torah depends on the special Neshama of any given generation, referenced above. But what about when this neshama passes on and we lose access?
One must prepare to draw down Torah by drawing to himself ‘words like fiery coals.’ This is accomplished by pouring out his heart in prayer before Hashem, stirring mercy in “Lev Elyon” allowing words to come down to him.
This is why one who wants to expound Torah must being with an impassioned plea to Hashem, to ‘open up’ ‘Lev Eloyon’ allowing the ‘waters of Torah’ to pour forth.
(Interesting point of note: compare Torah 1:6 also discussing the connection of Torah and Tefilla from a different perspective, whereby one creates a situation for his Teffilos to be received by the Lev of whom he makes his requests through Torah. (Attaching the “ches” and the “nun” create a situation of “chen.” When one has “chen” then prayers are accepted and a “tav” is effected leading to “nachas” - The words of Chachamim are heard with “nachas”!
