Week 8 (Book 7): The Swift is Saying

B"H

The Swift is saying, 

When the Most High gave nations their lot, 

And to all her sons and her daughters, portions;

Because they came not to the aid of the Lord, 

Then the earth shook and quaked, 

By the gazelles or by the hinds of the field, 

When He separated the sons of man, 

The [very] foundations of heaven did tremble; 

His left hand was under my head, 

And he will be praised in the land, 

My help is from G-d, Maker of Heaven and Earth.

He set up the boundaries of peoples 

And they were shaken when he was angered. 

When Elkanah sacrificed,  that he gave to Peninnah his wife, 

I have heard the complaints of the children of Israel.

I said, "O Lord, be gracious to me; heal my soul because I have sinned against You."

Speak to them, saying, In the afternoon you shall eat meat, 

The Lord will preserve him and keep him alive,

according to the number of the children of Israel. 

And it came to pass upon a day,

And his right hand would embrace me.

The Lord will support him on his sickbed; 

Sustain me with flagons of wine, spread my bed with apples, for I am lovesick.

And in the morning you shall be sated with bread,

And Your faithfulness surrounds You. 

I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, 

And you shall know that I am the Lord, your G-d.

O Lord, G-d of Hosts, who is like You,  O Y-h, Who are mighty?

When You have transformed his entire restfulness in his illness.

The Lord spoke to Moses, saying,  

To the aid of the Lord against the mighty.

That you neither awaken nor arouse the love while it is desirous.

And You will not deliver him into the desire of his enemies.

Working Draft of Kabbalah of Time: Daily Spiritual Guide for the 21st of Cheshvan

 

Date: November 11/12, 2025 (21st of Cheshvan, 5786) – Tuesday Night / Wednesday Day Focus: Yesod shebeChesed shebeGevurah (Foundation/Righteousness in Kindness within Discipline). Day 55 of the 364-Day Yearly Cycle.

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15 Steps to the Sanctuary

1. Hayom Yom (Daily Lesson) The avoda (divine service) of davening (prayer) brings the comprehension of the brain into the emotional sensitivity of the heart. It then integrates both into the practical avoda of performing mitzvot with fear-of-Heaven and acquiring fine character-traits.

2. Alef-Bet Combination (Hidden Good)

• Combination: Tonight is Day 11 (Kaf) of Cycle 3 (Heh and Vav). The combination is Kaf with Vav.

• Kaf (Keter): Connected to the soul's aspects above intellect: Emunah (faith), Ta'anug (pleasure), and Ratzon (desire). It also means the palm or spoon, serving as a kli (receptacle).

• Vav (Yesod): Male, symbolizing the six emotional attributes, and acts as a grammatical hook that connects and transforms.

• Acrostic Verse (Psalm 34:11): "Young lions suffer want and are hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good."

3. Sefirah (Inner Refinement)

• Cycle Day: Day 55 of the Yearly Cycle.

• Sefirah: Day 6 of Week 8: Yesod shebeChesed (shebeGevurah) — Foundation in Kindness within Discipline.

• Guest: The guest is Joseph, connected to Yesod (foundation, firmness, uprightness), known as Yosef Hatzadik ("Joseph the Righteous").

• The Patriarchs:

  • Abraham embodies Chesed (kindness, generosity).

  • Isaac embodies Gevurah (strength, discipline, and self-control), seen in his submission to the binding (Akeidah).

• Focus: Tonight's refinement is the foundational element (Yesod) of the Kindness (Chesed) that exists within the context of Discipline (Gevurah).

4. Kabbalah of Time Weekly Focus & Psalms

• Weekly Focus: Reviewing the Fourth Week of Cheshvan (Book 6).

• PSALMS (22, 23, 24, 89): Focus on prayer in agony (22), magnitude of trust in G-d (23), praying for the sanctification of G-d's Name (24), and G-d's surrounding faithfulness (89).

• TIKKUN HAKLALI: The verses ask G-d for healing: "Heal my soul, for I have sinned against You!".

5. Light and Fire of the Baal Shem Tov & Jewish Spiritual Practices

• The Besht's Teaching: A new approach in Love of Israel, concentrating on the good points and virtues of simple Jews to arouse Heavenly compassion (e.g., recognizing the light above a humble porter's head).

• Spiritual Practices:

  • The Gartel (belt) is special clothing for prayer; upon winding it, say the blessing "Blessed are You, who girds Israel with strength."

  • Praying shoeless provides a feeling of humility.

  • The ascent of one's prayer is like the ascending smoke of incense, due to the fervor (fire) of the person.

6. Tanach: Melachim I, Chapters 9 and 10 (Solomon's Accomplishments)

• Chapter 9: G-d appears to Solomon a second time, consecrating the Temple and warning of future exile. Solomon gave Hiram of Tyre twenty disliked cities (called Cabul). He used remaining Canaanites for forced labor, but not the Children of Israel.

• Chapter 10: Details the visit of the Queen of Sheba to test Solomon, marveling at his wisdom, wealth, and court organization.

7. Mishna: Tractate Shabbat (Carrying Rules) Mishnah 6, 7, and 8 detail items one may not carry out on Shabbat, including spiked sandals, single sandals (unless injured), phylacteries (tefillin), or unapproved amulets. Young boys may carry knots (as a folk remedy) and princes may wear bells.

8. Talmud: Tractate Shekalim, Daf 21-22 (Temple Offerings and Purity)

• Temple Funds: The Sages initially decided that larceny should not be presumed with the Temple funds, but later reversed the decision regarding the Ashes of the Red Heifer before reverting back.

• Purity in Jerusalem (Mishnah 8:1): All spittle in Jerusalem is presumed pure, except in the Upper Market. Implements found on the road descending to the immersion pool are impure; on the way ascending, they are pure.

• The Temple Curtain (Mishnah 8:2): The curtain's thickness was a hand-width, woven on 72 strings of 24 threads each, and measured 40 cubits long by 20 cubits wide.

9. 13 Attribute Combination (Divine Patience) Tonight is Day 3 of 13-Day Cycle 5.

• 3rd: וְעֹבֵר עַל פֶּשַׁע / ve’over al pesha — and overlooks sin;

• 5th: לֹא הֶחֱזִיק לָעַד אַפּוֹ / lo hechzik le’ad apoh — He does not retain his anger forever;

10. 41-Day Combination (Practical Purity)

• Focus: Day 14 of 41-Day Cycle 2.

• Theme: Understanding the Fourth Commandment (Shabbat) on the second, intellectual level (Neshama), connected to the World of Beryah. This cycle is connected to the Mivtzah of Kashrut.

11. Living Likutei Moharan: Torah 56 Summary (Kingship and Da'at) Torah 56 teaches that every person has an aspect of kingship (Malchut) over oneself and others. This kingship must be free and used only to fulfill G-d's will. This requires Da'at (knowledge/awareness) and "Length of Days" (Torah), as increased Da'at brings peace and nullifies anger and cruelty.

12. Mishna Berurah (Kavvanah in Prayer)

• Joining the Amidah (Siman 109): One should start the Amidah only if they can finish before the leader reaches Kedushah or Kaddish. If delayed, one can start if they can finish before the leader reaches Modim.

• Bowing: One may bow with the prayer leader during Modim, even if in the middle of another blessing (but not at the very start or end of that blessing).

• Traveler's Prayer (Siman 110): In extenuating circumstances (on the road, distracted), one may pray Havineinu (the abridged middle section). One walking in a place of danger prays the even shorter prayer, "The needs of your people are numerous...", and must repeat the full Amidah upon reaching a safe settlement. The Traveler's Prayer ("May it be your will...") must be said in the plural.

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13. Zohar: Chayei Sara — The Deeper Meaning of Sarah's Years (Folios 123-124)

The Zohar analyzes the verse "And the life of Sarah was a hundred years and twenty years and seven years" (Genesis 23:1) and the use of the singular (שָׁנָה / shanah) versus the plural (שָׁנִים / shanim) for the word "year."

Part I: The Secret of Unity vs. Separation

1. The Singular "Year" (Shanah):

   • The Hundred and Twenty (100 shanah and 20 shanah): These periods are in the singular because they symbolize the supernal realms, which are characterized by unity (yichuda), where the attributes of Justice and Mercy are perfectly combined.

   • The number 100 connects to the hundred daily benedictions.

   • The number 20 symbolizes the unity of the Thought (Machshavah) with the Jubilee (Yovel).

2. The Plural "Years" (Shanim):

   • The Seven (7 shanim): These years are in the plural because they correspond to the seven lower realms (seven emotional sefirot). These realms, while forming a unity, diverge into diverse sides and paths in respect of Justice (Din) and Mercy (Rachamim). This separation is why the plural form is used.

   • Conclusion: All her years are called "life" (Chayim), meaning they were "really was," having been created and established in the supernal regions.

Part II: The Gematria of Sarah's True Life

• R. Hiya's Teaching: The true measure of Sarah's life is linked to the Akeidah (Binding of Isaac).

• The Event: Isaac was thirty-seven years old when he was bound on the altar. Sarah died immediately afterward. Abraham's arrival "to mourn for Sarah" was directly from Mount Moriah.

• Gematria: The thirty-seven years from Isaac's birth to the Akeidah are considered the real life of Sarah. This is alluded to by the word וַיִּהְיוּ (Vayihyu / "and the life... was"), which has the numerical value (Gematria) of thirty-seven.

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14. Parasha Chayei Sara (Parasha 5 in the cycle)

• Cycle Day: Day 4 (Bet (2)) of Parasha 5 (Yud) of Cycle 1 (Shin).

• Day's Focus (Bet (2)): Focus on Fasting (of food and speech) and the commandment B'chol Drachecha De'eoh - "In all your ways, know Him." (Mishlei 3:6.) (Connected to Esther).

• Parasha Focus: Involves Tikkun Klali and Tikkun Leah, alongside the sincerity of Tamim (Deut. 18:13), "Be sincere with the Eternal your G-d." (Connected to Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai and Moshiach).

• The Acronym Teshuva (תשובה): Five paths of repentance:

  • Tav: Tamim (Sincerity)

  • Shin: Shiviti (Constant G-dly Presence)

  • Vav: V'ahavta (Love of Fellow Jew)

  • Bet: B'chol (Know Him in all ways)

  • Heh: Hatznei'a (Walk discreetly)

15. Parasha: Today we will learn from the Alter Rebbe, Tanya, Chapter 4

• Chayei Sarah describes Sarah's passing but is ultimately about the effect of her life on all subsequent events.

• Tanya Chapter 4 discusses the levushim (garments) of the soul. The garments are the soul's expression in this world through thought, speech, and deed. (The Parasha shows many examples of these actions, particularly through Eliezer carrying out Avraham and Sarah's will.)

Working Draft of Kabbalah of Time: Daily Spiritual Guide for the 20th of Cheshvan

Date: November 10/11, 2025 (20th of Cheshvan, 5786) – Monday Night / Tuesday Day

Focus: Hod shebeChesed shebeGevurah (Splendor/Awe in Kindness within Discipline). Day 54 of the 364-Day Yearly Cycle.

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15 Steps to the Sanctuary

1. Hayom Yom (Daily Lesson)

The 20th of Cheshvan is the birthday of the Rebbe Rashab (R. Shalom Dovber) in the year 5621, which the Tzemach Tzedek termed Kitra ("crown"). The lesson is that on one's birthday, one should say Chassidus (Torah lessons), emphasizing kindness and mercy.

2. Alef-Bet Combination 

Tonight is Day Yud (10) of Cycle 3. The combination is Yud with Heh. The letter Heh is female, representing Binah (understanding) and Malchut (kingship). Its shape (a Dalet with a Yud inside) connects it to pregnancy and a rectified feminine aspect. The letter Yud represents pure spirituality and wisdom, symbolizing the pintele yid. The associated verse is: "Fear the Lord, His holy ones; for there is no want to those who fear Him" (Psalm 34:10).

3. Sefirah (Inner Refinement)

Tonight begins Day 5 of Week 8: Hod shebeChesed shebeGevurah (Splendor or Awe in Kindness within Discipline). The inner quality being refined is Hod (Gratitude/Nullification, represented by Aaron) which is expressed through Chesed (Kindness, Abraham) within the overall framework of Gevurah (Discipline, Isaac).

4. Kabbalah of Time Books 1 -7 Weekly Focus 

The weekly focus is yearning for spirituality in exile, expressing the soul's feeling of being "sick for His love." Jamin (Yemin—Right Hand/Kindness) is the soul from the 70 who descended to Egypt, reflecting the need to rely on kindness in exile.

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SONG OF SONGS: The verses (5-7) express the soul's "lovesickness" in exile, yearning for G-d. The verse: "His left hand was under my head, and his right hand would embrace me" (Verse 6), refers to the Kindness (Right Hand) G-d showed in the desert alongside the Discipline (Left Hand), reflecting the week's theme: Chesed shebeGevurah. The eighth of the 70 souls that descended to Egypt is Jamin ("Yemin" - Right Hand), emphasizing reliance on God's kindness.

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5. Light and Fire of the Baal Shem Tov & Jewish Spiritual Practices

The Besht taught that the sigh of a Jew at a fellow Jew's distress shatters heavenly accusers. For Kavvanah (concentration) in prayer, the Gartel (belt) creates a necessary separation between the lower body and the heart/brain, while the Tallit shields one from outside distractions.

6. Tanach: Melachim I, Chapters 7 and 8 (Temple Construction)

Chapter 7 details the copper works cast by Hiram of Tyre for the Temple, including the two great pillars in the porch: Jachin (right) and Boaz (left). Chapter 8 covers Solomon’s dedication prayer, acknowledging the paradox that the heavens cannot contain G-d, much less the Temple built below.

7. Mishna: Tractate Shabbat

Mishnah Shabbat 4 and 5 focuses on laws of heat and burdens on Shabbat. One may not insulate food in materials that spontaneously generate heat (e.g., manure, salt, lime). Animals may not go out into the public domain bearing a burden, but may go out with objects essential for their protection or restraint.

8. Talmud: Tractate Shekalim, Daf 19-20 (Temple Dedication)

The Mishnah and Gemara discuss the allocation of funds in the Temple. Coins found between two funds (e.g., Sheqalim and voluntary gifts) are assigned by proximity; if found in the middle, the stringent fund is chosen. Found Meat: Meat found in the Temple courtyard is categorized as sacrifices; meat found in the countryside is governed by majority rules.

9. 13 Attribute Combination (Divine Patience)

Tonight is Day 2 of 13-Day Cycle 5. The combination highlights:

• 2nd Attribute: נֹשֵׂא עָו‍ֹן (noseh avon — who bears iniquity).

• 5th Attribute: לֹא הֶחֱזִיק לָעַד אַפּוֹ (lo hechzik le’ad apoh — He does not retain His anger forever).

10. 41-Day Combination (Practical Purity)

Tonight is Day 13 of 41-Day Cycle 2. The focus is on understanding the Fourth Commandment (Shabbat) on the first, spiritual level, connected to the World of Atzilut and the soul-level of Chaya. This cycle is connected to the Mivtzah of Kashrut.

11. Living Likutei Moharan: Torah 55 Summary (Memory and Joy)

Torah 55 teaches that the ability to see the downfall of the wicked comes through the aspect of the Land of Israel (linked to Benjamin). The Tzadik is protected from the evil eye by finding merit in the wicked person. The lesson connects prayer to the Red Heifer—prayer can nullify a person's corporeality—and warns against the dangers of secular philosophy when combined with sexual immorality.

12. Mishna Berurah (Kavvanah in Prayer)

Halachic rulings (Simanim 107-108) detail the Laws of Tashlumin (Make-up Prayer). The required current prayer (Chovat$ Sha'ah) must always precede the make-up prayer. If in doubt, one prays with a conditional Tenai to ensure the prayer is either an obligation or a voluntary offering (Nedavah).

13. Zohar: Chayei Sara Summary (Unity and Redemption)

The Zohar (121-122) states that the soul is judged nightly, where future good deeds are weighed mercifully. Sarah is unique because she "never attached herself to the serpent" (impurity), obtaining eternal life. The verse emphasizes profound humility: "Happy is he who makes himself small in the world."

14. Shovavim Cycles and The Paths of Teshuva

The daily focus is Day 3 (Bet) of Parasha 5 (Yud) of Cycle 1 (Shin).

• Day's Focus (Bet): Focuses on Tzedakah and Mesirat Nefesh (Self-Sacrifice) and the commandment $\mathbf{B}'et$ - B'chol Drachecha De'eoh — "In all your ways, know Him" (Proverbs 3:6), connected to Mordechai.

• Parasha Focus (Yud): The cycle involves Tikkun Klali and Tikkun Leah, alongside the sincerity required by Tamim ("Be sincere with the Eternal your G-d"), connected to Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai and Moshiach.

• Cycle Focus (Shin): The overall cycle involves Torah study and the constant consciousness of Shiviti ("I have set G-d before me always"), connected to Moshe Rabbeinu.

15. Parashat Chayei Sara: The Unity of Sarah's Life (100 Blessings)

The Noam Elimelech explains that the unity of Sarah's life (all equally good) is connected to the daily practice of reciting 100 blessings. The root of a person's service is found in profound humility, viewing oneself as "mah" (nothing). The Tzadik must draw down blessing for the entirety of Israel.