Divine Balance: How Mercy and Judgment Create the World
The concept of divine balance lies at the heart of our existence. As we observe the world around us, we clearly see this divine balance manifested as an amazing harmony – specifically between the strict order of nature and the wonderful miracles that break this order. So, where does this divine balance come from? Why does the world exist as it is and not otherwise? Fortunately, the ancient wisdom of Kabbalah offers us an answer, revealing the secret of the balance between strictness and mercy in creation.
The Divine Balance of Two Beginnings
“Initially, the thought arose to create the world through judgment, but God saw that the world could not endure, so He combined judgment with mercy.”
This profound statement from our sages reveals the most important secret of the universe. Originally, the Almighty planned to create a world entirely based on strict judgment (midat ha-din). However, such a world could not exist! Why not?
Judgment represents exact rules and laws, limitations and boundaries. Without these limits, it would be impossible to create separate things that differ from each other. Yet if only judgment existed, the world would become too rigid, with no possibility for higher light to shine through.
Letters and Light
Think about the letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Each letter has a clear shape, boundaries, and meaning. Letters show us the category of judgment (Gevurah). In fact, God created all things in the world through these 22 letters of the Torah.
On the other hand, there exists another side – light that goes beyond the limits of letters. This light shows us mercy (Chesed). Unlike letters, this light isn’t limited by form or natural laws, and therefore it appears through “the revelation of Divinity through the righteous, signs, and miracles.”
Divine Balance: How Opposites Unite
The book of “Zohar” states: “Above, in the side of supreme holiness, there is right and there is left” – meaning Chesed (mercy) and Gevurah (strictness, judgment).
Amazingly, at higher levels, these opposites don’t clash with each other! Instead, in the world of Atzilut (the world of Divine emanation), “He and His attributes are one.” Therefore, Gevurah doesn’t fight against Chesed; rather, they unite in perfect harmony.
Why Do We See the World as Divided?
Even Moses, the great prophet, couldn’t directly grasp the higher attributes of Chesed and Gevurah. His understanding reached the world of Atzilut only when it wore the “clothing” of the world of Beriah (the world of creation). Moreover, even then he didn’t see these attributes directly, but through the lower categories of Netzach, Hod, and Yesod.
If even Moses saw the world through these “filters,” then what about us? Consequently, we see the world through our “bodily eyes” that make things look separate and independent.
The Secret of Gan Eden
In the Garden of Eden (Gan Eden), righteous souls can understand the flow of life force and light coming from Chesed and Gevurah. As a result, this becomes “food” for the souls of those who studied Torah during their lives to fulfill it.
Above these souls in Gan Eden stretches a special “heaven” called “Raza d’Oraita” (the secret of the Torah). Within this heaven lies the secret of the 22 letters of the Torah, which God gave through both Chesed and Gevurah, as the verse says: “From His right hand, He gave them a fiery Law.”
Torah as the Perfect Divine Balance
The Torah stands unique because it joins both categories together. God gave it “from the right hand” (right side – Chesed), yet at the same time, it is “a fiery Law” (fire – Gevurah). Notably, in the Torah, Chesed and Gevurah don’t oppose each other; instead, they unite as one.
For this reason, the study of Torah becomes “food” for souls in Gan Eden. Meanwhile, the commandments (mitzvot) become the “garments” of souls. Why garments rather than food? This is because in the commandments, Chesed and Gevurah remain separate – specifically, there are positive commandments (from Chesed) and prohibitive ones (from Gevurah).
Finding Divine Balance in Daily Life
Each of us faces opposing forces in everyday life. On one hand, we encounter limitations and rules. On the other hand, we experience moments of expansion and creativity.
True wisdom doesn’t come from picking one side over the other, but rather from creating a divine balance between them, just as God did when creating the world. In fact, only by maintaining this divine balance can the world continue to exist and grow.
When we study Torah, we connect with the perfect divine balance of strictness and mercy. As a result, we learn to see the infinite light that fills the letters of the law, and to bring this divine balance into our lives – blending order with wonder, and limits with limitlessness.
This article is based on the fifth chapter of the book “Tanya – Part 2 – Shaar HaYichud VehaEmunah” by Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, founder of the Chabad movement and one of the greatest Hasidic thinkers.
Afterword: The text of this article has not been approved by any sage, Torah scholar, or rabbi and is merely a simplified adaptation of the sacred text for general understanding. For comprehension of true wisdom and a deeper understanding of the original text, you should refer to the sources.
This and all other article texts of the Mega-Charity.Org resource express only the personal opinions of the authors who compiled them. They are intended only for general and superficial understanding of the real sources of wisdom. References to which are provided.
