בס”ד
By Rabbi Moshe Goodman, Kollel Ohr Shlomo, Hebron
Painting by: Baruch Nachshon z”l
Following the profound analysis of the Or HaHaim HaKadosh’s commentary on the first verse of Parashat Behukotai through 42 commentaries, let us weave these insights into the mystical 42-letter Name of God.
The Or HaHaim provides 42 distinct explanations for the verse “If you walk in My statutes,” which we find are corresponding to the 42-letter Name hinted at in the prayer Ana Bekoah. While a full explanation of all 42 levels and their correspondence to Or Hahaim’s 42 commentaries has been detailed in a separate long essay (which we hope be”h to share over a number years for parshat Behukotai), we will focus here on the first commentary of the 42, attributed to “Chesed shebeChesed,” which contains six sub-commentaries, which parallel the six sub-sefirot, Hesed to Yesod, within the attribute of Chesed shebeChesed (Kindness of Kindness). The emphasis in Chesed shebeChesed is clearly on Torah study, a matter that seems to be hinted in the verse “the Torah of Chesed is on her tongue” (Eshet Hayil at end of Mishlei).
Hebron and the Name of 42: The City of Connection
Hebron is the city of Hibbur (connection). It is the place where the Patriarchs and Matriarchs are linked to their Supernal source and serves as the “Gateway to Eden” through which all souls and prayers ascend. In Kabbalah, the 42-letter Name is known as the “Name of Ascent,” the force that elevates physical reality from the lower realms toward holiness.
The Six Facets of Study Hidden within Chesed shebeChesed
The first commentary of the Or HaHaim contains six internal explanations, corresponding to the six attributes (Chesed through Yesod) as they are manifested within the primary attribute of Chesed. This structure forms the root of Torah study as it relates to Hebron:
- Chesed within Chesed shebeChesed: Torah Labor as a Distinct Statute. Hebron represents our primary foothold in the Land, just as Torah is the root of everything (the realm of Atzilut). Laboring in Torah is a pure act of kindness that connects us to the Encompassing Light.
- Gevurah within Chesed shebeChesed: Forgetfulness and Review. Forgetfulness creates a “void” or judgment (Din), but reviewing one’s studies builds “Returning Light” (Or Hozer). In Hebron, we return to the roots of the Patriarchs repeatedly to build vessels for our souls.
- Tiferet within Chesed shebeChesed: The Unity of Written and Oral Torah. Hebron connects the written promise to the Patriarchs with the living tradition of the Jewish settlement. This is the Middle Path that merges all parts of the Torah into one harmonious essence.
- Netzach within Chesed shebeChesed: Establishing Times Day and Night. The eternity (Netzach) of Hebron stems from a devotion that transcends time. Studying beyond the divisions of day and night expresses the eternal bond we share with the Patriarchs.
- Hod within Chesed shebeChesed: To Learn and to Teach. Hod represents outward reflection. Hebron is not for ourselves alone; it is a lighthouse radiating the majesty of Torah to future generations and the entire world.
- Yesod within Chesed shebeChesed: Torah Study on the Way. Yesod connects the Torah to a dynamic reality. Even when a person is “walking on the way” outside the study hall, they remain connected and “faithful” to the firm foundation of Hebron, completing the cycle.
Conclusion: The Ascent through Hebron
Hebron, the City of the Patriarchs, is where “If you walk in My statutes” becomes a living reality. Here, through the Name of 42 and adherence to the traits of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, we merit to ascend the levels of holiness and transform the labor of Torah into an eternal foundation of peace and blessing in the Land.