G-d’s sovereignty is made known through His commandments; his gevurah (strength, justice, severity) through his judgments. On the other hand, His attribute of chesed (mercy) is exhibited through His kindness. These two attributes work in tandem.
If He did not let His judgments be known through His interactions within the affairs of the world, He would appear to be tolerant of mankind’s shortcomings to the extent of a permissiveness that would convey a lax attitude on His part, as if any behavior on our part is acceptable. Yet, when we turn our hearts towards Him, He will bestow kindnesses upon us.
Moreover, He will help us improve ourselves, so that we will not fall under judgment. Because His expectations of us are clear, as represented by His commandments, His judgment is valid. Yet, often His judgment is in the form of chastisement, designed to compel us to return from our errant ways.
“For whom the L-RD loveth He correcteth, even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.”
Today begins a seven day focus on malchus (sovereignty), in combination with the other six emotional attributes. The first of these to be explored in relationship to malchus is chesed (kindness, mercy, love). Malchus (sovereignty) may also be rendered as autonomy. Human beings are created in G-d’s image, so we are obligated by our godly nature, at least to make an attempt to reflect His attributes. We were also given free will; therefore, to varying degrees, we may seek an autonomous stance in life; yet, to see ourselves as independent of G-d would only be self-deception.
In our quest to seek autonomy in life, when defining ourselves, we should add a measure of kindness. It is not necessary to shout, “this is who I am;” rather, simply to assert ourselves in regard to our personal viewpoints. Be kind to others; allow them to express their own viewpoints; regarding shared thoughts about life, the universe, and G-d. (In today’s current climate of divisiveness and cancel culture, this is even more important than ever). Healthy respect for the autonomy of others also includes permitting enough space for others to share; moreover, spiritual growth thrives when given room to grow. This may require silence, so that the underappreciated ability to listen may be fostered.
Malchus can also be rendered as sovereignty, autonomy, and dignity.
Despite whatever circumstances we may encounter in life, if we have a strong foundation we will be able to meet these challenges with dignity, a sense of autonomy and a calm reserve, in acknowledgment that ultimately we are not in control of external events in any sphere of our lives, personal, communal, or global. Although this sounds counterintuitive, we may feel reassured that when we place our trust in G-d, by acknowledging His sovereignty, we do not have to stand alone in the face of adversity.
When we are able to acknowledge that our own sovereignty is limited, we can rest in the knowledge that everything H’Shem (the L-RD; literally, “the Name”) does is for the good. Although we can not always control external circumstances, we may choose how to respond, even to past failures. Moreover, the lessons learned from trial and error, trying to do everything by ourselves, should point us in the right direction, with our eyes cast upward.
“I will lift up mine eyes unto the mountains: From whence shall my help come? My help cometh from the L-RD, Who made heaven and earth.”
Below the surface of the earth, rests the foundation of a building, the support of an infrastructure. In the same manner, man is likened a tree, whose roots provide a reinforcement against the storms of life. “And he shall be like a tree planted by streams of water, that bringeth forth its fruit in its season, and whose leaf doth not wither; and in whatsoever he doeth he shall prosper” (Psalm 1:3, JPS 1917 Tanach).
The middah (attribute) of yesod may be understood as portraying foundational beliefs and attitudes, corresponding to what is most important in our lives. Within the context of a daily existence, some people are more intentional, with regard to living in accord with clear beliefs that generate proper conduct, based upon a specific set of truths. Others, upon examining themselves, may find that their beliefs, attitudes, and behavior are derived from various sources; whereupon, these sources may be disparate, not constituting a consistent worldview.
We should ask ourselves upon examination (heshbon hanefesh – an accounting of the soul), whether our underlying assumptions are able to withstand the harsh realities of life that may pour down upon us. Will our prevailing attitudes about life enable us to weather the various storms that we may encounter along the road of life? If not, then we should consider adding a little more support to our foundation. Strengthening ourselves, renewing our souls, and seeking guidance from the Master Architect, will help us to more closely follow the divine blueprint of life.
Otherwise rendered as humility within foundation. Humility facilitates the building of a foundation in life, by keeping our ambition in check; any goal in life needs to be practical, that is within the bounds of our abilities. We are finite beings, only capable of what G-d intends for us, through His bestowal of any natural gifts we may claim as part of our character.
While it is good to reach beyond our level of understanding, as well as our talents, we should be circumspect in order to make a modest estimation of our capabilities. Yet, building a foundation also requires a healthy acknowledgment and appreciation of our talents, so that we may succeed at achieving our realized dreams. Additionally, we need to acknowledge G-d’s role as the Master Architect, whose blueprint for our lives compels us to keep Him in mind at all times.
The emotional correspondents of the day are netzach (endurance) within yesod (foundation). Building a foundation in life requires a persistent endeavor. It is through netzach that goals may be brought to fruition. The quality of endurance, constant effort despite the challenges in life, gives us the tenacity to achieve our dreams. Yet, the actual building of a foundation in life, requires channeling one’s ideas into a realized dream. To dream is not enough; rather, to accomplish one’s dreams, in the actual sense, is to draw on the quality of netzach.
Tiferes shebbe Yesod: Beauty within Foundation. Otherwise rendered as harmony within foundation. Tiferes represents unity, harmony, and the resultant beauty of a perfect blend of opposites. A foundation needs to be a structure that is balanced enough to support a building; foundational beliefs need to be congruent, in order to provide a basis for an overall belief system.
In life, many people have implicit assumptions that guide their thought and action. Yet, for the most part, unless a conscious effort is made to discern the nature of one’s presuppositions, they remain hidden. For myself, I would like to be able to harness all of my thought, speech, and action, to be in accordance with my belief and practice. Yet, it is possible that unknown presuppositions, contrary to my belief system, may hinder this endeavor.
So, while it is assumed that predominantly, people who have not immersed themselves within a comprehensive belief system, are guided or misguided by their presuppositions, I do not think that anyone, including myself is immune to facets of their lives that have not been fully accounted for or reined in, so to speak, to use another metaphor, “under one’s thumb.” Ideally, all aspects of oneself need to be brought into alignment within an overall framework of belief and practice.
This is the basic structure not only of religion, also any ethical or moral system. Belief, and commandments based upon that belief. Ethics, and a way of life based upon those ethics. Morals, and a life grounded in morality. If there is a disconnect between the two, whereof, the adherent is not walking in accordance with sound principles, then there is a neglect of practicing what one upholds as truth, or a standard of righteousness.
For those who live solely according to their presuppositions, the path is unclear. Without a standard, there can be no foundation of a basic groundwork, tenets, and truths. The ideal task for anyone, including myself, would be to harmonize all areas of one’s life; especially, so that one is truly in accord with a standard in life. The ethical and moral principles of the commandments are derived from the authority of G-d: so that belief in G-d is primary in order to receive the commandments as divine decrees. Yet, for those who are simply trying to be a mensch (good person), I commend you.
What is the strength of my foundation? Will my foundation stand on its own? Or do I need additional support from other sources? I would be the first to admit, that my foundation sometimes seems weak and wobbly. Other times, my foundation appears sturdy enough to keep me safe and secure. I do not always seek extra support; nor, do I consistently build upon my foundation, in order to strengthen it against adversity ahead of time. Yet, prevention measures are important, knowing that the storms of life will not cease to occur from time to time.
In regard to my chosen derech (path) in life, the terrain ahead of me is full of challenges. Yet, my foundational beliefs will sustain me, if I make every effort to increase my understanding day by day. Ultimately, my source of strength is from G’d, because my own power is limited. In recognition of the greater strength of G’d, I know that my foundation rests upon solid ground. When the tides of change will make waves strong enough to sweep away the unwary, I will stand upon a Rock. Ma’oz Tzur.
Today begins seven days of emphasis on the middah (character trait) of yesod, meaning foundation, amongst other renderings, such as covenant, bonding, and Tzaddik (Righteous One). Where is the stability in our lives? Are there consistent factors in our lives that contribute to a sense of stability? Or are we standing on shifting sands, always changing with the winds of the time? Trends and societal norms will always change; yet, lasting values are grounded in sound ethical, religious, or moral principles. G-d is key to my foundation in life. If at all possible, I would hope and pray that every aspect of my life be permeated by His wisdom.
Today’s unique combination of sefirot, expressed as middot (otherwise referred to as soul attributes), is chesed shebbe yesod (rendered as love within foundation). Chesed may also be rendered as mercy, kindness, or loving-kindness. How is my foundation built? If not with love as a quality that can be found within all of the building blocks, then how will that structure provide shelter for others? Moreover, I need to create a place within my foundational beliefs that permits space for others to grow in their own beliefs. In order to provide for respect, tolerance, and kindness toward others, chesed is key.
Otherwise rendered as as sovereignty within humility.
Malchut may represent sovereignty, dignity, and autonomy. We can walk with humility, while still maintaining a sense of dignity. This is because being humble does not mean becoming a doormat for other people to step on with soiled shoes, figuratively speaking. Rather, humility permits us to acknowledge our weaknesses without disregarding our strengths.
While pride is an overexaggerated sense of self importance; in contrast, humility is a fair assessment of ourselves as limited, yet, sufficient human beings. When we stand with integrity, without placing ourselves on a pedestal, so to speak, we act in humility by not pretending to be more than who we really are. This requires self examination, as well as a complete honesty with ourselves. If we accept who we are, with all of our faults and foibles, then we do not need to try to aggrandize ourselves.
The Tree of Life 