חינוך קטן

Now, those who are familiar with the esoteric meaning of Scripture know [the explanation of] the verse, “For a tzaddik falls seven times and rises up again.”37Proverbs 24:16. For further elaboration of this subject see Rabbi Hillel of Paritch, Pelech Harimon, Bereishit, Hosafot p. 302 (Kehot, 1954). Especially since man is called “mobile”38Cf. Zechariah 3:7. See also Torah Or, Vayeshev 30a-d; Rabbi Schneur Zalman, Likkutei Torah, Bechukotai 45a; Shelach 38d ff. Man has been endowed with an unrestricted capacity for spiritual progress. All other creatures have a prescribed level which they cannot surpass. and not “static,” he must ascend from level to level and not remain forever at one plateau. Between one level and the next, before he can reach the higher one, he is in a state of decline from the previous level.39See Pelech Harimon, loc. cit. Yet, it is written, “Though he falls, he shall not be utterly cast down.”40Psalms 37:24. It is considered a decline only in comparison with his former state, and not, G–d forbid, in comparison with all other men, for he is still above them in his service [of G–d], inasmuch as there remains in it an impression of his former state. The root of his service, however, is from the love of G–d to which he has been educated and trained from his youth before he reached the level of tzaddik. This, then, is the meaning of “Even when he will be old….” And the first thing which arouses love and fear, and their foundation,41The root and foundation of the observance of all the positive and negative precepts are love and fear of G–d, as explained above. And the basis of love and fear is faith. Thus, ultimately, faith is the foundation of the observance of the commandments. See Likkutei Amarim, Part I, ch. 33. is the pure and faithful belief in His Unity and Oneness, may He be blessed and exalted.