Saturday 11 April 2015

Mussar - The Palm Tree of Deborah Intro

The Palm Tree of Deborah -
Chapter I: Attributes 1-2

It is proper for man to imitate his Creator, resembling Him in both likeness and image[1] according to the secret of the Supernal Form.[2] Because the chief Supernal image and likeness is in deeds[3], a human resemblance merely in bodily appearance and not in deeds debases that Form. Of the man who resembles the Form in body alone it is said: 'A handsome form whose deeds are ugly.' For what value can there be in man's resemblance to the Supernal Form in bodily limbs if his deeds have no resemblance to those of his Creator? Consequently, it is proper for man to imitate the acts of the Supernal Crown, which are the thirteen highest attributes of mercy[4] hinted at in the verses:

Who is a God like unto Thee, that beareth iniquity
And passeth by the transgression of the remnant of
His heritage?
He retaineth not His anger for ever,
Because he delighteth in mercy.
He will again have compassion upon us;
He will subdue our iniquities:
And Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of
the sea.
Thou wilt show faithfulness to Jacob, mercy to
Abraham
As Thou has sworn unto our fathers from the days
of old.[5]
Hence it is proper that these thirteen attributes, which we shall now expound, be found in man.

The Palm Tree of Deborah: Chapter I
http://www.digital-brilliance.com/kab/deborah/c112.htm

Kol Tuv,
RRW

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