R. Chiya opened [the discussion by quoting the verse]: "And thy people are all righteous, they will inherit the land for ever; the branch of my planting, the work of my hands wherein I glory." (Isaiah 50:21) He said: 'Worthy are the people of Israel, who occupy themselves with the Torah [for through their study they will know its secrets and the secret of the covenant engraved in their flesh will be revealed to them], and are familiar with its paths [of mitzvot] for which they will merit the world to come. Come and see! All Israel have a portion in the world to come, for the reason that they observe the covenant [of circumcision] on which the world is established [through observing the covenant, they establish the yesod of Zeir Anpin, on which malchut — called world — stands] and of which it is said: "If My covenant be not [observed] day and night, it were as if I had not appointed the ordinances of heaven and earth" [i.e. the world, which is established by the covenant]. (Jeremiah 32:25) Hence Israel, who have accepted the covenant and observe it [through the mitzvah of circumcision], have a portion in the world to come. Furthermore, they are therefore called righteous. We learn this from Joseph, who, by reason of his having observed the covenant, is known as "Joseph the righteous."

BeRahamim LeHayyim: What do the Ari and Chida want us to learn? Why did they include this section?

After last week's introduction to study of Torah as a basic mitzvah, we now learn about the power of circumcision, the first commandment mentioned later to Avram who became Abraham. We need to become sensitive to this command, even if we believe we currently fulfill it as much as possible. To be considered righteous, we need to be more Joseph-like in this regard. Every small step toward more holiness in guarding the covenant of circumcision gives G‑d great pleasure. For the above describes our work Below as having tremendous effect Above.

What does this selection mean to YOU?! Why in your life are you reading this right NOW?!

Bracketed annotations from Metok Midevash and Sulam commentaries
Copyright 2003 by KabbalaOnline.org, a project of Ascent of Safed (//ascentofsafed.com). All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this work or portions thereof, in any form, unless with permission, in writing, from Kabbala Online.