Come and see! Fortunate are the righteous, for much goodness is put aside for them in that world [the world to come] The innermost place [in Gan Eden] is reserved for the righteous, those who know the secret of their Master to know how to cleave to Him every day. [They draw down to themselves from their neshama in Atzilut through knowledge of Kabbala]. Of these, it is written: "Neither has the eye seen but You, G‑d, [the great reward] that You will make for he that waits for Him". (Isaiah 64:3)

What is meant by: "For he that waits for Him?" He replied that it is similar to the verse: "waited to speak to Job". (Job 32:4) This refers to those who press themselves [to understand] words of wisdom, to be exacting [in each word] thereby better understanding their Master. The Master takes pride in them daily. They enter the upper gates and come amongst the supernal beings without meeting any obstacles. Happy is their portion in this world and the world to come.

Come and see [the essence of devotion and complete service is by one who merits a soul from the world of Atzilut, for]! Abraham was enabled to properly know and cleave to his Master, to merit the supernal days [the 7 lower sefirot of the world of Atzilut] only after he performed good deeds and was blessed from the place from where all the blessings flow, as it is written: "And G‑d had blessed Abraham in all". (Gen. 42:1) What is the meaning of "in all"? It means the place of the river from which water never stops flowing.

Rabbi Chiya said, come and see that Abraham did not want to mix with the women of the world and cling to the heathen nations, for the wives of the heathen nations defiled their husbands and those connected to them. Because Abraham had the knowledge of [holy] wisdom, he knew the essence and root of the place from which the unholy spirits come out to hover in the world. Therefore, he made his servant swear not to take a wife for his son from among the other nations.

BeRahamim LeHayyim: Why did the Ari and Chida choose this passage? What are we to learn?

In all your paths, know Him! Keep G‑d before you always, and you will never falter. Abraham was the father of faith, of spiritual ways. He also knew the wisdom of unholy mixing. It is a difficult world for us to live in, one with oh so many choices. When will we merit to reach the level of Abraham? Learn from his ways. Develop his desire, the desire that G‑d has placed deep inside

What does the selection mean to YOU?! Why are you reading it right NOW?!

Bracketed annotations from Metok Midevash and Sulam commentaries
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