אהבה בתענוגים, Love of G-d that is granted to man only as a gift from Above: he cannot attain it through his own work. This pleasurable experience of Divinity is termed אהבה בתענוגים (“a love of delights”) and is a foretaste of the World to Come[1], wherein the soul basks in the rays of the Shechinah[2]
Levels and Sources
Ahavah B'Tanugim is associated with the level of water (mayim) in Kabbalah, specifically the Oneg (delight) descending from the brain to the heart, from the Yesod of mayim of the Nefesh Elokis. This differs from Ahavah Kerishfei Aish, which arises from the Yesod of fire (אֵשׁ).[3]
This love comes from Dvekus (דבקות) with Elokus (אלוקות).
It is drawn from the first Hey (ה) of Havaye (הויה), which contains two levels: Ohr Yosher (אור יושר) and Ohr Chozer (אור חוזר). Ohr Chozer corresponds to Ahavah Kerishfei Aish, which draws Ahavah B'Tanugim from above to below.[4]
Attainment
Ahavah B'Tanugim is primarily found with a Tzadik (צדיק). It is linked with a state of great Simcha (שמחה).
This love is granted only after one exerts effort in Yirat Haromemut (יראת הרוממות), awe and humility before G–d’s Majesty. After reaching the highest level of yirah according to one’s soul, Ahavah B'Tanugim comes from Above to unite with the yirah.[5]
This entry is severely incomplete.
See Also
References