אוצר של יראת שמים literally means "a treasury of fear of Heaven." This otzar is accessible to every Yid, especially through kabolas ol (acceptance of the yoke of Heaven).
Yiras Shomayim as Hashem’s Treasure[edit]
Yiras Shomayim is described in Chassidus as Hashem’s personal treasure, which He empowers Yidden with. In the maamarim of Basi L’Gani 5722 and 5742, the Rebbe explores how Hashem's otzar is rooted in the deepest levels of Or Ein Sof, even after the process of tzimtzum.
Despite the tzimtzum concealing Hashem’s light, the ohr retains the quality of Ein Sof and descends lematah matah ad ein tachlis—downward without end. This concealment creates the possibility for true bechirah chofshis (free choice), allowing us to reveal yiras Shomayim within the lowest realms.
Through our choices guided by yiras Shomayim, we activate the bli gvul light hidden within our reality. The Rebbe explains that the tzimtzum not only hides but also enables access to Hashem's infinite essence, allowing us to become vessels for His otzar through yiras Shomayim.
The maamar of 5742 emphasizes how tzimtzum—though a contraction—is not a denial but a vehicle for revelation. The restraint expressed through gevurah reflects a higher form of giving: holding back so that we may choose independently, thereby attaining the truest expression of yiras Shomayim.
The otzar is thus defined as Or Ein Sof lematah matah ad ein tachlis, illuminating even the most hidden places. This process is likened to a father restraining his assistance as his child matures—holding back, not out of absence, but to allow growth.
Kabolas Ol and Yiras Shomayim[edit]
In 5741 (1981), the Rebbe launched Tzivos Hashem, emphasizing kabolas ol as its foundation. Through this movement, the Rebbe revealed the hidden treasure of yiras Shomayim to children, instilling in them a foundation of emunah, bitachon, and awe of Hashem.
Higher levels of yiras Shomayim lead to yirah ila’ah (supernal awe), where one feels absolute bittul before Hashem. This deepens the connection with one’s yechidah, the innermost level of the neshamah, where the bond with Hashem is essential and unbreakable.
The Rebbe's Early Teachings[edit]
From the beginning of the nesius, the Rebbe emphasized that this otzar is revealed through the Likutei Dibburim and the Zichronos (memoirs), which are saturated with themes of yiras Shomayim and kabolas ol.
Yiras Shomayim and Free Choice[edit]
True yiras Shomayim is only possible through the gift of free will. Hashem's act of concealment—through tzimtzum—gives room for independent choice. In this lies the greatness of yiras Shomayim: it emerges from within, the result of a conscious decision to fear and serve Hashem, revealing the infinite Or Ein Sof even in this physical world.