דעת is the third of the ten ספירות. Unlike חכמה and בינה, דעת does not introduce new information. Rather, it creates a deep, internal connection—a bond between the mind and the heart. As seen in פרשת בראשית: "Now the man knew his wife Chava" (והאדם ידע את חוה)—the word ידע shares a root with דעת. This knowing is not just intellectual but includes emotional connection and inner sensing.[1]
דעת as the Key to the מידות
דעת is essential for generating and sustaining the מידות. Without דעת, emotions like אהבה and יראה remain abstract and superficial—mere illusions rather than genuine feelings.
An example: a katan (minor), even with complete cognitive understanding, is not obligated in מצוות due to a lack of דעת. Without it, understanding does not lead to impact or obligation.
Upper and Lower דעת
- דעת עליון – This is the supernal, concealed דעת, often seen as the root of all revealed consciousness. It represents the unitive knowledge that binds כתר with חכמה and בינה. It is the source from which the power of connection and awareness flows into the lower ספירות. It is alluded to in the most profound levels of Divine Self-awareness, preceding the articulated emanations.
- דעת תחתון – This is the revealed דעת, the direct product and synthesis of חכמה and בינה. Its primary function is to serve as the bridge from the Mochin (מוחין – intellectual faculties) to the מדות. It is through דעת תחתון that intellectual understanding gives birth to, and subsequently directs, the emotions of love (אהבה), awe/fear (יראה), compassion (Rachamim), and so forth.
דעת in Avodas Hashem
The development and application of דעת are paramount in Avodat HaShem:
- It elevates Divine service from mere rote performance (mitzvot anashim melumada) to a deeply personal and conscious engagement with the Divine.
- Through contemplation (as in the Pesukei d'Zimra and Kriat Shema described in Torah Ohr) that is imbued with דעת, one can attain a profound love and awe of HaShem, leading to a more meaningful fulfillment of the mitzvot.
- Torah Ohr (e.g., Parshat Yitro, Chapter 1) speaks of the Nefesh Hasichlit (intellectual soul) and its power to illuminate the מידות. דעת is the active force that channels this intellectual light into emotional fervor and dedicated action.
- The very ability to achieve בטול, a cornerstone of Chassidic Avodah, is contingent upon a profound דעת of the greatness of the Creator and the nothingness of the created.
See Also
References