זעיר אנפין (lit. “Small Face”) represents the six central ספירות of the emotional realm: חסד, גבורה, תפארת, נצח, הוד, and יסוד. These are collectively referred to as the זו״ן (זעיר אנפין ונוקבא), where זעיר אנפין functions as the masculine, expansive channel of Divine expression.
The Divine אור from the upper intellectual ספירות—חכמה, בינה, and דעת—flows downward to מלכות specifically through the structure of זעיר אנפין. It serves as the intermediary between the intellectual Divine will and its practical manifestation in the lower realms.
General Characteristics
Zeir Anpin is generally paired with Malchut (מלכות), the final and feminine Sefirah, often referred to as the "daughter." Their union (zivvug) is the dynamic that enables the continual creation and sustenance of the worlds.
Internally, Zeir Anpin includes distinct levels, identified with Yisrael (ישראל) and Yaakov (יעקב), each representing different stages or aspects of its development.
Zeir Anpin and the Worlds
In the world of אצילות, Zeir Anpin corresponds to the articulation of the emotions in thought—akin to the "letters" of emotional expression.
Zeir Anpin operates in relation to higher spiritual configurations: Arich Anpin (אריך אנפין)—"Long Countenance"—is called “The Man of Formation,” while Adam Kadmon (אדם קדמון)—"Primordial Man"—is known as “The Man of Creation.” Zeir Anpin, in contrast, is called “The Man of Action,” emphasizing its revealed and functional nature.
Intellect and Emotion in Zeir Anpin
The emotions within Zeir Anpin are referred to as immature or limited in comparison to those in Arich Anpin. These emotions are birthed through בינה and initially manifest in a state of smallness or immaturity.
Netzach (נצח) and Hod (הוד) within Zeir Anpin play the role of channeling the influences of Chesed and Gevurah downward, furthering the process of divine flow.
Levels of Development
Zeir Anpin develops through distinct stages of growth:
- Katnut (קטנות) – Smallness or pettiness
- Mochin D’Yenika (מוחין דיניקה) – Intellect of suckling
- Mochin D’Gadlut Rishon D’Imma (מוחין דגדלות ראשון דאימא) – First maturation from Imma
- Gadlut Sheni D’Abba (גדלות שני דאבא) – Second maturation from Abba
Each level reflects greater integration of intellect and emotional balance, increasing Zeir Anpin's capacity to serve as a proper conduit of divine flow.
Divine Service
In Divine service, the tzaddikim are said to reach the level of a “vehicle” (מרכבה), meaning their entire being is aligned with the divine attributes of Zeir Anpin.
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