תפארת blends the differing characteristics of חסד and גבורה, and this harmoniousness makes it beautiful. It is a comprehensive attribute that is present within all other attributes, as it relates to the purpose and benefit of each one. Positioned on the קו האמצעי, it is particularly identified with the quality of רחמים and the patriarch יעקב.
This entry is severely incomplete.
Definitions
תפארת is the sixth of the ספירות and the third of the six emotive ספירות of זעיר אנפין.
תפארת harmonizes and blends the free outpouring of חסד with the severe צמצום of גבורה. Different and opposite qualities can combine only when a higher, transcendent light is revealed.
It is not an equal mixture; תפארת tends towards חסד.
This merging of חסד and גבורה gives rise to the quality of רחמים.
Position in the Sefiros
תפארת's position on the middle line is crucial, as this line's function is to inter-include and synthesize the opposing right and left lines.
Role as a Mediator
Mercy is not simply an act of kindness; it is a quality that can only be expressed after the quality of judgment has been applied. As the text states, "although [he is found guilty], mercy releases him." [1]This demonstrates how תפארת does not negate judgment but rather harmonizes with it to produce a balanced outcome.
Association with יעקב
The synthesizing quality of תפארת is explicitly identified as "the quality of יעקב." This connects the Sefirah to the patriarch יעקב, who is known for embodying this attribute of truth and mercy. The emotional qualities of יעקב are associated with זעיר אנפין (the emotional attributes), of which תפארת is the core.
References
- ↑ See Shaar HaYichud, Ch. 21.