מידות, literally meaning Measures, refer to the emotional ספירות. They’re called “Measures” because each expresses a distinct, measured aspect of Divine energy. Rather than (relatively) undefined infinite light, the energy is channeled, restricted and defined, into specific traits, like חסד (loving-kindness) or גבורה (strength and restraint).
The מידות are referred to as the children of חכמה and בינה. These are not just spontaneous emotional reactions; rather, they are deeply connected to the higher faculties of intellect and will. The more refined the intellect (שכל) and the will (רצון), the more refined and directed the מידות become.
The Seven מידות
The seven primary emotional attributes include: chesed (חסד), gevurah (גבורה), tiferet (תפארת), netzach (נצח), hod (הוד), yesod (יסוד), and malchut (מלכות). These do not stand alone but are interwoven, each containing aspects of the others—chesed of chesed, gevurah of chesed, and so on.
- Chesed (חסד): This is the impulse to give and bestow freely, representing boundless loving-kindness and diffusion. It is often symbolized by the "right arm," reaching outward without restriction.
- Gevurah (גבורה): In contrast to chesed, gevurah represents restraint, discipline, and the strength to hold back. It is the force that withholds, limits, and even punishes where necessary, acting with inner might.
- Tiferet (תפארת): This is the harmonizing quality that blends the expansive energy of chesed with the restraint of gevurah. It expresses compassion and balance, creating a beautiful synthesis.
- Netzach (נצח): Netzach conveys victory and perseverance. It is the power to overcome challenges and remain firm in one’s Divine service, pushing through resistance.
- Hod (הוד): Hod expresses humility and acknowledgment. It is the inner submission to truth, recognizing G-d’s greatness and bowing in gratitude and surrender.
- Yesod (יסוד): This attribute acts as the connector, forming bonds and channels through which influence passes. Like a father transmitting his understanding to his son, yesod unites the higher faculties with their recipients.
- Malchut (מלכות): Malchut is unique in that it receives from all the other מידות and manifests them. It is the attribute of leadership and kingship, bringing what is internal into expression and actualization.
The Interplay Between Intellect and Emotion
The מידות do not exist in isolation; they are shaped by and respond to the intellect (שכל) and will (רצון). Emotions that are rooted in regular intellect may still be subject to emotional limitations. However, when the intellect is expanded—what Chassidus calls mochin d’gadlus—the emotions that emerge are refined and remain within the domain of the mind. These emotions do not overwhelm the intellect but are an expression of it.
Two Types of Emotional Inter-Inclusion
Chassidus explains two distinct modes of emotional integration, as discussed by the Rebbe:
- Hiskalelus Zeh Mizeh (התכללות זה מזה): This type arises within the emotional world itself. One emotion contains a trace or influence of another, but each remains essentially separate. For example, a person may express kindness tinged with restraint, yet the dominant mode remains kindness.
- Hiskalelus Zeh Im Zeh (התכללות זה עם זה): This is a deeper fusion that begins in the realm of intellect. Emotions here are driven by understanding, not impulse. The person feels from within clarity and integration, with no singular emotional identity dominating.
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