This week we’re learning the Torah portion of Yitro. In this portion, we learn about Matan Torah, the giving of the Torah, and the incredible process and excitement that surrounded it.
The Gemara and our Sages note that in the verses describing this event, the word “Kol” (voice) appears five times. The Talmud teaches that whoever brings joy to a Chatan (groom) and a Kallah (bride) merits the Torah, because when the Torah speaks of the happiness of a bride and groom, it also mentions five voices (“Kol sason v’kol simcha, kol chatan v’kol kallah…”).
But what is the deeper significance of the number five? Why was the Torah given specifically with five voices?
In the Rebbe’s Likkutei Sichos, he discusses why the number five is so special. Usually, we think of things being divided into four. For example, everything in the physical world is categorized into four levels: Domem (inanimate), Tzomeach (vegetative), Chai (living), and Medaber (the speaking human being).
Those who study Kabbalah know that there are also four spiritual worlds: Atzilut, Beriyah, Yetzirah, and Asiyah. Even the primary name of G-d is composed of four letters (Yud-Hei-Vav-Hei).
The number four represents a level connected to limitation. It describes elements within the world, the structure of the spiritual realms, and even the expressions of G-d’s name. However, there is a level that is higher than four—the fifth level. This level represents that which is beyond names, beyond limitations, and beyond the world itself.
A voice is an expression of the person producing it; if you are angry, you have an angry voice, and if you are happy, you have a happy voice. By giving the Torah with a "fifth voice," G-d was showing that while the Torah was expressed through the four letters of His name, it also originates from a much deeper, higher level—the essence of G-d Himself (Anochi), which is beyond any name.
We see this in the human soul as well. The soul has five levels: Nefesh, Ruach, Neshamah, Chayah, and Yechidah. While the first four represent different levels of expression, the fifth, Yechidah, is the core essence. This is why we light five candles and why the Torah is composed of five books.
Ultimately, Matan Torah encompassed all levels of existence, but it came from the deepest and highest source. That is the true meaning of the five voices.