1049 —משוב על ספר הבהיר עם הערות

B"H, 15 Sivan, 5711. Brooklyn.

Harav Hagaon Havavach Iy"a Num Tzanamas Baki Vesederan etc. etc. Mahor"r Margaliot

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I received your letter in due time, and just now your book also arrived—Sefer HaBahir with your annotations and insights. Thank you very much for this. Regarding your request for my opinion on this matter—you have done and are doing a great thing with your sparks and notes on the Zohar, Tikkunei Zohar, Bahir, and Zohar Chadash; there is wisdom here and craftsmanship here.

It is known from our Sages: "He taught knowledge to man," that they taught the signs of cantillation (Eruvin 21b), and the verse makes this an introduction to what he weighed, investigated, and established—many parables (see various examples of this at the beginning of Shir HaShirim Rabbah). Especially regarding the Zohar etc., which left room for one to excel in this area. I have seen firsthand the great benefit in your sparks during my study and contemplation of these books, and many will be blessed who use your Zohar Sparks.

It is only a pity that you were brief everywhere—even where it was appropriate to elaborate. But it is also surprising—and astonishing—that aside from a few rare places (which can be counted), you do not bring in your explanations what is found in the books of Chabad Chassidus that relates to the theme of your books. Especially since in Chabad Chassidus there is a unique explanation for matters of Kabbalah wisdom and our Sages' teachings found in the Zohar. The wonder increases in our times when these books are spreading more and more; the old opposition has ceased etc.

As per your request, a separate package has been sent to you containing the Haggadah Shel Pesach; likewise, your name has been added to those receiving the pamphlets.

Blessings that your strength may increase in both the garments and body of Torah as well as its soul and innermost soul (Zohar III 152a).

P.S. As is my custom, I immediately leafed through some pages out of affection for the subject. I said quickly: In Siman Alef regarding what was brought in Or Bahir from Sefer HaTzioni—"Here are clear proofs that light was created"—also in the Lemberg edition 1882 before me it reads so; but earlier editions should be checked because I am certain it should read "that darkness was created." On whether darkness is an independent creation see note at the beginning of Kuntres 12 Tammuz 5708.

In Siman Reish: It should be noted from our Sages as brought in Torah Shleimah on Bereishis ch. 3. Sefer HaBahir is cited in Torah Or (Kehot edition which is Vilna edition) 18:3; 114:3 (twice). In Likkutei Torah: Parshas Beshalach II:1; Vayikra 35:2; Bamidbar 51:1; 63:3; 64:1; 94:1. See there at all those places mentioned above.

Summary

The Rebbe encourages thorough scholarship with both depth and breadth, urging inclusion of Chabad perspectives when annotating classic mystical texts like Sefer HaBahir, while expressing appreciation for diligent Torah work that benefits many.