6300 —מדריגות גן עדן, דעת הרמב"ם, וטבע המלאכים

B"H, 9 Sivan, 5718.

Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from the 25th of Iyar, which was received in due course, in which you write: A) Regarding what is written in Likkutei Torah Behar 41b, that there are many levels of delight for souls even though only Gan Eden HaTachton (the lower Gan Eden) and Gan Eden HaElyon (the higher Gan Eden) are mentioned in the holy books—this means that only these have been revealed to us. You ask for an explanation. The explanation is straightforward: Gan Eden HaTachton and Gan Eden HaElyon were revealed to select souls even while they were still in their bodies, similar to the four who entered Pardes and Metivta d’Rakia (the heavenly academy), about whom it is said: "Who can prove it? Rabbah bar Nachmani" (see Bava Metzia 86a). See also Likkutei Torah at the end of Parshas Tazria. In contrast, higher levels than these have not been revealed. This is also understood from what is written in Iggeres HaKodesh by the Alter Rebbe (section 19), that even prophetic comprehension does not go beyond Mochin d’Chochmah as clothed in Binah; see Likkutei Torah there—that this refers to Gan Eden HaElyon as related to the sefirah of Binah; see also Tanya chapter 39.

B) Regarding your wish to explain that according to the Rambam, Gan Eden does not yet exist but will only exist in the future—Heaven forbid to say so! There are many statements by our Sages regarding Gan Eden found in both Shas and Zohar, and this is explicitly stated by the Rambam himself at the end of Hilchos Teshuvah chapter 8.

C) Regarding your wonder at the statement by the Alter Rebbe that an angel has a body whereas the Rambam says an angel is an abstract intellect—see Likkutei Torah Berachah 98a where it says this is based on Ramban’s words on "He makes His angels spirits; His servants a flaming fire," but he specifies that this refers to spirit and fire in a refined sense.*

On this occasion I would like to encourage you regarding maintaining the three well-known daily study portions—Chumash, Tehillim, and Tanya—which we have heard many times from my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe zatzal, are suitable for every soul and serve as a segulah for many matters.

With blessings for good news.

In the name of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe shlita,
Mazkir

Summary

The Rebbe clarifies deep concepts about Gan Eden’s levels and existence according to Chassidus and halachic sources. He emphasizes daily study of Chumash, Tehillim, and Tanya as universally beneficial spiritual practices.