ט"ז חשון – אגרת הקודש פרק כ"ז

There is another aspect of ha'arah—a radiance or illumination—that reaches the students of the Tzaddik. However, this level is different from the first one described earlier. Previously, the connection was an internal one, where the light of the Tzaddik would become clothed within the minds of his students, entering them directly.

In contrast, this second level is not internalized in the same way. Instead, it shines upon them from above. The light does not become part of their own intellect or emotions, but rather hovers over them, illuminating them from a higher place. This is a more transcendent connection, where the influence is felt as an encompassing presence rather than an internal experience.

This illumination comes about when the רוחו ונשמתו — his spirit and soul—ascend to their מקור חוצבו — the source from which they were hewn. Specifically, this refers to the ascent to the חקל תפוחין קדישין — the Field of Holy Apples, a mystical term for the spiritual source of souls.

When the soul of the Tzaddik rises to this exalted place, a yichud—a spiritual union—takes place there. This union is brought about through the elevation of מ"נ — the feminine waters, which represent all of the Tzaddik's actions, Torah study, and service of G‑d that he performed throughout his life. All of these deeds ascend with him and are planted, so to speak, in the חקל תפוחין קדישין, producing exceedingly lofty lights.

These supreme lights are a direct result of his Torah and avodah in this world. The radiance of these lights then shines upon all of his students—specifically those who have become ovdei Hashem, servants of G‑d, through his teachings and his example. In other words, the Tzaddik's spiritual accomplishments create a reservoir of light in the higher realms, and this light is directed toward and benefits his students who follow in his path.

This illumination, which shines upon the students from above, has a profound effect: it brings into their hearts thoughts of teshuvah—repentance—and inspires them to perform good deeds. All of the positive actions that are born as a result of this radiance, which comes from the lights sown in the aforementioned field, are called גידולי גידולין — growths of growths.

The analogy is that just as in a field, after the initial crop is harvested, the cuttings can be replanted to produce a second generation of growth, so too here: the original lights are the result of the Tzaddik's avodah, but when those lights inspire the students to further action, that is a new, secondary growth. This is the concept of gidulei gidulin—the students' deeds are the growth of the original growth.

However, this illumination is extremely hidden and concealed. It is compared to the sun shining on the stars from beneath the earth. In other words, even though the world may seem dark and the students may not consciously sense this connection, the influence is still present and effective, just as the sun continues to exert its effect even when it is not visible above the horizon.

This idea is found in the Tikkunei Zohar regarding Moshe Rabbeinu, peace be upon him. After his passing, his radiance spreads in every generation to shishim ribo—600,000—souls, just as the sun shines from beneath the earth to 600,000 stars.

Just as the Zohar describes this ongoing illumination from Moshe Rabbeinu, so too with other Tzaddikim: even after their passing, their spiritual light continues to shine and influence their students and followers in every generation. This connection is especially strong for those who became servants of Hashem through the Tzaddik's teachings, as they are the ones who continue to receive this light and blessing.