“Essential Participation in Creation” p: 173 AyinBase with R' Paltiel Friday 6 Elul 5772  

Page 173 – 6^th line from the top of the page (line starts, 'hithorarut...') For text, see picture below.

We spoke about many levels, and subtle issues concerning the light. These go into the general category of hispashtut ha-ohr – spreading of the light.

But the light that is above the level of general arousal (hithararut klali), is comparable or illustrated by 'the essence of the name'.

A human being must be a participant in the world – this is 'essence of the name' and so too above; atzmus has an essential participation in creation.

But we don't say He cannot divest Himself from the name. There is absolutely nothing that compels Him!

The light He gives, and the possibility of revelation is all by His will – it is volitional. He can relate and make light, and He is able not to create – He is not compelled.

So how do we refer to 'essence of light' – 'etzem of the light' if light is functional? This is only to say that when he wants to make light, the light is in a state of total union with Him.

This light expresses the essence, although in essence there is no light!

Nothing compels Him or that the light should be thus... but when there is light, then the light itself is called etzem ha ohr – essence of light.