“My foot is set on the straight
path.” Our main task
is to rectify the paradigm of the feet, which enable us to walk the “straight
path”—the path of Torah, the path of teshuvah. For the extrication of
the lost “holy sparks” is associated with the aspect of the feet, the lowest
level, where the kelipot (“husks”) have their hold. Thus, it is written,
“And her feet descend unto death” (Proverbs 5:5), which alludes to the descent
of Malkhut/Kingship and the exile of the Jewish people, as is known.
This is why the Evil One attacks us
so intensely now, during our generations, collectively and individually. For
these times are called the “footsteps of the Mashiach,” corresponding to the
aspect of the feet, where the influence of the Other Side and the kelipot
is strongest. Therefore, we need to know that now, during our generations, when
a person makes the slightest gesture to return to God, this is even more
precious in God’s sight than the great devotions of former generations, as is
discussed in the works of the Arizal and the Baal Shem Tov, and especially in
those of our master, Rebbe Nachman. Accordingly, the Zohar describes the
final Redemption as when “the feet reach the feet,” in fulfillment of the
verse, “And on that day His feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives” (Zechariah
14:4) [1] (LH, Shabbat 7:43).
[1] See Zohar II, 258a, alluding to the descent of
the Torah and the Jewish people throughout the period of exile until the lowest
levels are rectified. These lowest levels are related to the sefirot of Netzach/Victory,
corresponding to the right leg, and Hod/Splendor, corresponding to the
left leg, down to Malkhut/Kingship. This process of tikkun will
be completed by the Mashiach, who like his ancestor King David personifies the
aspect of Malkhut.
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