Igrot Kodesh · Letter 3742 — Philosophy & Theology

With the help of Hashem

3 Elul* 5715

Brooklyn

To the distinguished Chassid* who fears Hashem, Rav Yona (1),

Greetings and blessings,

You ask me about what the Akeidah* states at the beginning of chapter 80: "One cannot imagine the Divine capacity to unite opposite aspects." You point out that Hashem is described as Omnipotent.

You are perfectly right to make this observation.

The Sages* of Israel who adopt the view of the Akeidah consider that He is Omnipotent within the limits of what the intellect can conceive. The Mekor Chaim* explains this briefly at that same reference. Obviously, this interpretation is difficult to accept.

But the greatest among the early Sages, those of the Kabbalah* or of Chassidus*, have already demonstrated that Hashem knows no limitation, that He is Omnipotent in the most literal sense. Consult, on this subject, in particular the responsa* of the Rashba*, volume 1, chapter 418; the Sefer HaChakira*, of the Tzemach Tzedek*, at page 68; and the Chassidic discourse entitled "Purify our heart" of 5677 (2).

A decisive proof in this regard can be drawn from Tractate* Yoma* 21a, which states that "the Holy Ark* did not occupy space (3)," even though, according to the Divine Injunction, it had to be two and a half cubits* in length, one and a half cubits in width, and one and a half cubits in height.

(1) Rav Y. Dresher. See, regarding him, Letter #3676.
(2) 1917, by the Rebbe Rashab*.
(3) In the Holy of Holies of the Temple.