Now, although G-d transcends space and time, He is nevertheless also found below, within space and time - [even as space and time, i.e., the dimensions that constitute the world, exist (in their own eyes) as independent entities]; that is, He unites with His attribute of Malchut, from which space and time are derived and come into existence.

[This refers to Malchut after its descent through the various tzimtzumim. However, even this level of Malchut is united with G-d.

Thus, G-d Who transcends time and space is also found within time and space.

The reason created beings are unable to perceive Him is that Malchut conceals His Presence; they thus regard themselves as possessing independent existence, subject to the limitations and divisions of time and space].

And this is yichuda tata'ah, [or "lower-level Unity."

[In this state, created beings are not totally nullified in relation to their source - the attribute of Malchut - inasmuch as it allows them to be aware of their own existence].

[Yichuda tata'ah means][6] (the intertwining of [the letters of the Name] Havayah within [the letters of the Name of] Adnut).

[In this instance the Divine Name Havayah is intertwined and vested within the Name of Adnut; i.e., Havayah is concealed and submerged, while Adnut is revealed and predominant, allowing for the creation of time and space].

I.e., His Essence and Being, which is called by the Name Ein Sof, "the Infinite One," completely fills the whole earth temporally and spatially.

For in the heavens above and on the earth [below] and in the four directions, everything is equally permeated with the Ein Sof-light, for [G-d] is to be found on the earth below exactly as in the heavens above, for everything - including both heaven and earth - is within the dimension of space, which is utterly nullified in the Ein Sof - light, which clothes itself in it through [G-d's] attribute of Malchut that is united with Him.

[In relation to the Ein Sof-light which totally transcends time and space there exists no difference between heaven and earth; G-d is found equally in heaven and upon the earth.

This being so, why are time and space not totally nullified?]

[They are not nullified] because [G-d's] attribute of Malchut is the attribute of tzimtzum and concealment, [whose function is] to hide the Ein Sof-light, [so that it will not be perceived by created beings], so that the existence of time and space should not be completely nullified and there will be no dimensions of time and space whatsoever, even for the lower worlds.

[I.e., it is only because of the concealment effected by Malchut that time and space exist for created beings].

   

Notes:

6. (Back to text) Parentheses are in the original text.