222- Scrutinies in the Work

“Bruria found that disciple who was learning in a whisper. She kicked him and said to him, ‘Is it not written, ‘ordered in all things and kept’? If it is ordered in one’s 248 organs, it is kept.’ That disciple who was learning in secret, Bruria kicked him and said, ‘‘Ordered in all things,’ if it is ordered in one’s 248 organs, it is kept in the heart’” (Iruvin 54a).

“Secret” means that he has still not been rewarded with “hearing,” called “voice.” “Kicked” means awakening. “Beruria” is the Beruriut [scrutinies] of the work. “One’s 248 organs” are the entire level, from Chazeh and above, which is covered Hassadim [mercies], meaning bestowal. Revealed Hassadim are from the Chazeh downward, which is reception in order to bestow.

There are two discernments: 1) bestowal, 2) reception in order to bestow. “Bestowal” is when one engages in Torah and Mitzvot [commandments] in a manner of bestowal, and he still does not taste the taste of Mitzvot. Reception in order to bestow means that he already feels the flavor of Torah and Mitzvot, but he receives that flavor in order to bestow.

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