Pinchas: Chapter 117

Moses' bride

Synopsis

We learn that the sages of Kabbalah are also called the sages of the Talmud, and that study is divided into three parts: one-third study of the Torah, one-third study of the Mishnah and one-third study of the Talmud. The Faithful Shepherd explains how it is permitted to interpret the secrets of the Torah by expanding and restricting the meanings of certain words. In this way the sages can piece together the inner meanings, just as a tailor pieces together the cloth for a suit. Moses concludes by speaking about the seven lights of the candelabrum and the seven blessings of the Sh'ma.