Vayechi: Chapter 79

"And this is what their father spoke to them"

Synopsis

Rabbi Aba inquires why a passage of Scripture refers to the twelve tribes as "All these," as opposed to "These are the twelve tribes." The word "All," we learn, signifies the mechanism by which the twelve tribes are connected to the source of all blessings, the world of Malchut. Moreover, it indicates the Lower World's connection to the Upper World.

We are then told that the upper realm, called Zeir Anpin [Male], correlates to "voice," whereas the physical dimension of Malchut [Female] equates to speech. Thus, male and female [Upper and Lower Worlds] are unified - just as voice and speech are unified when words are spoken, through the sacred text; "That which (he) spoke." Next, we learn that all blessing issues from both the Male and Female principles, or the union of Zeir Anpin and Malchut.

Relevance

Here, the Upper and Lower Worlds are conjoinedconjoined so that we may be the recipients of many blessings. This Light of blessing can flow freely if we do not allow negativity from the twelve signs to influence us. This effect is illustrated within this passage through the mystical power of the twelve tribes, which help us ascend over the twelve signs.