Rabash. What Is the Difference between Law and Judgment in the Work?. 26 (1988) (28.02.2003) [2026-04-17] #lesson

This lecture by Rabash explores the profound distinction between law (mitzvot) and judgment (din) in spiritual work, emphasizing that true spiritual growth begins not with intellectual understanding, but with faith and obedience to divine commandments. The speaker explains that law represents the initial stage of spiritual practice—acting out of duty, even without inner joy or comprehension—while judgment signifies the higher stage where one acts from genuine love and connection to the Creator. The journey from law to judgment requires overcoming the ego, resisting natural desires, and cultivating a sense of honor and reverence for the Creator that transcends personal benefit. Through the metaphor of Malchut (the lowest sefirah) and the nine higher sefirot, Rabash illustrates how spiritual development involves aligning one's inner world with divine will, starting with constraint and progressing toward inner transformation. The lecture also highlights the role of society and spiritual community in sustaining this work, as external inspiration and respect can fuel internal spiritual effort, even when the individual feels disconnected or uninspired. Key takeaways include the necessity of beginning spiritual work through obedience to law, even when lacking joy; the importance of developing a sense of honor for the Creator that surpasses personal gain; the idea that true spiritual growth emerges from the tension between constraint and inner revelation; and the transformative power of community and external inspiration in maintaining spiritual momentum. The episode underscores that the path to spiritual fulfillment is not linear but requires persistent effort, faith, and the willingness to act before full understanding is achieved.