🔊59 ליקוטי אמרים: פרק יח-3

(9) Now, chochmah (wisdom) is the source of intelligence and comprehension, and it is above binah (understanding) which is intellectual understanding and comprehension, whereas chochmah is above them and their source.

(10) Note the etymological composition of the word חכמה כ“ח מ“ה—(“the potentiality of what is”), that which is not yet comprehended and understood or grasped intellectually;9 Above, ch. 3. consequently there is vested in it the light of the En Sof, blessed is He, Who can in no way be comprehended by any thought.

(11) Hence all Jews, even the women and the illiterate, believe in G–d, since faith is beyond understanding and comprehension,10 Where knowledge ends, faith begins. for “The simple believe every thing, but the prudent man understands….”11 Proverbs 14:15. But with regard to the Holy One, blessed is He, Who is beyond intelligence and knowledge and Who can in no way be comprehended by any thought—all men are like fools in His presence, blessed be He, as is written, “I was a boor and did not understand, like an animal was I with You. Yet I was always with you…,”12 Psalms 73:22. meaning that “because I was a boor and as an animal, I was always with You.”13 Communion with G–d could never be fully attained through intellectual comprehension because G–d is incomprehensible. It is through faith which transcends comprehension that man can feel true closeness with G–d.