The Secret of the Hairs of Atika Kadisha: The Elevated Status of the Souls of Israel During Sefiras HaOmer
Lesson No. 303 | Tuesday, Parashas Behar-Bechukosai, 22 Iyar 5761 - Bris
An in-depth article explaining the secret of "Amar Neka" (pure wool) and the hairs of Atika Kadisha (the Holy Ancient One) according to the teachings of the holy Arizal. The Rav explains how, during the days of Sefiras HaOmer (the Counting of the Omer), the souls of Israel ascend to their highest supernal root, and reveals the hidden secret behind Moshe Rabbeinu making the hooks for the pillars in the Mishkan (Tabernacle).
The Torah reveals to us regarding the Nazirite, that the moment he takes upon himself the vow of nezirus (asceticism), his hair becomes holy hair that illuminates all the spiritual worlds. It is said about him in Parashas Nasso:
"All the days of his vow he is holy to Hashem... because the crown of his God is upon his head."
The Nazirite merits that for thirty days he is sanctified in the Holy of Holies, ascending to the supreme level called "Atika Kadisha" (the Holy Ancient One, representing the highest level of Divine will and mercy), and his hair becomes holy and pure. Now, during the days of Sefiras HaOmer, we all merit to ascend to the level of Atika Kadisha. This is the counting of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, where everyone ascends to Atika, and one's hairs and thoughts become holy.
The Root of the Souls of Israel: Amar Neka
The holy Arizal in the book Eitz Chaim (page 23b) reveals an awesome secret: The entire nation of Israel, all the roots of the souls of the six hundred thousand of Israel in every single generation, are essentially the aspect of the "hairs of Atika Kadisha."
When a tzaddik ascends to the level of Atika, he becomes the root of all of Israel. During Sefiras HaOmer, we ascend to this level, which is called in the book Pri Eitz Chaim "an omer per skull" or "Amar Neka" (pure wool). This secret is also connected to the descent of the Manna, which came down from the level of Atika. These hairs, called "Amar Neka," are the aspect of the Sefiros of Netzach (Eternity) and Hod (Splendor) of Atika Kadisha, which clothe themselves within the Partzuf (Divine persona) of Arich Anpin (the Long Face, representing Divine patience and mercy).
Preceding the Kings of Edom
Regarding the verse describing the kings of Edom:
"And these are the kings that reigned in the land of Edom, before there reigned any king over the children of Israel,"
The holy Arizal explains (page 64) that the phrase "reigned any king" alludes to the hairs of Atika Kadisha.
The kings of Edom represent the seven Sefiros of the World of Tohu (Chaos) that shattered, but they were preceded by the kings of Israel—which are the souls of Israel, the hairs of Atika Kadisha. The souls of Israel preceded all the kings, all the souls of the nations of the world, and the entire creation. The function of these hairs is to constrict and condense the infinite Divine light, so that it becomes possible to reveal that there is Godliness in the world and to receive the light gradually.
The Secret of the Hooks for the Pillars
The tremendous revelation of the level of the hairs was expressed in the building of the Mishkan, in the secret of the hooks for the pillars. The Torah says:
"And of the thousand seven hundred and seventy-five [shekels] he made hooks for the pillars, and overlaid their capitals, and made fillets for them."
These hooks are the aspect of the hairs of Atika Kadisha, the highest level—"Reisha D'Atika" (the Head of the Ancient One). Initially, this matter was completely concealed. The nation of Israel did not understand where the one thousand seven hundred and fifty silver shekels had disappeared to, and they began to suspect Moshe Rabbeinu.
They said: "Moshe stole money from us in the Mishkan, he stole from us here, he stole from us there." There were those who rejoiced in his misfortune, just as Korach claimed against Aharon HaKohen when his sons were burned, that this was proof he was unfit for the High Priesthood. The Children of Israel were filled with rebukes and suspicions toward Moshe.
But then a Heavenly voice emerged and declared throughout the camp of Israel: "And of the thousand seven hundred and seventy-five he made hooks for the pillars!" It was revealed that Moshe Rabbeinu took nothing for himself, but rather elevated the money to the highest and most hidden place—to the secret of the hooks, which are the hairs of Atika Kadisha, that connect and uphold the entire Mishkan.
Part 2 of 3 — Lesson No. 303