Nefesh HaTzimtzumĀ provides the single most comprehensive and accessible presentation of the teachings and worldview of the Vilna Gaon's primary student, Rabbi Chaim Volozhin. It is focused on Rabbi Chaim's magnum opus,Ā Nefesh HaChaim, a work that has lain in almost total obscurity for nearly two centuries due to its deep Kabbalistic subject matter.Ā Nefesh HaTzimtzumĀ opens up the real depth of the ideas presented inĀ Nefesh HaChaimĀ together with all of Rabbi Chaim's related writings, making them accessible to the public for the first time in any language. In addition to the complete English translation ofĀ Nefesh HaChaim,Ā Nefesh HaTzimtzumĀ includes the full Hebrew text ofĀ Nefesh HaChaimĀ and many other writings by Rabbi Chaim (with correspondingly hyperlinked English and Hebrew texts), along with in-depth explanations, an informative historical overview, an easily consumable innovative presentation layout and a full index.
After centuries of confusion, extensive clarification is provided of the central Kabbalistic concept of Tzimtzum, or the secret of how an infinite God occupies a finite world. Most importantly, it unequivocally demonstrates that the key Kabbalists, including the Vilna Gaon, Rabbi Chaim Volozhin and the Baal HaTanya, all unanimously agreed on the underlying principles of the concept of Tzimtzum and that contrary to widespread historical misunderstanding, there was no fundamental dispute about the philosophical principles of Judaism between the Hasidim and the Mitnagdim. Based on thisĀ Nefesh HaTzimtzumĀ shows that bothĀ Nefesh HaChaimĀ andĀ Sefer HaTanyaĀ present the same methodology for serving God which is rooted in their identical understanding of the concept of Tzimtzum.
Nefesh HaTzimtzumĀ is published in two volumes which are sold separately.
This companion volume presents a number of important concepts, including the concept of Tzimtzum, which together enable the true depth ofĀ Nefesh HaChaimĀ to be understood. It also adds valuable insight by providing the translation of all of Rabbi Chaim Volozhin's published writings which are related toĀ Nefesh HaChaim. Additional related writings are also included together with detailed outlines and a full index for both volumes.