Nishmas, part II

This week's shiur picks up from "HaKel besa'atzumos uzekha", the point where the Chazan begins on Yamim Tovim.

Some of the key topics raised:

• The impossibility of understanding Hashem, and the resulting consequence of tending to describe Him in conflicting dialectics. Immanence -- Hashem is everywhere; Trancendence -- Hashem is in shamayim. The impersonal G-d of nature, and the G-d of miracles. Etc...
  
• How are we permitted to praise Hashem in just four words?
• Gevurah and nitzchon (eternal in time). Man's ability to bring nitzachon to Hashem's will because Hashem's gevurah gives "room" for us to act. The creative partnership in history and in halakhah.
  
• What is means to be a Melekh (king) as opposed to a Mosheil (dictator). What is Hashem's "Throne"?
• Idealism and happiness: The concepts of simkhah, yesharim, tehillah (hallel), avodas Hashem (serving Hashem), aveilus and even humor according to Rav Saadia Gaon.

We then started discussing Barekhu, discussing the source for needing a minyan for devarim shebiqdushah (declarations of His sanctity, including Barekhu, Qaddish and Qedushah.