אות - קיב

If the Torah were written in order, we would know the precise reward and punishment for each commandment.

There is a sin whose punishment is constant debt (see Likutey Halakhot , Gevi'at Chov MeYetomim 2) . One who is punished for such a sin is constantly in debt. All the merit in the world does not erase his punishment. He can do every possible good, but he must remain a debtor.

This sin can even cause others to fall into debt. This is why there are periods when there are many debtors — this sin has become prevalent, may God spare us.

The remedy for this is to repent in general for all your sins. Even though you do not know what sin is causing these debts, repent in general and ask God to save you from this particular sin also.

The time for such repentance is when you are in a state of expanded consciousness. 186 Mochin DeGadlut , a Kabbalistic term referring to the mature state of the transcendental mentalities. This is the time to regret such sins, praying to God in complete repentance.

Being in a state of constricted consciousness is like being in debt. 187 Mochin DeKatnut , a Kabbalistic term referring to the immature state of the transcendental mentalities. See “ His Wisdom ” #13; Likutey Halakhot , Halva'ah 4.

The Talmud teaches, “Ten measures of sleep came down to the world. Nine were taken by slaves” ( Kiddushin 49b) .

Sleep is a state of constricted consciousness. 188 Cf. Likutey Moharan I, 117; ibid., II, 5:9. It is written, “A borrower is a slave to the man who lends” (Proverbs 22:7) . A debtor is therefore a slave. The nine measures of sleep taken by slaves are the measures of constricted consciousness of the debtor.

The sin that causes this must be repented when you are in a state of expanded consciousness. This then counteracts the punishment of being a debtor, the state of constricted consciousness.