Short Poetic conclusion to Torahs 1-15 on Rabba bar bar Chana and Preface to the Torah 16-18 on the Telling Overs of Bava Basra 74

Short Poetic Conclusion to Torahs 1-15 on Rabba Bar Bar Chana and Preface to Torahs 16-18 on the Meshtu-ai

Blessed is He who chooses the assembly of those who are counted [Chasal Sidur Pesach, Passover Haggadah],
Who has thus far aided us to hear such wonders concerning the sayings of Rabba Bar Bar Chana [Bava Basra 73-74].
Come, behold how great is the might of this tree [cf. Daniel 4:7-8].
Now, with the authority of the Supreme King,
Before you, we shall offer up continually the fitting words [cf. Leviticus 6:5, Korban Tamid],
Great goodness hidden and concealed in the holy sayings of the lions of the upper chambers [cf. Bava Basra 74],
Those who relate (Meshtu-ai), reaping the field [those who tell over wondrous tales],
In which are hidden holy counsels that emerge from the Torah of the Ancient Hidden One [cf. Zohar, Sifra DeTzniyuta].
Come, see the works of the L-rd, His path is wondrous [Psalms 66:5],
The tree is great and strong, its height reaches the edge of the heavens, and its vision to the end of all the earth [Daniel 4:8],
Its fruit is abundant, and its appearance is fitting [Daniel 4:9].
Hear, and your soul shall live, and you shall draw water with joy from the springs of salvation [Isaiah 55:3; 12:3].

Notes on Translation and References:

1. "Blessed is He who chooses the assembly of those who are counted": The Hebrew "בָּרוּךְ הַבּוֹחֵר בַּעֲדַת מִי מָנָה" directly references the phrase in "Chasal Sidur Pesach" at the end of the Passover Haggadah, symbolizing the chosen community completing the Seder.
[](https://www.recustom.com/clips/4054356)
2. "Who has thus far aided us": The Hebrew "אֲשֶׁר עַד כֹּה עֲזָרָנוּ" reflects 1 Samuel 7:12, symbolizing divine assistance in reaching this point of study.
3. "Come, behold how great is the might of this tree": The Aramaic "תָּא חֲזִי כַּמָּה נָפִישׁ חֵילֵהּ דְּהַאי אִילָנָא" draws from Daniel 4:7-8, using the metaphor of a great tree to describe the profound teachings.
4. "With the authority of the Supreme King": The Aramaic "בִּרְשׁוּתָא דְּמַלְכָּא עִלָּאָה" invokes divine authority, a common motif in Jewish liturgy and Kabbalistic texts.
5. "Fitting words": The phrase "אִמְּרֵי יָאֵי" alludes to Leviticus 6:5, referring to the Korban Tamid (the continual offering), suggesting the teachings are an ongoing spiritual offering.
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pesachim)
6. "Great goodness hidden and concealed": The Hebrew "רַב טוּב הַצָּפוּן וְגָנוּז" reflects Psalms 31:20, emphasizing the esoteric treasures within the teachings.
7. "Lions of the upper chambers": The Aramaic "אַרְיְוָתָא דְּבֵי עִלָּאָה" refers to the Talmudic sages or mystical figures in Bava Basra 74, transitioning to the Meshtu-ai.
8. "Those who relate (Meshtu-ai), reaping the field": The Aramaic "מְחַצְּדֵי חַקְלָא דַּהֲווֹ מִשְׁתָּעֵי" refers to the Meshtu-ai, meaning "those who tell over" or "narrate" wondrous tales in Bava Basra 74. "Reaping the field" is a Kabbalistic term for the service of great Tzaddikim tending to the tikunim (spiritual rectifications) of the Shechinah in Gan Eden.
9. "Holy counsels... from the Torah of the Ancient Hidden One": The Aramaic "עֲטִין קַדִּישִׁין דְּנָפְקִין מֵאוֹרַיְתָא דְּעַתִּיקָא סְתִימָאָה" connects to the Zohar’s Sifra DeTzniyuta, indicating the mystical depth of the Meshtu-ai’s narratives.
10. "Come, see the works of the L-rd": The Hebrew "לְכוּ חֲזוּ מִפְעֲלוֹת ה’" quotes Psalms 66:5, inviting contemplation of divine wonders.
11. "The tree is great and strong": The Hebrew "רְבָה אִילָנָא וּתְקִיף" continues the imagery from Daniel 4:8-9, symbolizing the expansive and profound nature of the teachings.
12. "Hear, and your soul shall live": The Hebrew "שִׁמְעוּ וּתְחִי נַפְשְׁכֶם" directly quotes Isaiah 55:3, and "you shall draw water with joy" quotes Isaiah 12:3, linking the teachings to spiritual vitality and salvation.
13. Context of Meshtu-ai: The sayings of the Meshtu-ai ("those who relate/tell over") in Bava Basra 74 follow those of Rabba Bar Bar Chana. Rabbi Nachman elaborates on these in Likutay Moharan Volume 1, Torahs 16-18, and further in Volume 2, Torahs 4, 5, and 7, highlighting their mystical significance as narratives of divine wisdom.