Avraham draws G‑dliness down from above, and Yitzchak raises the created world up to G‑d in awe and self-nullification; the ascent from below is unlimited, but it can come about only when it is “born” of the light drawn down from above.
אלה תולדות יצחק וגו׳. כתיב שמאלו תחת לראשי וימינו תחבקני. שמאלו הוא בחי׳ יצחק ממטה למעלה.
“These are the generations of Yitzchak,” etc. It is written, “His left hand is under my head, and his right hand embraces me.” “His left hand” is the level of Yitzchak, [which is] from below upward.
ExplanationThe maamar opens with the verse that heads the parsha and at once pairs it with a verse from the Song of Songs about the left hand and the right hand. The left hand is linked to Yitzchak, whose mode of service moves “from below upward”: the created being rising toward G‑d.