Ohr Sovev Kol Almin (אוֹר סוֹבֵב כָּל עָלְמִין): Surrounding All Worlds

God fills and surrounds all worlds

Ohr Sovev Kol Almin, also known as Ohr Makif (surrounding light), refers to the transcendent, infinite Divine light that encompasses creation. Unlike Memaleh Kol Almin (filling/immanent light), Sovev is not limited by physical constraints, representing Divine energy that eludes direct apprehension.

Aspects of Ohr Sovev Kol Almin

Transcendence: It is the divine energy that remains external to and above the created worlds, untouched by their limitations.
Relationship to Creation: It is often paired with Memaleh Kol Almin (the “filling” light), which is immanent, tailored, and measured to sustain finite existence.
Purpose: According to Chabad philosophy, Sovev allows for the elevation of spiritual sparks, enabling mortals to connect with the Divine beyond worldly limitations.
“Everything before Him is of no significance”: Sovev signifies a level of divine manifestation so intense that all created existence is nullified (bitul) in its presence.

Sovev Kol Almin is often discussed in conjunction with Tzimtzum (contraction), where this infinite light is “surrounding” the lower world, while the “filling” light animates it from within.