Until the Baal Shem Tov, the [predominant] form of worship was through self-affliction. This gave power to the angels of the L‑rd (Elokim), in the aspect of limitation (zimzum). However, from the Baal Shem Tov and onward, the service of G‑d was reconceived through Unifications. Then, power was given to the angels of G‑d (Haveyeh) and the angels of the G‑d of H-sts (Haveyeh Tziva-os).¹⁵) represents forces of Mercy. Before the Baal Shem Tov, the common service of G‑d was through self-affliction, and thus empowered the Divine Name of Judgment. After the Baal Shem Tov, the service of G‑d changed to one of supernal unifications through prayer. This empowered the forces of loving-kindness in the universe. Sheiris Yisroel p. 15c,d

footnotes: ¹⁵ G‑d’s Name “Elokim” symbolizes forces of restraint and constriction, whereas the Tetragrammaton (Havayeh