For the community of Israel, comprising 600,000 particular souls, is the general source of vitality for the world as a whole, since the world was created for the sake of these souls.

Each specific one of them contains and to each is related the vitality of one six-hundred-thousandth-part of the entire world.

This [part of the world] depends on his vital soul for its elevation to G-d through [the vital soul's] own elevation.

This means [that one elevates "his" portion of the world] by his partaking of this world for the requirements of his body and vital soul in the service of G-d.

[By using the objects of this world that one's body and vital soul need for the sake of serving G-d, one elevates his portion of the world]. For example: eating, drinking, and the like; one's dwelling and all his utensils.

[But surely there are more than 600,000 souls; besides, it is quite impossible for one person to use a six-hundred-thousandth of the entire world].

These 600,000 particular souls, however, are "roots"; and, [like a root from which grow numerous branches], each root-soul subdivides into 600,000 sparks, each spark being one Neshamah.

Similarly with the Nefesh and Ruach, in each of the four Worlds - Atzilut, Beriah, Yetzirah and Asiyah. [In each of these four Worlds are found all three soul-levels - Nefesh, Ruach and Neshamah].