The Day They Let G-d Back Into His World
A series in seven parts
The Arizal provided the spark, the Baal Shem Tov the fuel, and Rabbi Schneur Zalman the structure and form. The result was a new paradigm that turned the Jewish world-view on its head. Everything had to be reconsidered.
Just as geophysicists eventually came to accept that continents had torn themselves apart, but have yet to explain how the planet was not blown to smithereens in the process, so in the story before us, it is at least as much a wonder how this new paradigm did not blow tradition out of the water. Somehow, on the contrary, it galvanized that received wisdom yet more.
1st in a series on the revolution of chassidic thought
It was not the hearts of Jewish believers, but the minds of Jewish philosophers, that could not find a place to fit such an infinite G‑d inside such a busy, messy, finite world.
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2nd in a series on the revolution of Chassidic thought
Now, the tables were turned. The question was no longer how a perfect Creator could be involved in His imperfect world. The question was now, how could He not be? If He is not there, how could there be anything at all?
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Third in a series on the revolution of Chassidic thought
The tables now turned, the great question arises: How do you fit an infinite G‑d in a decidedly finite world? The easiest answer was that G‑d could do anything. But that would not satisfy Rabbi Schneur Zalman.
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Join the Discussion
geophysical mysteries There is still a great deal that is not known about the creation of the Earth and its interior composition and physics. Saying that they have explained the tectonic plate theory in more detail may be partly true, but you will find that there is still discussion and dispute on such topics as the origin of the interior heat of the planet. Perhaps the true study of Hashem lies in the advancements of science, or it is at least one valid kind of approach to knowing and honoring G-d.
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geophysicists
Re:
" ... geophysicists eventually came to accept that continents had torn themselves apart, but have yet to explain how the planet was not blown to smithereens in the process, ... "
Oh, they've explained that — I've checked. The continents, in relation to all that lies beneath, are proportionately thinner than an apple's peel in relation to the rest of the apple. When continents separate, it is no more of a problem for the rest of the "apple" (Earth) than peeling a few surface flecks of skin. (Another analogy: when you have a peeling skin from sunburn, it doesn't kill you.)
When exercising, some bodybuilders experience stretch marks. These are but surface damage.
Holiness is important otherwise Hashem would not have commanded us to be holy. However the real purpose for our existence is to love our creator Hashem. That is why the greatest commandment is to love the LORD your G-d with all your heart your soul and all your strength.
Blessings,
Gari