Achdus Hashemas Revolutionized by Chassidus

The second part of Tanya, the primary work of Chassidus Chabad, is dedicated to the discussion of Divine Oneness. It opens with the verse: “Veyadata hayom,” “You shall know today and take it unto your heart that G‑d is G‑d in heaven above and upon the earth below; there is none else.”53

On a simple level, this verse is understood to be a cautionary reminder that there are no other gods to be found in any part of the heavens or in the earth.54 What is surprising is the Torah’s uncommon emphasis, “know this and take it to heart,” implying that this instruction meets some internal resistance that necessitates this extra measure of reflection. What is this inside voice which encourages the consideration of some false god inhabiting some unknown location?55

In answer to this question, the Alter Rebbe presents Chassidus’s definition of Divine Oneness.56 He follows the straightforward meaning of the verse’s final two words “ein od,” “there is none else,”57 to mean quite simply that there is no other existence aside from G‑d.58

Accordingly, “Veyadata hayom…” informs of an entirely counter­current perspective of reality. It teaches that in the heavens and the earth and anywhere in between there is nothing but G‑d. The emphasis to “know this and take it to heart” is important, as this instruction does indeed demand extensive effort and involvement. It enjoins that we conquer our inborn perception of existence and internalize, both intellectually and emotionally, that in truth there is no other existence but G‑d.59