A Lesson From NASA for Learning the Rebbe’s Father’s Torah
Article by By Rabbi Avrohom Brashevitzky: "After visiting NASA Space Station, I realized that while I certainly saw the whole thing, yet, I understood nothing. I wish to utilize this as a parable for something very special."
by COLlive Editor · COLliveBy Rabbi Avrohom Brashevitzky
A few years ago we were looking for a meaningful, yet enjoyable way to spend school winter vacation. We decided to take the kids to Kennedy Space Center. It was a great decision. We had a good time, and the children learned alot.
The highlight of our visit to NASA, was something that happens occasionally. We got to experience a launch of a rocket to outer space. Visitors to the KSC get to watch these prescheduled launches, from designated spectator spots.
It was the first time in my life that I got to experience this, so up close, not from a video screen. In reflecting on this a bit later, I realized something very profound. I certainly saw the whole thing, yet, I understood nothing. I had/have no clue as to how it all works; neither the science of it, nor the mechanics. No more, no less, than I did know prior to this experience.
“The Torah speaks about the lower worlds, hinting to the higher (spiritual) worlds.”
I’m not here to promote the Kennedy Space Center. Rather, I wish to utilize this as a parable for something very special. Although there’s absolutely no comparison, yet, sometimes worldly matters could help us better reflect upon, and understand the highest of highs.
As Chof Av approaches, I feel compelled to share my experience regarding the Torah, the teachings, of the Bal HaHilula, The Rebbe’s father, the great Tzadik and Mekubal Rabbi Levi Yitzchack OBM.
The teachings he left behind are so deep, so profound, that even the most seasoned of scholars, do not really, fully understand them. His work requires deep concentration, vast Torah knowledge and a good appreciation of Kabbala and Gematria. Most of us, if not almost all, simply do posses these skils, off hand. I recall reading Likutei Kevi Yitzchack, only to realize that “I don’t understand that I don’t understand”. Yes, I can translate the words, maybe even recognize some of the concepts, even make out a Gematria or two… But, as in the case of the rocket, I saw everything but understood nothing!
Then there is Yalkut Levi Yitzchack. This monumental work makes this amazing Torah available to everyone. Rabbi Dovid Dubov has spent thousands of hours, dipping in to his great knowledge and great ability to decipher the most complex concepts. Rabbi Dubov, with his great G-d given talent , has masterfully brought these teachings, which otherwise would have renained a total mystery – to the masses. Now, we are not just looking at words. Rather, we get to actually understand, appreciate, the great legacy of Rabbi Levi Yitzchack OBM.
As The Rebbe strongly encouraged us to study Rabbi Levik’s Torah (especially) on the day of his Yartzeit – I encourage you to leaf through the enclosed sampling from the upcoming TENTH VOLUME of the Yalkut Levi Yitzchack series. This printout from the YLY on the Haggadah, will provide you with an exciting taste of Rabbi Levik’s Torah, while leaving you hungry with
anticipation of the full, actual Sefer which will be published very soon.
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