| Shavuot: Connecting to Torah Study |
For Rav Kook, it was axiomatic that the Jewish soul and the Torah
are a match made in heaven. In his book analyzing the essential
nature and value of Torah study, Orot HaTorah, he categorically
asserted that "The Torah is bound together with the spirit of
Israel" (12:1). This is true not only for the Jewish people as a
whole, but also for each individual:
While this is nice in theory, in practice things are not so
simple. Not everyone takes to Torah study like a fish to water.
If Torah study is indeed so natural to the Jewish soul, why do
Jewish educators need to work so hard?
Rav Kook was aware of this problem. There are a number of reasons
why the words of Torah may not find a place in one's heart — some
practical, some spiritual. In analyzing the reasons why a person
may feel disconnected from Torah, Rav Kook noted several
underlying causes.
Appreciating Torah
To properly appreciate the value of Torah study, we must
recognize the essential nature of the Torah. The Torah is a
revelation of ratzon Hashem, God's Will in the world. It is only
due to the limitations of our physical state that we are unable
to recognize the Torah's true greatness.
Similarly, we need to have a proper appreciation for our Divine
soul and its natural sense of morality. People occasionally err
and stumble; but overall, we should have faith in our innate
moral sensibilities. Thus there exists an inner correlation
between the Torah's ethical teachings and the soul's inner
qualities. The extent that one enjoys studying Torah is a
function of refinement of character; the greater one's moral
sensitivity, the more readily one will identify with the Torah
and its teachings.
This fundamental insight is essential in order to properly
appreciate Torah study. When Torah is studied in holiness, one
may sense the greatness of the Torah and how it emanates from the
very source of holiness.
Elevating the Details
A basic appreciation for Torah, however, is not enough. Even if
one recognizes the Divine nature of the Torah, one may feel a
sense of impatience when faced with its myriad laws and complex
details. One may be attracted to lofty matters, and feel
restricted and frustrated when studying the detailed minutiae of
Halachah.
The remedy for these feelings of restriction is not to avoid
Halachic studies but rather "to elevate the significance of each
detail of practical studies to the richness of its spiritual
source" (Orot HaTorah 9:8). A detail may acquire great
significance when illuminated by a flash of insight or sudden
inspiration. Success in 'elevating the details' requires
spiritual refinement and perseverance in the contemplative
pursuit of the boundless heights of holiness.
In fact, each word of Torah contains infinite light, a reflection
of the Torah's absolute morality. One who has learned to perceive
this light will gain insight into the inner spiritual content of
each detail.
Find Your Portion in the Torah
An additional aspect that needs to be addressed is that not all
areas of Torah appeal to all people equally. In general we should
occupy ourselves with those pursuits that interest us. This is
especially true regarding Torah study, as the Sages taught, 'One
only learns that which one's heart desires' ( Avodah Zarah 19a).
Some have strayed from and even abandoned the Jewish people
because they failed to follow their personal inclinations when
choosing what area of Torah to study. They may have been
predisposed to philosophical inquiry, but lacking appreciation
for their own innate interests, they dedicated themselves to
conventional Halachic studies. Unsurprisingly, they felt an inner
resistance to this course of study, since it was not compatible
to their natural inclinations. Had they focused on learning more
suitable topics, they would have realized that their inner
opposition to Halachic studies was not due to some flaw in this
important area of knowledge, but because their soul demanded a
different field of Torah study.
Since they failed to understand the root cause of their inner
conflict with Torah study, they attempted to suppress their
natural tendencies. But as soon as an alternative path became
available, they rejected the Torah and the faith of Israel. Some
of these individuals subsequently attempted to promote great
ideals lacking practical foundations, and they misled the world
with their false visions.
Others are naturally drawn to the sciences and secular studies.
These individuals should follow their natural interests, while
setting aside set times for Torah study. Then they will succeed
in both areas. As the Sages counseled in Pirkei Avot 2:2, 'It is
good to combine the study of Torah with worldly endeavors.'
(Silver from the Land of Israel. Adapted from Orot HaTorah, sections 2:1, 4:4, 4:5, 6:2, 7:1,
7:4, 9:1, 9:6, 9:8, 11:2, 12:1, 12:7. )
Copyright © 2010 by Chanan Morrison
"Just
as Knesset Yisrael [the national soul of Israel] can
only realize its full potential in the land of Israel [see
Kuzari 2:12] , so, too, each individual Jew can only fulfill
his spiritual potential through the Torah, which is the spiritual
'land' suitable to the special qualities of the Jewish soul. All
other studies are like foreign lands with regard to the spiritual
development of Israel." (12:7)
