בס”ד
Le Maan Daat: A Chassidic Discourse on Spirituel Awareness
Introduction
This blog provides a concise summary of the four lessons from the Chassidic discourse of Rabbi Yosef Yitchak Schneerson, of blessed memory, from the year 1930. The discourse aimed to strengthen Jews who had come from Europe to America in their observance of the Torah and the Mitzvot, amidst a new society that did not align with a Torah-based life.
The starting point of this discourse is Kings I 8:41 in which King Solomon prays at the dedication of the First Temple that also the non-Jews will come to pray in the Temple.
This blog only offers a brief summary, and it is highly recommended to watch the entire YouTube lesson series for a more comprehensive understanding.
The Question of Ignorance
The Rebbe questions the conventional understanding of the term “Amey Haaretz,” often translated as “ignorants” or those unlearned in Torah. However, in this context—where the discussion revolves around deep Jewish concepts, such as the names of G‑d and their oneness—the Rebbe argues that this term should be understood differently. He suggests that “Amey Haaretz” refers not to those lacking intelligence, but to people preoccupied with worldly, material concerns, like businessmen. These individuals are involved in the “matters of the land,” allowing their earthly engagements to distract them from Torah and mitzvot. The Rebbe supports this interpretation with Rashi’s commentary on the Torah, showing that the term is more about involvement in daily life than an inability to grasp spiritual ideas.
Despite their intelligence, these individuals forget their spiritual responsibilities, which can lead to an egocentric and selfish attitude toward life. Observance of the Torah and the Mitzvot, and the acknowledgment that G-d is the L-rd, is not only important for a relationship with G-d but also for relationships with fellow humans, making it necessary for a just society.
Distractions from Spiritual Pursuits
The distractions from earthly and material pleasures include not only prohibited things but everything we excessively use to satisfy our physical needs. Actions such as eating and drinking should be performed with the right intention, namely to nourish the body so that one can serve G-d. Excessive consumption or enjoyment without purpose is contrary to Jewish law.
Striving for Higher Pleasures
Although a person has a physical body and therefore physical needs, the Rebbe emphasizes that people should ultimately strive for higher, more fulfilling spiritual and emotional experiences. This means overcoming the tendency to pursue mere physical pleasures, which can be understood as follows:
- Losing oneself in physical pleasure: the lowest level of enjoyment. The example of sweet food is mentioned as a typical pleasure that is experienced on the tongue. This type of pleasure is considered the lowest kind, namely animalistic pleasure. Just as an animal instinctively seeks things that taste good or smell nice, people can lose themselves in the pursuit of physical enjoyment. This type of pleasure should not be the foundation of one’s life.
- Misuse of voice and music: A higher level of pleasure arises from this kind of expression. It is stated that this type of pleasure has a spiritual component because a voice is an expression of the soul. Music can evoke emotions and awaken deep feelings in people, making it more elevated than mere physical pleasures such as food. While music and singing also bring joy, they are more spiritual in nature as they touch the soul and can help express inner emotions. However, they must be used correctly.
- Emotional joy: An even higher step is the joy that comes from performing good deeds for others. This is a more refined form of enjoyment arising from kindness and compassion. When a person helps someone else or does good, they experience profound inner satisfaction. However, one can also lose themselves in this and become so engrossed in charity that they forget other matters. Or it can be used misleadingly and not guided by intellect, as illustrated by the example of Abraham who knew when to temper his natural kindness with judgment. One should not do good merely for recognition and appreciation of their good deeds, but they must realize that they do this because G-d requires it from us.
- Intellectual pleasure: An even higher step is the joy that comes from intellectual understanding, that is, in the pursuit of wisdom (Chochmah). This pleasure transcends material and emotional experiences, as it reflects the unique ability of human beings to rise above other creatures. Every creature has a desire to surpass its natural limitations, and humans achieve this through intellect. This pleasure is tied to the yearning for truth and wisdom, allowing intellectual enjoyment to elevate a person beyond their physical and emotional confines.
- Torah learning: The Lubavitcherr Rebbe point out how we can reach the highest level of pleasure. Within intellectual ideas, there is a higher level which is learning Tora. This pleasure revolves around a connection to the wisdom of G-d. By studying the Torah, one learns G-d’s will and builds a deeper relationship with Him. Both Jews and Noahides find guidance in the Torah for leading a meaningful life.
The Danger of the Evil Inclination
A person must be aware that the evil inclination knows what a person likes and will initially entice them with permissible things to engage less with G-d and what G-d asks of them. This fosters the growth of the animal soul. This leads people to make all sorts of excuses to avoid engaging with Torah and prayer. The “evil inclination,” or the negative aspect of the human soul, tempts individuals to give in to desires, even for things that are permissible in themselves. This can ultimately lead to the pursuit of prohibited things.
- The evil inclination emphasizes the attractiveness of certain activities, causing the individual to risk losing their moral compass and making wrong choices.
However, it is important to engage with the Torah, for Jews the 613 commandments, and for non-Jews the 7 commandments and their ramifications, as they teach us in practical laws what is permissible and what is not. This is necessary for maintaining a good relationship with G-d and our fellow humans.
The True Purpose of Engaging with the Torah
Furthermore, the Torah provides us with the opportunity to understand something of G-d Himself. All of this represents the true goal and the highest enjoyment. This enjoyment transcends material and emotional experiences because it entails connecting with something greater than oneself, namely the wisdom of G-d.
Trusting in Divine Blessings
One should never be afraid that the time spent adhering to what G-d requires will lead to missed business opportunities. After all, it is G-d who determines the blessings a person receives. It is a misconception to think that prayer or study negatively impacts opportunities in business; in reality, G-d’s blessing can even come from working less, as long as one carries out their tasks with the right intentions and in the right way.
The Importance of Perspective
G-d’s blessing is more important than personal effort, for if G-d has decided that someone will earn a certain amount, that will happen regardless of their effort. When one views the world from the perspective that blessings come from G-d, they can avoid stress and feel free to focus on their spiritual obligations.
Conclusion: The Path to Knowledge
Returning to the question posed by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, “How can someone who is ignorant learn and know that G‑d is the L‑rd?” The answer, as the Rebbe explains, is that these individuals—specifically businessmen or those involved in material matters—must recognize that G‑d is the true source of all blessings. Rather than allowing themselves to be consumed by unnecessary material desires and distractions, they should learn to trust in G‑d and focus on living a life dedicated to His service. This lesson is not only relevant to Jews, but also to Noahides, who are called to live according to the seven Noahide laws that G‑d has given them. In both cases, the verse is urging individuals to direct their attention toward G‑d, the source of all blessings, rather than being lost in worldly pursuits.
By Angelique Sijbolts
With thanks to Rabbi Tuvia Serber for the inspiring lessons, feedback and input
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