בס”ד
The Two Dimensions of Jewish Life and Their Universal Impact
In a maamar (discourse) from 1968, the Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson explains that the Torah and Mitzvot have two dimensions: one for the Jews and another for the non-Jews. While the Torah and Mitzvot serve spiritual purposes, they influence the world in different ways. They are not only for the Jews but carry a universal message for all of creation. This theme is reflected in the holidays of Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah, which, following Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot, highlight both the exclusive bond between Israel and God, and the Torah’s universal impact on the world.
The Two Dimensions of Judaism: For Jews and for the World
The Rebbe explains that there are two main aspects of the Torah and the Mitzvot:
1. The Torah for the Jews:
This refers to a transcendent and elevated dimension of the Torah, which, in its deepest meaning, is exclusively connected to Israel. Jews are responsible for keeping the full Torah, and through this responsibility, they form the foundation of a deep and intimate bond with G-d. The Torah is at the heart of the holiness that binds Israel to the Creator, enabling them to refine the world through the observance of their own Mitzvot, guiding the world toward spiritual refinement.
2. The Torah for non-Jews:
This aspect of the Torah pertains to the Noahide laws, the universal commandments that apply to all the nations of the world. While Jews are responsible for keeping the full Torah, non-Jews have their own role in refining the world by observing these seven commandments. They are tasked with fulfilling their responsibilities in the world, contributing to its spiritual elevation by adhering to these universal laws.
Shemini Atzeret: An Exclusive Moment of Connection
Shemini Atzeret, the day following the festival of Sukkot, is a time of exclusive intimacy between Israel and G-d. While Sukkot is a festival of universality, during which offerings were brought for the 70 nations of the world, Shemini Atzeret marks a moment of separation. It is a day when G-d says to Israel, “Stay a little longer. Let us enjoy a moment together, just the two of us.” This moment of exclusivity is expressed through the word “lachem” (for you), which reflects the deep, personal relationship between Israel and G-d.
However, Shemini Atzeret also carries a universal dimension. Although it is a day of exclusive connection between Israel and G-d, the prayer for rain has a broader impact. The Rebbe explains that there are two forms of water: the water of the ocean, which causes rain, and the higher waters, which symbolize the Torah. The rain that the Jews pray for on Shemini Atzeret is the higher water – the water that represents the Torah. Just as regular rain benefits all people, this rain of Torah also brings joy to everyone. All nations are blessed with this rain for which the Jewish people pray, and in this way, the universal blessing of the Torah is spread throughout the world.
Simchat Torah: Joy in the Torah that Influences the World
The day after Shemini Atzeret, Simchat Torah, is dedicated to the joy that Jews experience through their deep bond with the Torah. This connection is not limited by time or space but represents an everlasting joy that spans the ages. The Torah transcends the boundaries of the physical world and forms the ultimate source of holiness. Through the Torah, the Jews connect with G-d, and at the same time, this holiness influences all of creation.
On Simchat Torah, not only is the joy of receiving and studying the Torah celebrated, but also the elevation of the Torah itself. This holy instrument, which both elevates the Jews and enables them to influence the world, is central to the spirituality of Israel. This aligns with the Rebbe’s teachings, which emphasize that the Jews play a unique role in fulfilling the world’s spiritual task, while non-Jews fulfill their own role by observing the universal commandments.
Exclusivity and Universality in Balance
Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah express a beautiful balance between exclusivity and universality:
- Shemini Atzeret emphasizes the exclusive relationship between Israel and G-d, a moment of intimacy where the bond between the Jews and G-d is celebrated and deepened.
- Simchat Torah highlights the joy of the Torah, which as a spiritual instrument not only elevates the Jews but also enables them to influence the world.
The prayer for rain on Shemini Atzeret reflects the connection between the transcendent Torah and the practical world. Despite the exclusive bond between Israel and G-d on this day, this relationship has a universal influence, benefiting all of creation. The Noahide laws encourage the nations of the world to fulfill their role, while Israel’s task is to embody the Torah in its highest dimension, thereby elevating the world.
Conclusion: The Deep Connection and Universal Impact
The Rebbe’s teachings and the special holidays of Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah emphasize the deep, intimate relationship between Israel and G-d. Israel plays a unique role in refining the world through the Mitzvot and the Torah, and these holidays offer an opportunity to experience the joy and deep insight that stem from this connection. Shemini Atzeret is a moment of exclusive connection with G-d, while Simchat Torah celebrates the joy of the Torah, a joy that not only elevates Israel but benefits the world itself.
The rain on Shemini Atzeret symbolizes the ongoing connection between the spiritual and physical dimensions of the world and reminds us of the universal impact of the Torah, not only for the Jews but for all of creation. Through the observance of the Torah and Mitzvot, Israel fulfills a task that benefits the entire world.
The blog is made by Angelique Sijbolts as a summary of the class of Rabbi Tuvia Serber
Thanks to Rabbi Tuvia Serber for his inspiring teaching and feedback
Sources:
BeYom haShmini Atzeret 5729 by Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson
© Copyright, all rights reserved. If you enjoyed this article, we encourage you to distribute it further.
Our blogs may contain text/quotes/references/links that include copyright material of Mechon-Mamre.org, Aish.com, Sefaria.org, Chabad.org, and/or AskNoah.org, which we use in accordance with their policies.
