6 / 5714

Sholom uBrocho:

I have received your letter of Erev-Shabbos Vayakhel, in which you write about your various problems which distract you from the study of Chassidus, etc. Needless to say, it is impossible to answer adequately in the course of a letter questions on which books have been written. But briefly, a few remarks:

Re your first question. Where is it written in the Gemoro that it is required to learn Pnimius Hatorah? You surely know what the Rambam writes (Hil. Teshuvo, 3:8) about one who denies a Possuk or even a letter of the Torah, or their traditional interpretation, or one who say that any word of it is a product of Moses' own mind - such a Jew, he rules, is a Koifer (heretic). Now all agree that the Zohar is a part of the Torah-Sheb'al-peh, and it's importance is further emphasized by the pirushim of - even - the Vilner Gaon and his talmidim on the Zohar.¹ It is also a well known principle among the Klolei-haPoskim that where there is no express ruling of the Gemoro to the contrary, the Psak of the Zohar is binding on all Jews.² Now, the Zohar rules (see B'haaloscho, p. 152a, and in many other places in the Zohar) that it is clearly essential to learn Pnimius Hatorah, and, moreover, Moses informed (Zohar 3, 124b) Rashbi that through the study of Pnimius Hatorah we shall be redeemed from the Golus. Many other holy Sforim have stated that the lack of learning Pnimius Hatorah prolongs the Golus, and those who oppose such study or discourage it bear the responibility for it.³ Further evidence may be found in the "Shomer Emunim," whose author was a great Mkubol as well as a great Gaon in Nigleh, as can be seen from his Shaalos-uTshuvos.⁴

As for your question regarding the difference between Mussor and Chassidus, see "Toiras Hachasidus," the kuntres written by my father-in-law of sainted memory. Besides, obviously Mussor in general has nothing to do with Pnimius Hatorah.

With reference to your question as to the view of the Torah on the creation of the world, it is found in various places that the world was created 5714 years ago. All so-called "proofs" scientific or otherwise, are no more than hypothetical, as scientists themselves admit, even though popular "scientific" texts give them impression that it is "proven."

All the above is written only in order not to leave you without a reply altogether. My real advice to you, however, is - do not let these questions and problems bother you and distract you from learning Torah and Pnimius Hatorah - the only truth and true light which alone can illuminate your body and soul, and all around you - with Ner Mitzvo vToro Or and Pnimius Hatorah. And as in this too one requires Sayato-dishmayo, I suggest that you remember to say every day after prayer in the morning a few Capitlech Tillim, and before put aside a penny or two for Tzedoko.