The Secret to Understanding the Torah

HH

In the holy book Yosher Divrey Emess (Straight Words of Truth) he writes that everything he received from the Maggid of Mezretch (the main disciple and successor to the Baal Shem Tov) he already had known, for he was a huge scholar in his own right, the only difference was that what he hear from the Maggid he received with conviction as if he heard it from the Tanaaim (Sages of the Mishna). From this we learn that the real key to understanding the Torah is the importance that one attributes to it. How much one is “mispaael” (roused, worked up, inspired, blown away....) from the Torah.

The Vilna Goan points out that the holy books begin by stating who their author is. This is intrinsic to understanding the content, because knowing who is speaking is the key. When a ten year old gives a business tip it doesn't carry any weight, but when it comes from someone renown, the same tip becomes a strong principle.

There are different versions to the story, but the basic gist of it with regard to the above, that one of the great scholars went to test out the Baal Shem Tov, and the Besh”t gave him to read and explain a passage from the Eitz Chaim (work of the Arizal), the scholar did so, but the Besh”t said that it was not satisfactory, the scholar applied himself again unsuccessfully, and yet again. Finally the scholar told the Besh”t that's the best I can do, if I am not correct please show the proper interpretation. The Baal Shem Tov took the holy book and told the scholar, “Stand on your feet!” The Baal Shem Tov began reading the passage aloud, this particular passage mentioned the names of various angels, and as the Besh”t read their names the angels appeared.... The Baal Shem Tov then told the scholar, your explanation and understanding was correct but it was utterly deficient.

On the first word of the Torah, “Beraishis” Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai revealed 70 different interpretations and expositions which are said to have an entirely different meaning every hour, each interpretation encompassing intelligence which can explain the entire working of the known universe and supernal worlds. We look at this word and see so little, but when Rabbi Shimon considered this word it was the Tikunay Zohar.

If you want to begin to understand the Torah, you have to take the time to contemplate and actually feel the enormity of the awesome power it is packing. When the Jews stood by Mt. Sinai and heard G-d speaking to them their souls flew away, and they jumped a mile away, angels had to bring them back, and G-d provided special dew to resurrect and restore their souls. This is really what a person has to be prepared to take when preparing to learn the holy Torah.

By the Baal Shem Tov the holy disciples would hear the thunder and lightning that was by the giving of the Torah! Rabbi Nachman questioned those about him, if they too heard these callings.

Na Nach Nachma Nachman MeUman!