“The teachings of the A-lmighty are pure,” “Toras Hashem Temima” (Tehillim/Psalms 19:8). The holy Baal Shem Tov, the founder of the Hassidic movement and many schools of Kabbalah, takes the following novel approach to this popular verse: even after one has derived all the lessons one can from Torah study, plumbed the vast depths of the word of G-d, the secrets of the Torah still remain pure and untouched — the surface was barely scratched.
One can never master the wisdom of the the Torah — not even close. Yes, it’s a humbling thought, and it might seem a bit discouraging. Then again, to me at least, it’s actually exciting and empowering. Where else can you be assured that you will constantly uncover greater and greater gems of wisdom? What other investment of time and energy has absolute guaranteed returns — for eternity! Every gem that’s uncovered, reveals another peaking from beneath the surface. Such is the journey into the mind of the A-lmighty, as it were. As the Sages say, “If one says they toiled in the study of Torah and did not find new wisdom, don’t believe them!”
We’re in the midst of the “Three Weeks” period of mourning leading up to the Ninth of Av. Have a look at our articles and listen to our audio to prepare yourself for this tragic period on the Jewish calendar.
Good Shabbos,
Rabbi Mordechai Dixler
Program Director, Project Genesis / Torah.org
