Those of us who seek a spiritual, more than a cerebral understanding of Judaism, are motivated to touch the eternal and transcendent, rather than just learn yet another understanding of what we see. Solomon Schechter, one of the main shapers of the Conservative movement, once proudly declared "I am not an initiate in the science of the invisible". Professor S. Lieberman, for many years the head of the Conservative Jewish Theological Seminary, when introducing Gershom Shalom, the twentieth century scholar of Kabbalah, he said "We all know that Kabbalah is Nahrishkeit (foolishness). But this man has made a science of Nahrishkeit".I believe that such ideas speak to few people. The great questions of "what are we here for? Is there a meaning to life? is there a purpose for us? Does G-d care about ME?" are little dealt with in Judaism outside the teachings of Kabbalah. If, as RAMBAM indicates, the mitzvot are mostly educational tools to inculcate concepts, do I really need to do them? Hey, we all "cut" school once in a while. Can we "cut" the commandments on occasion? These ideas and more are the main reason that many people now avoid organized religion, and seek spirituality in the occult. Few know that at the heart of Judaism, lie the teachings of the Great Mysteries. But why not combine the two; the mystical and the rational? Some do attempt this. Most who do so fail. Why? Here comes in a basic teaching of Rabbi Nachman, that means the world to me. Kabbalah posits that before creation, there was only Infinity (Ein Sof); unknowable, nameless. Ein Sof then contracted himself,(Tzimtzum) forming an empty space, in which a finite Universe could be created. Finitude cannot coexist with Infinity. The question is asked by many Kabbalists "is the empty space real, or only apparent?" If we say that it is real, then we have a place devoid of G-d! This is contradicted by Scripture! If we say that it is only "apparent", then we return to the problem of Finitude and Infinity clashing! The answer is often given that it is only apparent as per G-d's perception. For Man's perception, it is very real. Rabbi Nachman mocked this answer. All we have done is rephrased the question in more subtle terms! We THINK we have solved the mystery, but have merely fooled ourselves! Rather, says Rabbi Nachman, we have a contradiction in Creation, positing both the imminence and transcendence of G-d. Is there meaning in the empty space? Certainly, but it is so far removed from our everyday perceptions, that we are without the vocabulary to discuss it, or even think about it. We must bridge the empty space with Enunah (Faith) and ...silence. To delve into it, is a guarantee of becoming hopelessly lost. The great questions of philosophy, like "Can G-d create a stone too heavy for Him to pick up?" (I have seen many who left religion over that question!), or the contradiction between G-d's foreknowledge and free will, are rooted in this mystery. To be all powerful is not of our world, but relates to Infinity, above the Empty Space. Physical limitations, like being incapable of certain activities due to our finite nature, are under the empty space.They most certainly do not apply to G-d! All the great questions of life are, therefore, unknowable and unintelligible to the human mind! The response? Faith, Silence, and a sense of humor! Rabbi Nachman was quite aware of the various explanations offered for these problems, but found them all to be either simplistic or examples of circular reasoning. Those who enter the empty space become trapped, with faith and happiness becoming inaccessible to them. The Tzaddik, however, MUST get into philosophy; not because he can solve these problems, but because he needs to rescue souls that are trapped in the empty space. Although Rabbi Nachman greatly admired RAMBAM as a halachist, even declaring that when Mashiach comes, his Mishneh Torah will be the go-to halachic work, he considered the "Guide" to be the worst pitfall that exists in Judaism. Many have become trapped. Simple faith, a sense of humor, and the willingness to experience splendor, without being able to analyse it, is the blueprint for a happy, spiritually connected life.
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