Dear Friends,
Have you ever met a mystic?
This Shabbat, the twentieth day of the month of Menachem Av, is the 80th Yahrzeit of the esteemed Kabbalist, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson, of blessed memory (the father of the Lubavitcher Rebbe).
He served as a revered rabbi in Ukraine for many years. He led the Ukrainian Jewish community and defied the communists' war on religion. Unfortunately, he was eventually arrested and exiled by the Soviet authorities, which deteriorated his health until his passing at the age of 66.
But all that came the latter part of his life. For most of his life he is what we would call a Jewish 'mystic' of 'Kabbalist.'
His teaching style was very unique because it blended Kabbalah and "Remez", the field of the Torah which deals typological or allegorical interpretations.
I can't say I am a maven on his teachings, but I will be studying at least one teaching of his tomorrow on the Yahrzeit. (If you want to take a crack at it - here is one brilliant mystical teaching of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak on chabad.org).
To demystify the term 'mystic' and teachings of 'mysticism': A Jewish authentic mystic shows you in their teachings how even in a seemingly "simple" practical Jewish law, there are hints and secrets beyond the simple and basic explanation (a.k.a. Kabbalist meaning). Rabbi Levi Yitzchak's writings, as a great Kabbalist, are full of similar interpretations and hints, illustrating the sanctity of the Torah and how every letter in it is perfectly precise.
In plain English: mysticism takes a closer look at what appears to be simple, and unpacks how profound, cosmic and far-reaching those very simple things can be.
This is very relevant to us in 2024. We all must aspire to be 'suburban mystics.'
'Suburban' in that we Jews live as part of our world and our communities. Living, enjoying, contributing, connecting with others.
But beneath that we should be seeking the deeper meaning of all of that.
This is what the legacy of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak is:
Take the simple, study it to unpack its nuclear energy to change the world.
I, for one, relish in this paradox of being a 'Suburban Pittsford Mystic.'
And I think many others in 2024 qualify as well, without even realizing it. People who are doing the work, digging deep, looking for deeper meaning in life - 'suburban mystics' come in all shapes and colors.
But we can all benefit by studying the works of bona-fide Jewish mystics as they will give language to many thing we sense and feel.
If you are interested in some good recommendations - just email me [email protected].
May the merit and example of selfless dedication of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak on his Yahrzeit serve all of us in our jobs as 'suburban mystics' to heal the world.
Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Yitzi Hein