Study Like Only Torah Exists
We should create new fixed schedules for the study of Torah, where we will study in the manner of [Rashbi, regarding whom the Sages state that] toraso umenaso – Torah study was his entire and sole occupation.
[How can we achieve such extreme diligence? We may not be able to keep it up constantly, but we can at least introduce similar diligence to our study schedules:]
During the time that we set aside for Torah, we should study as if our world consisted of nothing but Torah study. During that time, nothing on Earth should hold any meaning whatsoever in our eyes, and nothing should prevent us from completing that session.
Study Chassidus
Ideally, we should add in our study of Rashbi’s Torah teachings; that is, the inner teachings of Torah – the Zohar, which is known as “Rashbi’s Book.” We study these teachings [not in their raw, esoteric format, but rather] via the explanations and elucidations found throughout the teachings of Chassidus, that make Kabalah accessible to our intellectual faculties.
Unite Nigleh with Chassidus
We should also study the “revealed” parts of Torah – studying in a manner where Torah’s “revealed” plane is permeated with its inner mysteries. That was the innovative approach of Rashbi; he removed the divide between the inner and the revealed dimensions of Torah [showing how they are truly one]. Studying in this manner also broadens our options; each of us may choose to add [on Lag B’Omer] from whichever area in Torah we so desire…
Gemara, Rashi…
For example: The Babylonian Talmud (Talmud Bavli) in particular is “mixed (balul) with Torah verses, Mishnaic teachings” and all other areas of Torah, including its inner mysteries. Why, even Rashi’s commentary on the Chumash contains “amazing matters” and “wonders” of Torah’s inner dimension…
Bechol Derochecha De’eihu
We are instructed, “In all your paths, know Him,” meaning that in all of our mundane affairs (“your paths”), we should “know Him.” Not only should all our affairs be done for the sake of knowing Him, but rather, within the very paths that we walk while going about our daily lives, we should know Hashem.
66. Ibid., p. 314.
67. … Not specifically the study of Zohar and Tikunei Zohar; but also all other areas of Torah.
68. … As has been revealed by our Rebbeim.
69. Ibid., p. 305.
