From the Teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, Zt”l
In this week's Torah portion, Noach, we read, "In the six hundredth year of Noah's life... all the fountains of the great deep were split and the windows of Heaven were opened." The Zohar, the basic book of Jewish mysticism, explains that this verse refers to the beginning of the sixth century of the sixth millennium of Creation (the year 5500, 263 years ago). At that time, the Divine fountains of knowledge would open up, both in the celestial spheres and in the physical realm, and the world would thus be prepared to enter the seventh millennium, the Messianic Age.
The Zohar describes the two types of knowledge that would be revealed during this time frame. The first is the opening of the "gates of knowledge above," referring to Torah and G-dly wisdom, and the second is the "fountains of wisdom below," referring to science and our understanding of the physical world.
Indeed, we find that the world began to undergo great changes in the 1700s, just as the Zohar prophesied. This was the time when Chasidic philosophy began to be revealed and scientific discoveries and developments began a frenetic pace that continues until today.
This period of revelation of knowledge, both G-dly and secular, came about as a preparation for the seventh millennium and the days of Moshiach. It is easy to understand how increased revelation of Torah serves as preparation, for the Messianic Era is a time when "knowledge of G-d will cover the earth like the water of the sea." But what has this to do with scientific advances and the Industrial Revolution?
A fundamental innovation of Moshiach will be that our perception of reality will change. Chasidic philosophy explains that after Moshiach reveals himself, "all flesh will see" - our physical flesh will be cognizant of the G-dliness that permeates and sustains the entire world.
Advances in scientific knowledge and understanding of the natural world are a preparation for this time. Medical, astronomic and nuclear discoveries have been revealed to man so that he can use this knowledge to serve G-d. As with everything else, we are given the free will with which to utilize these discoveries, as increased knowledge carries with it increased responsibility. When a Jew employs modern technology to serve G-d, perform mitzvot (commandments) and further goodness in the world, he is utilizing these revelations properly.
Our understanding of the dynamics of the physical world has increased so that we can elevate it more readily. Furthermore, the greater our understanding of science, the greater our understanding of the ultimate unity of G-d and Creation.
We see in the progress of history the positive development of knowledge and how it leads to an understanding of G-d. "Breakthroughs" in modern science continue to prove the unity of all creation and, ultimately of G-d.
Reprinted from the Parashat Noach 5763/2002 edition of L’Chaim, a publication of the Lubavitch Youth Organization. Adapted from the works of the Lubavitcher Rebbe.
