Chassidic Look at Nigleh
The year 5749 (1989) was both a leap year (often referred to as a “complete” year) and also the 200th anniversary of the Tzemach Tzedek’s birth. During Kislev of that year, the Rebbe instructed us to add in our study of Chassidic teachings that are associated with the “revealed” dimension of Torah, thus lending the aspect of “wholeness” to our Torah study. This should be done throughout Kislev, and in an increasing measure from day to day.
In keeping with the instruction and request of the Rebbe Rashab concerning [the yeshivah he founded,] Tomchei Temimim; he established the yeshivah, “in order that [all of] G-d’s Torah – both its ‘revealed’ dimension as well as its Chassidic dimension – be complete; [i.e., the study of both dimensions complement each other],” and that it be a place where chassidus is studied “with proper depth, for the sake of comprehending and expounding its teachings as is the customary method of studying topics belonging to the ‘revealed’ dimension of Torah.” (Ibid., fn. 114)
When we study the works of the Chabad Rebbeim we are able to discern the unique innovation of the Tzemach Tzedek over all other Rebbeim before and after him. His Chassidic discourses truly underscore the essential unity of the “revealed” and inner dimensions of the Torah, stressing a greater “wholeness” of Torah.
There are very few discourses from the other Rebbeim in which this connection is so apparent – demonstrating this unity on a steady basis and in a multitude of discourses was the Tzemach Tzedek’s innovation.
