What is Machshovoh?
How do we classify machshovoh, Jewish thought? Is it aimed only at the intellect or also at the heart? Does it merely aim to present a systematic classification of the ideas and thoughts that have inspired servants of Hashem throughout the centuries?
If that is all, then it is almost certain to be a dry, lifeless discipline. It may provide intellectual stimulation or even satisfaction, but by itself, it is highly unlikely to inspire its devotees with the same emotions that moved the great men whose work it treats. Ultimately, like all knowledge that is divorced from commitment, it may be more harmful than constructive.
On the other hand, even the most sincere among us may today remain unmoved by the raw emotion that used to characterize certain botei medrash. We are not untouched by the cold rationalism that so pervades the intellectual climate of the modern world -- the manifestation of the evil power of Amolek which we struggle to fight and to overcome. Our minds must be reached together with our hearts.
Within the world of the yeshivos, the past hundred and thirty years have seen the adoption of various approaches towards bridging the gap. Most approaches sought ways to arouse the emotions in order to make an impression on the intellect, while some sought to discuss matters of the heart calmly and analytically, so as to impose order and control on the unruly spirit.
HaRav Hutner's machshovoh is something utterly unique. He explains, clarifies, analyzes and defines ideas and concepts, yet every single thought carries implications for the heart. Every nuance and every shade of meaning plucks at different strings, arousing emotions and the yearning to serve Hashem. Using the language and the tools of the intellect, he kindles a fire of love and fear of Hashem in the heart.
As he himself writes (at the conclusion of the general introductory essay that is printed at the beginning of each of the volumes of Pachad Yitzchok), "The stirring of the awareness of the duties of the heart are concomitant with, they immediately result from and they are connected to the intellectual toil of attaining the divrei Torah [that define them]."
When the Alter of Slobodke zt'l, passed away, HaRav Hutner was standing next to HaRav Yechezkel Sarna zt'l, who commented to him, "Two kinds of builders participate in the erection of every spiritual edifice. One kind are creators (yotzrim), the other kind are storers (otzrim). The creators have now departed from us and we must assume the mantle of storers."
In his role as a storer, HaRav Hutner rose ever higher, ultimately attaining the role of creator, as the originator of his own spiritual edifice that will continue to quench the thirst of many in the years to come.
