אות - רמה

The Rebbe once spoke to me about innovating original concepts in the Torah. Speaking with wonder and awe, he said, “From where does one get a new concept? When one is worthy of innovation, his original thoughts are really very wondrous and mysterious. From where do they come?”

In such an original idea one can see a revelation of God, as something is brought from nothingness to existence.

At first, you do not know the idea at all. It still exists within the Infinite in a state of nothingness (see “ His Wisdom ” #143) . This is the source of all wisdom. Every new idea is drawn from this source. Therefore, we see God’s revelation with each new idea in Torah.

I discussed this with the Rebbe and said, “Don’t I know this! Sometimes I must struggle desperately to innovate even a single word.” [While at other times, the heart is opened and many new ideas pour forth.]

The Rebbe answered, “Even this is a great wonder and mystery.”

It may take great effort to come up with even one original word, but this too is one of God’s miracles. For what is the source of even this one word?

If you have a desire for the truth and a heart to understand, you can literally see the reality of God’s existence. If you yourself can originate new ideas, you certainly see God’s revelation in them. But even if you cannot be innovative yourself, you can still see God’s reality and greatness in the wondrous flow of new concepts found in our sacred literature.

It is written, “God’s witness is faithful” (Psalms 19:8) . The holy Torah is a faithful witness of God. This is discussed at length in my work, Likutey Halakhot . 347 Likutey Halakhot , Edut 5:10; ibid., Pesach 9:7 f. This last lesson is dated 1839.