The Gaon of Vilna instructed his student Rabbi Baruch of Shklov
(1740-1810) to prepare a Hebrew translation of Euclid’s six books of geometry, because: “If one is ignorant of the secular sciences in this regard, one is hundredfold more ignorant of the wisdom of the Torah, for the two are inseparable."
Tzava'at ha-Rivash 141, Book by Baal shem Tov, master of the Master of the Baal haTanya.
This is an important rule: Everything in the universe contains holy sparks. Nothing is devoid of these sparks, even wood and stones. There are sparks from the "breaking [of the vessels]" even in all of man's deeds, even in a sin he commits.
“As you know, new people have appeared, unimagined by our forefathers...and they associate amongst themselves and their ways are different from other children of Israel in their liturgy...they behave in a crazed manner and say that their thoughts wander in all worlds...And they belittle the study of Torah, and repeatedly claim that one should not study much, nor regret one’s transgressions...Therefore we have come to inform our brethren...and to sound to them the voice of excommunication and banishment...until they repent completely”
Questions:
From reading this text, what were the reasons of the rejection of Hassidism by the Gaon of Vilna?
Can you think of other reasons he could have been worried or afraid of them?
Some historic background information:
He was further concerned that the Chassidic concept of ‘attachment to a rebbe’ was too close to idolatry and that the movement which at first attracted the simple poorer and uneducated masses, might degenerate and possibly de-intellectualize Judaism.
The battle starts: The Baal haTanya grabs the mike:
the Tanya says (referring now to the Tzimtzum concept and not the ‘filling’ of the universe); “...the error of some, who are wise in their own eyes, may God forgive them, who erred and were mistaken in their study of the writings of the Ari Zal, and understood the doctrine of Tzimtzum mentioned there literally - that the Holy One (literally) withdrew Himself and His essence from this world (and inferred that) He only supervises from above.”
Question:
who do you think the Baal HaTanya is referring to when he speaks of those who are 'wise in their own eyes?
The Missed encounter, as told by Rav Soloveitchik:
The Alter Rebbe came to Vilna to see the Vilna Gaon. They came to the Vilna Gaon’s kloyz (beis midrash) and began climbing the staircase to the attic where the Gaon studied. The Gaon sensed that they were coming, so he locked the door. The Alter Rebbe knocked on the door and asked permission to enter. They implored him to open so they could show him how the accusations were unfounded. He peeked through a crack in the door and saw the handsome, inspiring, spell-binding, and fascinating countenance of the Alter Rebbe. He remarked to himself, “There’s too much beauty to his face, too much power to his personality. I’m afraid that if I’ll open the door, I won’t be able to withstand his charm.
The GRA died 19 Tishrei, October 9, 1797, on Chol
Ha’Moed Sukkos. Many Chasidim expressed happiness at the news of
his death including with special banquets and music. R. Shneur Zalman issued a public letter forbidding such statements and requiring his followers to speak
of the greatness of the Gaon.
The Baal haTanya said : Our sages have taught, "Whoever gets angry, it is as if he worshipped idols" (Zohar I, 27b). The reason for this is... because at the time of his anger, his faith has left him.
Question:
Who do you see has having won the battle ? What should we learn from this story?