1. Making Torah Relevant to Our Lives
In this week’s class, we focus on Parshas Bahaalotcha, particularly the story of the man—the manna that came down from heaven. When studying the Parsha, it’s important not only to analyze the intricate laws and narratives but also to extract practical lessons that are relevant to our daily lives. The Torah is filled with wisdom and beautiful ideas, but their true value emerges when we find ways to apply them personally. Our goal is always to make Torah learning meaningful and transformative.
Bahaalotcha literally means “when you raise up.” Rashi offers two interpretations: one is that there was a step in front of the menorah, so Aharon had to ascend to kindle it. The second interpretation is that the kindling must be done in a way that ensures the flame remains lit—not just starting the job, but making sure it continues. This teaches us that encouragement and inspiration should be ongoing, not just a one-time act.
2. Extraordinary Times Require Extraordinary Measures
We live in extraordinary times, which call for extraordinary approaches. The challenges facing Yiddishkeit—Jewish life and Torah observance—today are both negative and positive. On one hand, prevailing cultural ideas often conflict with Torah values, promoting self-centeredness and shallow gratification rather than deeper purpose or meaning. On the other hand, these challenges also present opportunities for growth and renewal.
From a Torah perspective, our existence is not for ourselves alone but for a higher purpose: to make tikkun olam—to repair the world, improve ourselves, and fulfill our mission as Hashem’s partners in creation. In ordinary times, ordinary remedies suffice. But when times are extraordinary, we need extraordinary “medicine.”
3. The Alter Rebbe’s Parable: Sharing Chassidus Widely
The founder of Chabad Chassidus, the Alter Rebbe (Shneir Zalman), revolutionized Jewish learning by making Chassidic teachings accessible to everyone—not just spiritual elites. Previously, these esoteric teachings were reserved for those on a high spiritual level. The Alter Rebbe insisted that everyone should have access because of the spiritual challenges facing Jews.
A famous parable illustrates this point: A king’s only son falls gravely ill. Doctors say only a potion made from grinding up a precious stone from the king’s crown might save him—but even then, most of it will spill out because the child can barely swallow. The king agrees: even if only one drop reaches his son and saves him, sacrificing his crown is worth it.
The Alter Rebbe explained that Hashem treasures His “crown”—the secrets of Torah—but in times of crisis for His children (the Jewish people), He allows these secrets to be shared widely so that even if only a little bit reaches someone in need and revives them spiritually, it is worthwhile.
4. Perseverance Through Suffering: Faith After Hardship
The resilience of Jews who endured unimaginable suffering—such as Holocaust survivors who remained faithful to Hashem and committed to raising families loyal to Torah—is truly remarkable. Despite having every reason to question where God was during their trials, they maintained their emunah—faith—and continued investing in Jewish education and tradition for future generations.
This strength comes from deep within and serves as an example for us all: even when faced with hardship or disappointment, we can hold onto faith and continue striving toward our higher purpose.
5. The Power of Chassidus: Encouragement for All
The teachings of Chassidus provide encouragement and tools for connecting with Hashem through knowledge, meditation, heartfelt prayer (davening b’kavana), and reflection on spiritual concepts. These teachings help us appreciate that every mitzvah connects us with God in profound ways.
The Alter Rebbe believed that when people are struggling spiritually or emotionally (not just financially or physically), they need extra support—a spiritual “medicine.” Even if some teachings seem wasted or disrespected along the way (like pages falling on the floor), if even one person benefits or is inspired toward greater connection with Hashem, it is all worthwhile.
6. Lessons from the Manna: Spiritual Nourishment for Everyone
The Talmud in Tractate Yoma discusses where the man—manna—fell: For tzaddikim—righteous people—it landed right at their doorsteps. For beynonim—average people—they had to go outside camp to collect it. For rishoyim—the wicked—they had to travel farthest.
This pattern also appears regarding how the manna was prepared: sometimes it was ready as bread (lechem) for tzaddikim, as cakes (ugos) needing minimal preparation for beynonim, or as raw grain requiring grinding for rishoyim. Yet everyone received manna according to their level.
Manna was unique: it came from heaven (shamayim) rather than earth (aretz). Some commentaries suggest making a blessing “hamotzi lechem min ha-shamayim”—“Who brings forth bread from heaven.” Unlike earthly bread requiring laborious preparation (plowing, sowing, reaping), manna required little effort depending on one’s spiritual state.
Manna also had no waste—it was completely absorbed by the body as pure nourishment. This symbolizes how divine sustenance can reach every Jew at any level and eventually have an impact even if not immediately visible.
7. Revealed vs Esoteric Torah: Two Types of Nourishment
The Torah provides two kinds of nourishment: like bread from earth (the revealed parts) and like manna from heaven (the esoteric parts). Studying Talmud involves much debate and effort—a process likened to producing earthly bread through hard work. In contrast, studying Zohar or Chassidus involves no arguments or disputes—a direct transmission akin to heavenly manna.
A key question arises: Who should study these esoteric teachings? Some argue they should be reserved only for those already advanced in observance or knowledge. But just as even rishoyim received manna (albeit with more effort), so too anyone can benefit from learning Chassidus or deeper Torah concepts regardless of current level.
8. Never Give Up on Anyone: The Transformative Power of Torah
The lesson from both manna and Chassidus is clear: never give up on anyone’s potential for growth or return (teshuva). Even if someone seems distant from Yiddishkeit or uninterested in learning Torah now, exposure to its light will eventually have an effect—if not immediately apparent then over time as blockages are removed.
If obstacles arise preventing someone from learning Torah or growing spiritually (whether external opposition or internal struggles), our response must be not withdrawal but increased effort! When challenged by adversity or sadness (atzvus), we must bring more joy into our lives through meaningful action such as learning Torah or doing mitzvos.
The evidence is seen today in countless individuals who found their way back through small exposures to inspiration—a class attended reluctantly becomes life-changing over time! Like manna nourishing body and soul at every level, so too does every bit of Torah study nourish us deeply even when results aren’t immediately visible.