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Opening the Floodgates of Wisdom

In the Torah portion of Noach it is written: "It was in the 600th year of Noach's life . . . all the wellsprings of the great deep burst forth and the floodgates of the heavens were opened."1

The Zohar comments on this verse: "In the six-hundredth year of the sixth millennium the gates of supernal wisdom will be opened as will the wellsprings of lower wisdom. The world will then be rectified, enabling it to enter the seventh millennium."2

The "gates of supernal wisdom" and the "wellsprings of lower wisdom" mentioned in the Zohar allude to the "floodgates of heaven" and the "wellsprings of the great deep" mentioned in the verse. One refers to Torah wisdom and the other to secular wisdom, respectively.3

Indeed, we find that during this period there was a great flurry of revelation of the esoteric depths of Torah. The blossoming of secular scientific knowledge began during this period as well.

That the revelation of the esoteric and inner dimension of Torah serves as a preparation of the "seventh millennium" is readily understandable.4 For during the Messianic era "the earth will be filled with the knowledge of G-d."5 It is only fitting that as a prelude6 to that era the esoteric portion of Torah should be revealed, since it is similar to the Torah that will be taught by Mashiach.

However, what possible connection can there be between the revelation and development of secular disciplines and preparing the world for the "seventh millennium"?

Our Sages say that the world and all that it contains were created "for the sake of Torah and the Jewish people,"7 and "All that G-d created in His world was created only for His glory."8 Thus, the ultimate purpose and intent of every created being and thing is realized when it is utilized by Jews in their service of G-d.

Likewise, the burgeoning of secular knowledge ultimately takes place for the purpose of its being utilized "as a means for serving G-d and gaining a better understanding of His Torah."9 Secular wisdom, when used toward this end, enables one to visualize how G-dliness will be perceived in the seventh millennium. Moreover, it also serves as a powerful lesson in our service of G-d, here and now.

Some examples: Man has recently discovered and developed the science of telecommunications, whereby a sound or image may be instantaneously transmitted to all corners of the globe.

This serves as a tangible and perceptible paradigm of G-d's ability to see and hear all. For if man can instantaneously hear and see all that takes place in the farthest reaches of the earth, then surely, "Shall He Who implants the ear not hear? Shall He Who forms the eye not see?"10

This concrete example of instantaneous communication helps one immeasurably in his contemplation of the statement, "'And behold G-d stands over him . . .' and He looks upon him and 'searches his reins and heart' [to see] if he is serving Him as is fitting."11 This example enhances a man's imagery, so that G-d's omnipotence become more palpable to him. It therefore affects him to a greater degree -- emotionally, as well as in this thought, speech, and action.

In the "seventh millennium" G-d's absolute unity will be revealed. We will then be able to physically12 perceive how the multiplicity of creation directly results from His unity. Since the world exists because of G-d's absolute unity this unity should, in some way, be found in the physical world itself.

Science used to believe that the key factors in the world's composition were the different and divergent elements and forces. The further science advances, the more it realizes that this diversity is secondary in importance to the essential unity of matter and energy. The analogue of G-d's absolute unity creating a multitude of created beings and forces is readily apparent.

1. Bereishis 7:11.
2. Zohar I, 117a. The year 5600 after Creation corresponds to 1840 C.E.
3. Commentary of Ashmores HaBoker (R. Moshe ben Avraham Kastro).
4. See Toras Shalom, p. 237.
5. Yeshayahu 11:9.
6. See Tanya, beginning of ch. 37.
7. Osiyos deRabbi Akiva 2; commentary of Rashi, beginning of Bereishis.
8. Avos, end of ch. 6.
9. Tanya, end of ch. 8.
10. Tehillim 94:9.
11. Tanya, beginning of ch. 41.
12. Shaar HaEmunah, ch. 25ff.; cf. Tanya, ch. 36.

Republished by permission of Chabad Lubavitch. Based on the talks of the Lubavitcher Rebbe: The Chassidic Dimension, Vol. 1, "Kehot" Publication Society, 1990. The above was based on Likkutei Sichos, Vol. XV, pp. 42-48.

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