R. Kalonymus’s Written Works (3)

Committing Chassidic teachings to writing goes against the essential nature of chassidut, as chassidut is not the sort of knowledge that can be learned from books – in contrast to Halakha, for example. Chassidut reveals and expresses itself in life as it is lived;[1] it is transmitted from the Rebbe to the chassid through the Rebbe’s words and the chassid’s listening, through watching the Rebbe’s customs and habits, and through fraternal bonding, through dancing and drinking together. Chassidut is life, not simply words on paper. As R. Kalonymus put it:

 

 

In the first generation of Chabad, a similar dilemma arose concerning the relationship between speech and writing. R. Shneur Zalman of Liadi, addressed this dilemma in the introduction to his Likkutei Amarim Tania, the first Chassidic work to be written systematically as a book rather than a collection of teachings and sermons.[2] On the one hand, he acknowledges the pitfalls of writing; on the other hand, he seeks an alternative to yechidut with him – the live encounter between himself and his chassidim. From R. Shneur Zalman’s words we sense the tension between a live encounter with the Rebbe and the writing of a book: even if the book truly reflects his living Torah, it cannot touch the soul of the reader and his own specific and unique needs as dictated by his soul-root. A book contains a great many statements and teachings, some of which are directed at others and not at the specific reader in question. In a live encounter, the Rebbe can direct his words with great accuracy so as to address the psychological and spiritual situation and needs of the individual chassid. Despite the pitfalls of the written word, however, R. Shneur Zalman’s following was growing exponentially and he found himself unable to devote time to each of his chassidim personally. This led to his decision to write the book.

 

Likkutei Amarim Tania was not written with the goal of presenting Chassidic philosophy as originating in the thoughts of the author, but rather in the wake of questions and spiritual problems that his chassidim had discussed with him, which led to the development of the teachings presented in the book. R. Shneur Zalman states explicitly that he had his chassidim in mind as he wrote.[3]

 

The criticism directed at R. Shneur Zalman following the publication of his Likkutei Amarim Tania came not only from the outside – from opponents of chassidut such as the Vilna Gaon, who objected to the content itself – but also from within the Chassidic ranks. One complaint on the part of Chassidic leaders was that the book presented kabbalistic concepts too openly. But another complaint was that it committed the Chassidic approach to writing, in view of the fact that the uniqueness of chassidut rests, among other things, on the unmediated bond between the Rebbe and his disciples. A written book seems like a lifeless corpse in comparison.[4]

 

Indeed, R. Shneur Zalman was a courageous pioneer. This is attested to by a story that appears in Shivchei Ha-Besht concerning the Ba’al Shem Tov’s reservations about having his teachings written down, lest they be misunderstood. This fear accompanied many of the leaders of chassidut throughout the generations, until our own times:

 

 

Opposition to the writing of Chassidic teachings in books is also to be found in the chassidut of Przysucha and of Kotzk, with the claim that chassidut is manifest in chassidim themselves:

 

 

Similar sharp disapproval in Polish chassidut can be found in the writings of R. Yehosua Horwitz of Dzikov, of the Ropschitz dynasty, who likewise emphasizes the value of direct speech that is heavenly inspired, rather than a teaching that is not spontaneous but rather prepared in advance:

 

 

Here again we encounter a view that is wary of teachings that do not emerge directly from the heart and enter directly into the heart. This certainly applies to the entire realm of literature, which is all produced through “preparation in advance” and is thus, from this perspective, “an abomination.”

 

In light of the unequivocal preference for speech over writing, and in light of R. Kalonymus’s own statement that “the book of chassidut is the bones of the actual chassidim,” we must ask ourselves why he set about writing his books at all.

 

R. Kalonymus asserts that the essence of studying how to be a chassid is something that one learns from his rabbis and their disciples: “There is no orderly written instruction of how a person is to behave if he wishes to become a chassid.” In other words, it is impossible to learn how to be a chassid from books alone. The role of Chassidic literature, to his view, is auxiliary and complementary in nature. The books are an important source for additional guidance in Divine service, providing, in his words, “advice and stratagems.” Indeed, R. Kalonymus’s books for the most part provide insight into the workings of the psyche and practical advice in Chassidic practice, including traditions conveyed from the early generations. As an example, R. Kalonymus quotes from the book Likkutim Yekarim concerning how a person should meditate, as well as instruction emphasizing that one should not recite Tehillim at great length prior to praying, in order not to tire himself. Another piece of practical advice is to pray from a prayer book, but if the worshipper is firmly focused on the upper world it is better that he pray with his eyes closed.[8]

 

It seems that R. Kalonymus also sought to close a gap that he sensed in the chassidut of his times, and also to preserve treasured knowledge so it would not be lost. He wrote down the personal prescriptions and suggestions of chassidim in previous generations – the “oral Torah” that had been handed down from Rebbes to their disciples. For this reason, he set down his ideas in great detail, with elaboration of the background and reason for every piece of instruction.

 

(To be continued)

 

Translated by Kaeren Fish