Questions for today:
Every relationship between two independent units must start with something. What starts it going?
We have been discussing bonding to the Creator through fear and humility, and through love.
Generally, we say that you must have a foundation of humility before you can connect with the Creator. Only when we're observing the commandments and studying the Torah, can we connect to the Creator on His level and be sure that we have no ulterior motives.
Today, we give examples from the Talmud, where the opposite was the case. People were entirely not humbled and not observing any commandments, yet the Creator showered them with love, and then they in turn reciprocated.
Though this is a possibility, generally the pattern is that we are humble, do the commandments, study Torah, and then bask in the light that results.
Tanya ultimately finishes this message with the statement that the word “love” is the numerical value of “light” two times. This is because, regardless of where it begins, love is a two-way street.
131 Tanya Iyar 01 ~ m156 Nissan 27
Tanya book 1, ch 43, Pt 3
Although generally we need to be humble before we can achieve love of the Creator, there are exceptions.
The talmud tells of Elazar ben Durdaya, a wicked person who repented and connected to G-d instantly.
Regardless, we conclude that "and you shall love" is the numerical equivalent to "light" x2 - because love is always a two-way street.
Study today’s Tanya in full:
https://www.chabadmed.com/dailystudy/tanya.asp?tdate=4/28/2022
See today’s video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgbjT3Uy-EM&list=PLFZQPK6u-zSBls9Hwx3P5vKIBRnjBvHe&index=130