Parashas Bechukosai and Cosmic Plasticity

Something seemed unusual to me about a particular d'var Torah that I found in the book "Ohev Yisroel" by the Apter Rav in parashas Bechukosai. I couldn't quite figure out why, until...

The verse he is commenting on reads, "And your enemies will fall before you by the sword". He asks, "Why would it be important to know by which weapon they will fall?" Whether it be by sword, arrows, grenades, or internal combustion, what's the difference? He answers this question by explaining that the first time a miracle occurs in the Torah, a big deal is made about it. He gives the example of the Splitting of the Sea. Most people have heard of this great miracle. However, less people know that the miracle of waters splitting occurred again in Joshua's time, as well. And, even less people know about the time that Pinchas ben Yair performed the same miracle in Talmudic times. The point is that once nature is broken or opened up in a certain way, it is much easier for it to occur again. As the Apter Rav puts it, once the "tzinor" (spicket) is opened it is easier for it to open in the future. This is why the sword is mentioned. Since a sword has two edges, it is as if to say that not only will you derive benefit from the first time this miracle occurs, but also in the future there will be a effect available to be tapped into.

What bothered me about this peice was that this seemingly academic p'shat seemed out of place in an early chassidishe book like the "Ohev Yisroel". Chassidut was a spiritual revivalist movement designed to combat pure rationalist, cold Judaism that had become so widespread at the time. Generally, one of the outstanding themes that underlies Chassidic writings is the constant striving to see G-dliness in everything. And, afterall, the Apter Rav was the prime disciple of the Noam Elimelech (of Lizhensk), who, in turn, was one of the prime disciples of the Maggid of Mezritch, who was the prime disciple of the Baal Shem Tov, the founder of the Chassidic movement.

Then it hit me. I remember back in anatomy/physiology class learning about the concept of 'neuroplasticity'. This is the phenomenon that occurs when the brain actually changes its cellular structure based upon the way it is being used. New pathways can be burned which, difficult at first, become easier and easier to access. The message of the Apter Rav is not meant solely to be understood on an historic level. Rather, this concept should be utilized as the encouragement to make necessary changes in our lives for the sake of our spiritual improvement. In other words, growth can be difficult, especially in the beginning. As a matter of fact, the Gemara forewarns us when it states, "All beginnings are difficult". However, it only gets easier as we reinforce these changes. And, this is utilizing the double-edged sword against the "enemy" within.

May we all merit to take advantage of this spiritual plasticity!