From Rational to Metaphysical: R. Hayyim of Volozhin's Torah Lishmah as a Radical Concept

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Abstract

Many see the mithnagdim as total rationalists. Therefore it has been assumed that R. Hayyim of Volozhin's approach to Torah study was the same. Although rationalism may be a correct characterization of the method he used in talmudic study, it does not capture how R. Hayyim understood the essence of Torah study. Some have described Nefesh ha-Hayyim as demystifying Kabbalah. I agree that R. Hayyim opposes ecstatic Kabbalah. However, already in 1972 Norman Lamm noticed that R. Hayyim saw Torah study as a form of clinging to God. In my article, I go further and demonstrate how torah lishmah for R. Hayyim is a radical idea that includes a legitimate path to unio mystica, and even a way to divine inspiration.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)73-101
Number of pages29
JournalJournal of Jewish Thought and Philosophy
Volume31
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2023

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
This article has been facilitated by a grant from the Israel Science Foundation.

Publisher Copyright:
© Raphael Shuchat, 2023.

Keywords

  • Hasidim
  • Kabbalah
  • R. Hayyim of Volozhin
  • Torah
  • Vilna Gaon
  • mithnagdim
  • mysticism

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