Ever felt like a prophet? According to Jewish mysticism, a person’s name is their personal channel for divine energy, so when parents name their child they are having a mini prophecy. Although it is certainly a spiritual experience, not every naming goes over smoothly.
Hundreds of years ago a couple was blessed with a son and the parents were at odds about what to name him. The father wished to name his son for his father “Uri” and the mother wanted to name him for her father “Meir.” Apparently giving two names was not common practice then and finding themselves at an impasse they approached the local rabbi who recommended an ingenious solution.
The name “Uri” means “my light” and the name “Meir” means “to illuminate.” Since both names mean light, he suggested they name their newborn son “Shnei Ohr - Two Lights.” Thus the name Schneur came to be.
321 years ago, on the 18th day of Elul, the Baal Shem Tov hosted a joyous meal in honor of his 47th birthday. Although he was accustomed to celebrating his birthday every year, the devoted disciples perceived something extraordinary about that year’s celebration.
The Baal Shem Tov said then that a child was born who will ultimately illuminate the entire world with the brilliance of the revealed Torah (scripture, talmud and Jewish law) and the esoteric Torah (Jewish philosophy and mysticism). This child was the famed Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, the founder of the Chabad Lubavitch movement, known as the Alter Rebbe.
The name Schneur - which means “two lights” - expresses the Alter Rebbe’s eternal legacy. He authored a Shulchan Aruch - Code of Jewish Law - bringing pristine clarity to all areas of Jewish law and talmudic exegesis as well as his groundbreaking seminal work of Tanya which brilliantly articulates the deepest secrets of the Torah so that everyone with a mind can understand and apply them.
The difference between these two lights of the Torah can be understood from the original dispute over the names Uri and Meir that produced the name Schneur.
“Uri” connotes the idea that the light remains separate from others. The revealed Torah - scripture, talmud and Jewish law - provides light and clarity for us in life, but it is possible to remain separate from it. A Jew can view Torah an enhancement and guide for life, but life and Torah remain mutually exclusive.
“Meir” connotes the idea that the light shine brightly for others to the point that we can own it as well. The esoteric element of Torah - Jewish philosophy, mysticism and Chassidus - allows us to appreciate how we are part of G-d’s masterplan for creation and we can and must be entirely invested in Torah, since it is our very life.
The Alter Rebbe’s life work brings both elements of Torah together. Every level of Torah can studied genuinely and passionately until you own it and always make sure to share it with others.
As we celebrate the birthday of the Baal Shem Tov and the Alter Rebbe on the 18th of Elul (this Wednesday) I invite you to learn more chassidus and brighten up our world in ways you may have never deemed possible.