MITZVOS AND THE CHAOS THEORY: UNBOUNDED RESPONSES Modern physics has given a new meaning to the old Chinese proverb about a butterfly flapping its wings in Japan, and an earthquake occurring in Australia. The Chaos Theory tells of small perturbations causing unbounded responses. In other words, the very slightest detail of every single action that occurs, even thoughts to a certain extent, affect the entire universe as a whole, and everything therein. Just by blowing ones nose here in Montreal, one changes something in the lives of people living in England, and the trees in Africa. Not only can the human not psychologically survive in isolation, but this very feat is physically impossible to undertake. The enormity of our power is indeed overwhelming, if not frightening. Luckily, our creator did not leave us stranded. The Torah provides for an instruction manual to all of humanity on how to produce the intended results. The intended results....To obtain a clear and elaborate explanation of what this means exactly, Kabbalah classes are open to the public worldwide. For now however, on one foot, so to speak, the purpose of creation is as follows: G-d desired a dwelling place in the finite realms. Our job is thus to make this a reality. Space does not allow for a detailed account of Bittul BeMetziut (a term referring to the all encompassing nature of G-d, literally meaning being nullified in your source) or Tzimtzum (which explains how G-d is manifest to us, and how the world is able to exist without becoming overwhelmed by His presence, literally translated as constriction), but basically, the world is filled with fallen divine sparks, which must be elevated back into their source. The 613 commandments (mitzvos) which are incumbent upon the Jews, and the seven laws of Noah which were commanded to the other nations cause this to occur. There is n point, which concerns reward and punishment. If a person spends the whole night drinking alcohol, and then wakes up with a headache, can we then understand that this person was punished for his actions? Gaining weight after eating much chocolate is not a pud. Nor does a male wrap Tefillin around his head and arm only to remind himself that his emotions and thoughts should at all times be bound with Hashem. Of course, all of these things should ideally occur. The fact is though, even if they dont, not much is lost in the higher scheme of things. Even if the Shabbos candles were lit in the midst of sleepwalking, physically, every physicist will tell you that the result will be the same. And physicality is what Torah is primarily concerned with, as the ultimate purpose is a very physical one indeed, not to mention the fact that personal spiritual growth can become quite egotistical if it coincides with that of the entire cosmos, but these things too require much further elaboration. This brings me to my final point, which concerns reward and punishment. If a person spends the whole night drinking alcohol, and then wakes up with a headache, can we then understand that this person was punished for his actions? Gaining weight after eating much chocolate is not a punishment, but rather merely a consequence. The future of the world is literally in our hands. Choosing to remain ignorant is not the brightest thing to do when the stakes are so high, especially when the instruction manual is so easily available.
