Editing Yemos Hamoshiach (section)

==== The Importance of Mitzvot Versus Torah ====
During exile, it was established in the Talmud that Torah study is more important than performing a mitzvah in cases where the mitzvah is not specifically incumbent upon him and can be performed by others: "Once Rabbi Tarfon and the Elders were reclining in the upper chamber of Beit Natzeh in Lod. This question was asked before them: Is study greater or action greater? Rabbi Tarfon answered saying: Action is greater. Rabbi Akiva answered saying: Study is greater. Everyone answered and said: Study is greater - for it leads to action." Meaning: Study is more important because without it we would not know how to fulfill the mitzvot.

The Alter Rebbe innovates that "all this is specifically now. But in the future to come, it will be reversed - the mitzvot will be higher than Torah, and action will be greater than study." The explanation for this change is deep and lengthy, but in essence: Torah study and mitzvah observance are meant to connect a person to the divine will and wisdom. When a person studies Torah, he connects to holiness through his intellect and understanding, and when a person performs mitzvot - his connection is through his power of action.

The power of understanding is a much more internal and valuable faculty than the power of action, and therefore when a person connects to holiness through it - the connection is deeper and higher. This is the inner meaning of the determination "study is greater": learning creates a more important and elevated connection. However, in the future, the soul level that motivates a Jew to perform mitzvot with complete acceptance of the yoke will be revealed - a level that is more internal than the power of understanding. For the soul's movement to obey unquestioningly and meticulously every divine command, even without understanding its logic - stems from the essence of the Jewish soul being connected to the Holy One, blessed be He, Himself in a uniquely wonderful way that has no equal. Today, indeed, this attachment is hidden and concealed - but in the future it will be revealed in all its glory, and then the importance of "action" will be elevated above "study."