Is Solitude Exclusive to Breslov?

The realm of halacha allows ample space for every Jew to properly build their life. It is important that each individual check that their path stems from a thorough search for the true will of Hashem, rather than societal pressure. 

Common Sense

Even highly intelligent and talented people err in this, failing to navigate their life path according to common sense. These people need a reminder from the 'Letter from Elijah' (Vol. 5, p. 97) that the foremost commandment is to be a person with understanding! Common sense is one of the gates opened by Hashem to know His Torah. As Duties of the Heart explains in its introduction: The gates opened by the Creator to know His Torah and religion are three: one is common sense, the second is the Book of Torah, and the third is the tradition handed to us by our ancestors.

Thoughtful Observation

Thoughtful observation is a potent tool through which we examine our lives and paths. Through observation, we are privileged to return to repentance and we can improve our relationship with Hashem. Some people cannot bear a quiet moment to think, always seeking occupation even in their leisure time, with their phones always on, much like Pharaoh's counsel. But it is essential to set times for contemplation and to set aside one or two times a week for isolation to organize thoughts, reflect on life's events, and create effective solutions to enhance our living.

Words of the Vilna Gaon

The Vilna Gaon (in his commentary on Proverbs) wrote about the verse (Proverbs 14:2): "He who walks in his integrity fears Hashem," saying 'Every person should follow his necessary path, as human traits are not identical. Therefore, walking in one's straightforward path is fearing Hashem.' This is also explained by the Netziv (Haamek Davar Deuteronomy 10:12) who wrote that Hashem asks of each according to their value, and what Hashem asks of one, He almost forbids for another.

Discretion

As written in "Pele Yoetz" (under the entry for 'Lesson'), "This is not something that can be entirely conveyed in writing, as neither all people, all times, nor all places and things are alike. A person must be wise, discerning of their own accord, weighing with scales of justice which is the straight path to behave, considering how others perceive them, the place, and the time."

The 'Saba of Kelm' (Ohr Rashaz, Genesis, Article 58) similarly wrote: As the sages said (Avot 2:13) 'Go out and see which is the straight path a person should choose,' starting in the plural and ending in the singular, for none is similar to another. One is enjoined to unload, the other to load to subdue their impulse. One must pray, another must not because they are hired to guard. One is obliged to desecrate the Shabbat, another incurs capital punishment if they desecrate it. Some must silence their impulse and study rather than talk, others must speak to settle disputes. One must hide deeds for inner impact, another if not externally visible will lose them entirely. Thus it said "a person should choose," in the singular, as within an individual the path varies according to circumstances. At times strict on themselves, other times lenient.

Additional Layers

This world is like an iceberg, with only a small part visible above water. Many rules influence and dictate actions, and wisdom is in trying to understand the general principle behind visible deeds, both physical and spiritual. Every realistic display embodies a specific illustration of a general principle that needs uncovering.

Just like three-dimensional images at first may seem meaningless, but adjusting focus reveals a stunning image hidden within, so too the world contains beautiful insights if we shift our perspective through observation and analysis of our reality.

Only Through Observation

As in Torah study, understanding deepens by reviewing what was learned, so too life experiences are a school, where often, during real-time events, we are too busy reacting. By reviewing clearly what occurred, Hashem plants insights within us, helping us understand reality and ourselves, our aspirations and our path, without which no spiritual advancement is possible.

It's explicitly stated in the Talmud (Berachot 19) that if you see a sage commit a sin at night, don't harbor doubts about him during the day, because he undoubtedly repented. Meaning, surely he reviewed his actions, and upon reflection realized he acted wrongly, thus resulting in repentance.

Isolation

In this book, we have explained several tools, but each reader is their own best expert on their own life. Try to examine reality and the essence of things. For example, a person arriving home anxious might examine the cause. Perhaps anger stems from a childish desire for a royal welcome with a hot meal and sleeping children like in the fairy tales, without realizing that home is also a workplace. Maybe he is simply hungry, in which case an apple beforehand may be helpful. This way, through isolation once or twice a week, an individual reflects on their life and spiritual path.

Time during isolation can also be used for conversation and prayer with Hashem in one's own words, to thank Him for the good given, share experiences and trials, and ask for good advice and salvation.

Recently, public misconception has arisen labeling isolation as exclusively Breslov when in fact it is a crucial practise for every seeker of Hashem. This fundamental principle has always been basic in Judaism: Rabbi Abraham ben Rambam noted in his book (Guide for the Perplexed) in a chapter on isolation, highlighting that the great righteous of past generations, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, David, and all prophets and righteous disciples leaned towards external solitude leading to internal contemplation.

Ramchal's Words on Isolation

Ramchal too, in "Path of the Just" (Ch. 3) and "The Way of the Tree of Life," extensively discusses the value of isolation and simple, direct conversation with Hashem, and states: If a person spends most of his life thinking about his business affairs, why not devote even an hour to serious thought: What is he, why did he come into the world, what does the King of Kings demand of him, and what will be the end of all affairs? Overall, one who does not think about this finds it exceedingly difficult to reach completeness, while one who contemplates this is very close to achieving it. Wise people continually consider and never divert their thoughts, leading to success in all endeavors. Nonetheless, even the minuscule time spent regularly considering these things brings prosperity and wisdom in one's paths.

Mishna Berura's Words on Isolation

Isolation is also mentioned in 'Mishna Berura' by the Arizal (in Be'er Halahah section 571:2 DH Tal) stating: "One day a week, distance yourself from people and isolate with your Creator, connecting your thoughts as if already standing before Him on Judgement Day, speaking to the Creator as a servant to a master, a son to a father, the latter sages have transcribed this." It's known that the Chafetz Chaim also practiced this, often isolating himself in his attic.

Chapter Summary

To conclude this chapter, Hashem embedded within our hearts an instinct for ambition meant to drive each of us towards building ourselves and achieving accomplishments. Defining these goals by imitating the surroundings leads to inevitable frustration and disappointment over time, as well as sin against the truth. The truth is, Hashem does not demand what lies beyond our capacity.

We all strive towards certain goals: studying Torah, performing mitzvot, caring for and educating children, and seeking livelihood. We must also realize that true, successful living, without which goals cannot be reached, lies in enjoying our daily routine, especially with regard to ourselves and our spouses. Efforts must therefore be made in these areas so that each one can find a path that merges the aforementioned goals with daily satisfaction and enjoyment.

In this way, we can integrate the tools given by Hashem, inherent within our nature and desires, into the system of Torah learning and commandments, leading us to grow and flourish securely and steadily.

To purchase Rabbi Dan Tiomkin's books 'Where Ba'alei Teshuva Stand,' click here.