Solar Energy: 11 Nissan, 5741 • April 15, 1981
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Just wondering
This is amazing to watch, but what is the backround, did the chassidim know this would be the topic? was this a really well thought out tangent? Was he asked to speak about this?
in short, what is going on here?
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The Rebbe on Solar Power
Stuart, remember that the Rebbe studied physics at the Sorbonne.
Solar power can be used passively by designing houses with windows on the south side and use of deciduous trees that shade in Summer and allow sun in the Winter.
Photovoltaic is gettting less expensive with newer technology that doesn't use silicon wafers.
I also read that a solar plant heating water to steam for electric generators could be built in the zouthwest that could power most of California, Arizona and New Mexico.
Wind power is also actually solar power because wind is caused by differential heating of the air by the sun.
It is incumbant on us to try to do everything we can to rid our dependence on foreign oil because oil revenue funds those who would seek to destroy us.
The Rebbe z"l certainly had it right!
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(X) The development of technology to harness the abundance of energy provided by our sun in addition to other natural occurring phenomena (wind, geothermal, etc...) is essential to the future of all inhabitants of this planet. There are numerous examples in the Torah that provide us insight into the powers that He has provided us, and these lessons deal with the use or abuse of such power. The Rebbe illuminates this importance as he saw it at that time, under the weight of existing global pressures, this should serve both servants of the Creator or servants of creations with a dire responsibility, to heedlessly study His words as well as the words and works of those who walk in His path. May we be led toward the world to come, abundant in all things (tangible or spiritual) that He has so generously provided. Reply
Pretty insightful from a non-scientist in 1981
While the technology did not exist in 1981 nor is it practical today, with G-d's help we'll be there soon. There is new technology being developed everyday, even biological reactors.
I doubt there will be solar panels at 770 Eastern Parkway, where the sun's angle of incidence is not suited for this, but maybe at the Chabad Houses in Phoenix.
The Rebbe knew a great deal about science and governance, he should have been Secretary of Energy!
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solar energy That is becuase photovolatic solar panels are expensive and inefficient. In order to make a large move to solar requires large power plants over many acres using cheaper technologies that exist. A few panels on roofs is not going to achieve that. Reply
Rebbi's forsight Seems like it's easy to find anything good, new, trendy somehow in something the rebbe said, indicated, insinuated...retroactively. It's not like the Rebbe or the Chabad organization had installed even one solar panel during the entire time of his functioning as Rebbe. Reply
Unbelievable foresight I am always awed by the Rebbe and the foresight he had. Today it is clear to many of us that American dependence on foreign oil is crippling us, but 28 years ago he already knew this and spoke of this. Thank G-d for our beloved Tzaddikim! Reply
Response to Please see www.jewfaq.org/613.htm for the answer to your question, Larry. Reply
let us worshop G-d and not solar energy. Reply
The Rabbi on Solar Energy
I am not that observant, but when I read things the Rebbe wrote or said his insight and awareness amaze me. I am in awe and wish I could have his connection to G-d and to the world around him. He was Abraham or a Moses of our time and I am humbled by his wisdom even though he is gone to his reward so many years ago. I was not even aware of the blessing of the sun but erev Passover I will go to Chabad and stand with either Rabbi Harlig or Rabbi Shanowitz and receit the Bracha because I believe in G-d and because the Rebbe, even gone so many years, can inspire me to try harder to be closer to G-d. If G-d would grant me one wish, I would not wish for wealth, but for the spirituality of the Reebe. It has value far greater than Gold.
May Jews around the world share in Passover and REMEMBER what G-d did for me and for each of us.
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Commandment? I have read that there are 613 commandments, which number is this one? Reply
Re: Just wondering No, the Chassidim did not know in advance that the Rebbe would speak about this. The Rebbe spoke about the power of the sun in connection with the " Birkat Hachamah" which took place just a week prior to that talk.
Additionally, the Rebbe himself in that talk explained that the reason for this discussion was because of the importance that the United States not be dependent on foreign countries in order that it be able to fulfill its unique role and mission in this world which is to spread true peace amongst the nations of the world.