What the Rebbe Says
Back in the early sixties, when the first mainframe computer was being introduced into business. Professor Abraham Polichenco, a pioneer of computer technology visited the Lubavitcher Rebbe and posed him a question:
“I know that everything that exists in the world even something that we discover later in history, has it’s source in the Torah. So where are computers in the Torah?”
Without hesitation, the Rebbe answered “Tefillin”. The professor was perplexed.
“What’s new about a computer?” the Rebbe continued.
“You walk into a room and you see many familiar machines: A typewriter, a large taper recorder. A television set, a hole puncher, a calculator. What is new?”
But under the floor, cables connect all these machines so they work as one.”
The professor nodded enthusiastically. He hadn’t realized before, but yes, this is all that a computer is: A synthesis of media and process devices.
“Now look at your own self. You have a brain. It’s in one world. Your heart is in another. And your hands often end up involved in something completely foreign to both of them. Three diverse machines.”
“So you put on Teffilin. First thing in the day, you connect your head, your heart and your hand with these leather cables- all to work with one intent, And then when we you go out to meet the world, all your actions find harmony in a single coordinated purpose.”