One of the most oft-repeated teachings of the Rebbe was the Baal Shem Tov’s saying that from everything one sees or hears, one must derive a lesson in the service of Hashem. In a yechidus with a couple, the Rebbe drew two lessons from a computer of the time.

Firstly, the Rebbe noted, a computer can perform in a short time tasks that would usually require many people to accomplish.

Secondly, a computer can produce accurate results, even though it does not have intellect or understanding. This isn’t only in simple math, such as two times two, but even in calculations of hundreds and thousands. And still, it solves all calculations without understanding or thinking.

The Rebbe then explained the lessons:

“Firstly, a Yid is obligated to fulfil all 613 mitzvos and cannot claim that since he is occupied with one mitzvah, he cannot engage in another. Since they were given to him, he can and must fulfil them all himself.”

“Secondly, we must fulfil everything it says in the Shulchan Aruch – Hashem’s computer – even without understanding the connection or reason.”

The Rebbe smiled and added: “In a computer, mistakes sometimes occur, but in ‘Hashem’s computer’ there is never a mistake.”

(Kovetz Yechiduyos Kodesh 5735, §38)