Light of The Eyes
The world is replete with vivid color. The deep red of a rose, the bright blue of the sky, and the radiant yellow of a sunflower. But for the blind there are no colors, there is no light. How then is it possible for the “light of Torah” to shine upon their otherwise dark world? just a few months ago, I merited seeing how the light of Torah penetrates all barriers. A young man was sitting in front of a computer no larger than a Mishnayos. He told the computer” Chumash;’ and the computer started saying the first verse of the Torah. He then commanded “Rashi,” the computer began reciting the Rashi on that verse. “English,” and, yes, the computer began translating the Rashi. “Next Parsha.” “Next Aliya:’ “Previous Perek.” “Where am I?” “Read Faster.” “Read Slower.” 1’Stop Talking.” Whatever the user said, the computer responded faithfully. I thought I was dreaming. For the thousands of visually impaired in our midst, it is indeed a dream come true. The Chafetz Chaim once remarked that the technological advances of his times were for the purpose of increasing Torah study and avodas Hashem. Without a doubt, the inventing of the computer and its associated technology has achieved one of its primary purposes in helping bring Torah to people who cannot read with their eyes. Indeed, a shining light has burst into the dark world of the blind with the founding of a truly unique organization called Computer Sciences for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CSE), “Meor Eynayim,” founded in 1997 by Rahbi Nachum Lehman.
IT STARTED IN A KOLLEL
It all started several years ago in a small kollel. Reb Yitzchok M., a talmid chacham and pillar of the kollel, was stricken with an incurable eye disease. Day after day, month after month, his eyesight deteriorated. Despite the doctors’ best efforts, Reb Yitzchok eventually suffered a complete loss of vision. Reb Yitzchok heroically overcame the logistical hurdles, as he learned to deal with his blindness. Fortunate to possess a sharp mind, he retained his learning partners while continuing to be an integral and inspirational part of the kollel. Despite Reb Yitzchok’s efforts, though, his level of learning was compromised due to the nature of Torah study and his disability. Although his chavrusos would read the Gemora, Rashi and Tosafos aloud, there was no independence and no second chance to review difficult passages. Anybody who has been involved in Torah study knows that it entails much more than recitation of text. The scholar must be able to interpret the nuances of the text and contemplate the meaning of each and every word. Such study requires constant and independent review, an ability Reb Yitzchok was not afforded. Even tapes and telephone shiurim, which helped immeasurably, were still no substitute for the text-based learning that allows for contemplation and digestion of the written word of a sefer. When limited by the material presented by another person, or on a tape, the interactive factor.
It seemed that the Hashgacha elyona, Divine Providence, saw Reh Yitzchok as the appropriate emissary to trigger what can be called, without exaggeration, the beginning of a technological revolution for the visually challenged. Reb Yitzchok asked one of his chavrusos, Reb Nachum Lehman, if he could help and help he did. With his knowledge of computer programming, he spent many months researching the technologies available to the blind community, but was unable to find a workable solution for Reb Yitzchok. Reb Nachum came to the unavoidable conclusion that custom-1nade software would be necessary to allow Reb Yitzchok to learn freely and naturally. With the help of two professional programmers and several volunteer readers, Reb Nachu1n commenced the seemingly insurmountable task of giving those unable to read with their eyes, the ability to read with their ears! Through indexed computer recordings of the Gemora, Rashi, Tosafos, several Rishonim (early coinmentators) and Acharonim (later commentators), along with custom-made MP3 software, Reb Yitzchok was given the ability to once again learn independently. With the press of a key on the keyboard, Reb Yitzchok could simply access any part of the Gemora. He could choose to have it read faster or slower. He could go backwards or fonvards, repeat words, or press a button for Rashi, Tosafos, or one of the many other commentaries that were recorded for him by his peers. Reb Yitzchok was like a fish back in water, as he tackled the Gemora with gusto for the first time since he had been struck by blindness.