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| Ki Tavo: How to Serve God in Joy |
In 5670 (1910), when Rav Kook was chief rabbi of Jaffa, he was
asked: how can we inspire ourselves to worship God in joy and
enthusiasm?
In his response, Rav Kook wrote:
It is difficult to briefly explain this fundamental aspect of
serving God. The main inspiration for people like me is to set
aside considerable time for thorough study of the spiritual parts
of Torah, and not let it be cast aside for occasional reading. With
such study, the light of the soul shines, and a spirit of happiness
and vigor electrifies the heart that sincerely seeks out the truth.
Benefiting the Universe
Nonetheless, I will not withhold the benefit of establishing one
important principle, although this too cannot be fully understood
without much study and reflection. Still, it will provide a vehicle
for the desire to attain the trait of loving God and sensing the
light of our holy Torah.
It is manifest that even the basest individual would be thrilled to
perform good deeds joyfully and energetically if he felt that his
actions would benefit the entire universe, with all its infinite
worlds. Indolence and enervation stem solely from doubting the
extent of the good that we truly perform for all of creation,
through our Torah study, mitzvot, Divine service, and refinement of
character traits. For this purpose, God enlightened us with the
writings of the holiest tzadikim, masters of the Kabbala. They
enhanced our understanding of the preciousness of serving God, and
how our service can uplift all of existence in all its aspects.
Yet, this idea needs to be brought closer to the intellect, so that
the inspiration will be powerful and the joy will be well founded.
The Collective Soul of Creation
This mental image is achieved by contemplating the concept of
"spiritual oneness". That is to say, the light of each individual
soul is connected to the collective soul of all existence. All
created things draw the light of their perfection from this
collective soul. We have the power to increase the light in our
souls at all times through Torah, wisdom, mitzvot, prayer, and
character refinement. If we recognize that any time we enlighten
our own souls, that we are benefiting not just ourselves but all of
existence, then we can bestow perfection and life to all things.
Through us, the tzaddikim (righteous) are granted greater power
in their service of God. The evil of the wicked becomes moderated
and mitigated to some extent. Thoughts of penitence come to them.
Even the animals are ennobled, in accordance with their level.
Through the beautiful holiness that is added by one soul that truly
cares about all of existence, even those creatures that tend to
attack and damage are refined. And certainly great light is added
to the sublime splendor of the souls, and in all levels of the
spiritual worlds, boundless in their beauty and sanctity.
(adapted from Igrot HaRe'iyah vol. I, letter 301)
Copyright © 2006 by Chanan Morrison
"Because you did not serve the Lord your God with joy and
contentment." (Deut. 28:47)