Because you failed to serve the Eternal your God with joy and contentment... (Deut. 28:47)
Rav Kook was once asked: How can we awaken feelings of excitement and enthusiasm in our avodat Hashem? How do we cultivate a sense of joy in our service of God, when we perform mitzvot and study Torah?
The Answer of the Kabbalists
In his response, Rav Kook wrote:
It is difficult to properly explain this fundamental aspect of serving God
in a letter. However, the primary way to kindle joy and enthusiasm
is by dedicating time to rigorous study of the spiritual, non-halakhic areas of the
Torah. Do not relegate it to haphazard reading.
It is through this study that the soul’s inner light begins to shine,
and a spirit of joy and vitality infuses those who earnestly seek truth.
Nonetheless, I will share with you one
central principle, though this too cannot be fully grasped
without serious study and reflection. This principle can serve as a gateway
to deepening your love for God and experiencing the radiant light of the holy Torah.
Clearly, if someone was granted the chance to benefit the entire world, even the most self-centered individual would eagerly seize the opportunity, devoting his heart and soul to the task.
Fatigue and weariness arise when we fail to recognize the extent of the good that we bring to the entire world through our Torah study, performance of mitzvot, Divine service, and cultivation of character traits.
For this reason, God enlightened us with the
teachings of the lofty tzaddikim, the masters of Kabbalah. They
deepened our understanding of the true significance of our service,
clarifying how it uplifts all of creation. Nonetheless, we need to bring
this abstract idea closer to our intellect. Then
our motivation will be strong and our enthusiasm well-grounded.
Uplifting the Universe
We attain this profound awareness by contemplating the
spiritual unity that binds the entire universe. We need to recognize that
each individual soul is connected to the collective soul of
all existence. Every created being draws its light and perfection from this
collective soul. We have the power to increase the light in our
souls through Torah study, mitzvot, prayer, and
character refinement. We need to be aware that whenever we enlighten
our own souls, we are benefiting not just ourselves, but the entire universe. We
are bestowing perfection and life upon all creation.
Through our efforts, the righteous are strengthened
in their holy service. The evil of the wicked is
mitigated to some extent, and they experience stirrings of remorse and penitence.
Even the animals are ennobled, according to their station.
The noble holiness provided by a single soul that truly
cares about all of existence helps refine and purify even
those creatures inclined toward destruction.
And it certainly adds dazzling light
to the lofty splendor of the souls, and throughout the
spiritual worlds, in their infinite beauty and sanctity.
All of this is relevant for every member of the holy nation of Israel. But it resonates with even greater significance for those who are privileged to dwell in the Holy Land.
(Adapted from Iggerot HaRe’iyah vol. I, letter 301 5670/1910)