Friday Cheshvan 14 5704
Torah Lessons (5703)	Chumash: Vayeira, Shishi with Rashi. Tehillim: 72-76. Tanya: Now, while the (p. 567)...found - believe it." (p. 569).

"From G-d are man's steps established." [1]

Every one of Israel has a spiritual mission in life - which is to occupy himself with the work of construction, to make a "dwelling- place" for G-d.

Every one, regardless of his station or location, must, through an exhaustive search, seek out a spiritual livelihood with all the intensity of his strength, just as he seeks a material livelihood.

This is so because, (as the above verse concludes) "he desires His (G-d's) way." [2]

As it is written of Avraham: "For I know and love him because etc. and they will keep the way of Havayeh." [3]

There are two "ways": The way of nature and the way that transcends nature. G-d created the universe in such a way that, in man's eyes, it appears to follow a set pattern of nature; this is the "way" of Elokim. [4]

Torah and Mitzvot are the "way" of Havayeh, drawing that which transcends nature into nature.

By virtue of this (conduct of Israel) G-d endows Israel from that which is beyond nature into the natural.

   

Notes:

1. (Back to text) Tehillim 37:23.

2. (Back to text) The simple meaning of the phrase is that G-d desires man's way.

3. (Back to text) Bereishit 18:19.

4. (Back to text) See Tishrei 3 and footnotes.