Chapter 2

The Alter Rebbe states in his Chassidic discourses that every Jew possesses the ability to flourish in his service of G-d. The Baal Shem Tov says1 every Jew even the most simple can and should serve G-d, and the Alter Rebbe in his Chassidic discourses explains how: through the study of Torah, performance of mitzvos and the acquisition of fine character traits. By devoting oneself to the service of G-d with wholehearted ingenuousness, even a simple person can attain an extremely high spiritual state; internal devotion is more important than great Torah knowledge.

Such wholehearted devotion is possible for each and every Jew, from the most simple to the greatest of the great, for it stems from the soul, and all souls are “one of a kind, all having one Father,” as the Alter Rebbe puts it.2 Since this potential is found among all Jews, it has only to be revealed. When one studies Torah, observes a mitzvah, or performs an act of loving-kindness, it should be done with wholeheartedness and simple devotion.

The Alter Rebbe teaches how all of us, no matter how great or small in our knowledge of Torah, can demonstrate a soulful, wholehearted devotion to Torah. It is analogous, he says, to learning a craft.

In order for any craft to be mastered, it matters not whether it be the craft of creating vessels from wood or metal, or the art of calligraphy or drawing, an apprenticeship must first be served under the tutelage of an accomplished craftsman. The craftsman’s instructions must be followed to the letter, without question.

No matter what the craft, the labor is most difficult at the outset, even for one who displays a natural talent. It is especially hard for an individual who must “train his hands” to do the work. Mastery is only achieved after a great investment of time and effort.

Nevertheless, once a person has learned his craft, not only does the work become less difficult, but he also comes to derive pleasure from it. This satisfaction unites him with his labor. Instead of the difficulties encountered while first mastering the craft, when sometimes he may have felt bitter about the tremendous amount of toil required, he now delights in it.

The same is true with regard to the service of G-d. The first thing one must do is learn the “craft” of serving G-d, in a similar manner to the one who learns a mundane craft.

The first step is to accept upon oneself the Heavenly Yoke3 of Torah, mitzvos and fine character traits. Accepting the Heavenly Yoke means that whether or not a person finds pleasure in a matter has no bearing on whether or not he pursues it. It is also necessary that one not be fazed by the fact that service may prove difficult. He that serves G-d with acceptance of the Heavenly Yoke knows that such service is not a question of doing what he should do, but what he must do.

Thus, accepting the Heavenly Yoke is of primary importance in serving G-d, and the beginning of one’s daily labor must be permeated with this acceptance. The first thing one must do is join in congregational prayer. He must then strive to spend the rest of each day in harmony with the Torah, without having to seek reasons. That which is stated in the Torah, whether it relates to man’s relationship with G-d or with his fellow man, should be performed by every Jew as part of his or her acceptance of the Heavenly Yoke.

Through accepting the Heavenly Yoke the foundation of which is an ingenuous devotion to Torah, mitzvos and good traits of character a person rises ever higher in his G-dly service. Ultimately, this service, rather than being difficult, becomes a person’s joy and delight.

This is how the Alter Rebbe interprets4 the verse: “Man goes out to his work.” When a Jew begins or “goes out” to his service of G-d (“his work”) with acceptance of the Heavenly Yoke, he then merits that “his labor” will last “until Orev” [the Hebrew word for evening]. Orev may also be translated as sweetness, so that the verse can be taken to mean that his service of G-d will become sweet to him.

In summary: Through wholehearted and simple devotion to Torah, mitzvos and fine character traits (the potential for which is found in every Jew) it is possible for all of us to rise ever higher in our Divine service. This is because the ultimate service results when the idea of devotion [to G-d] is translated into actual deeds. He who learns a craft must follow the dictates of his teacher without seeking a reason. The course of study is long and arduous, but when mastered, the work brings great pleasure. So too with regard to the service of G-d. Through his “work,” man comes to realize the sweetness of his labor.