Naftoli Hertz Pewzner

Coded Depth To best summarize the wealth of ideas found in this chapter, let us refer to the actual words of the Midrash which detail the Purpose. Within the few words, our Sages hinted at all of the depth and detail discussed above. By taking a closer lo...

The True Realization of Achdus Hashem The transformation of our world into a bastion of G-dliness is an ultimate expression of Achdus Hashem.See above, Chapter Seven, pp. 175ff., for an extensive presentation of the chassidic approach to Divine Oneness. A...

Bold Revelation All in all, the realization of the true purpose of existence involves a whole lot of G-dly revelation within this world. Our world is meant to be the home of the Divine Essence, and He is to be manifest in all His glory. In the words of th...

Study vs. Deeds The study of Torah and the performance of mitzvos are both indispensable elements of observance. It naturally follows that they are the “equipment” which we are given to construct a home for G-d here in this world. Interestingly, the Talmu...

Made from Within Now that we have established what the Purpose is, let us discuss what its implementation entails. Building a dwelling for G-d in this lowly world does not mean that the world is meant to be completely revamped, becoming heavenly and angel...

Presenting the Big Picture Throughout the ages, numerous Torah sages have discussed the question of purpose, and several approaches have been offered. Incidentally, although the Alter Rebbe’s explanation of purpose is based on several primary Torah source...

The Question of Purpose At this point, we have established that the Purpose is centered around the physical, tangible world, the place where G-dliness is not revealed. Now the question becomes: What is the Purpose that this world is indeed best suited for...

G-d’s Garden When searching for the Purpose, the most natural hypothesis is to look heavenward. The vastness of the skies inspires man with spirituality’s infinity, and one can only imagine that the ultimate purpose lies there. Life on earth is assumed to...

The Value of Existence Within the human experience, life can be lived with joy, enthusiasm, and drive, while missing purpose. Milestones are achieved, breakthroughs are made, knowledge and success are attained, yet a sense of purpose remains elusive. One ...

The Permeating Influence of the Rebbe In previous chapters, we discussed the permeating nature of the yechidah. Despite it being the most profound element of the soul, the yechidah can be the most relevant. It need not remain as a last-resort mechanism. I...