The concept of avodah, Divine service, [obligated by the phrase,] "And you shall serve G‑d your L‑rd," resembles the service of a servant to his master. It is primarily reflected in service motivated by fear and the acceptance of G‑d's yoke.1, 2 A servant is not a significant entity in his own right; he doesn't look at himself with any importance whatsoever.3 His identity is subsumed (in bittul) to his master. Even though his natural tendency is to enjoy having no restraints,4 he is constrained and submits himself to his master, carrying out his will.

Thus "the beginning of Divine service, as well as its core and root"recycle xxii is service stemming from kabbalas ol, the acceptance of G‑d's yoke. Even though a person is in a situation where he has not changed his inner makeup — he has not transformed his mind and heart and is still motivated by his own desires — he carries out his service with kabbalas ol. For with regard to one's actual conduct, [i.e.,] the observance of the mitzvos — "turning away from evil and doing good"5 — it is impossible for one to wait until he transforms his nature. Instead, in one's present situation, he must carry out his Divine service motivated by kabbalas ol.

This is reflected in the order of our daily worship. Our daily worship begins with Modeh Ani, "I thankfully acknowledge...."6 Similarly, the communal prayer service begins with Hodu, "Let us thankfully acknowledge G‑d...."7 Even before the meditation associated with Pesukei DeZimra,8 before the meditations associated with the blessings of the Shema, the recitation of the Shema, and Shemoneh Esreh, one states, "Let us thankfully acknowledge G‑d," highlighting the approach of hodaah, which reflects Divine service motivated by kabbalas ol.9

Summary

The concept of avodah, Divine service, resembles the service of a servant to his master. It is primarily reflected in service motivated by fear and the acceptance of G‑d's yoke, kabbalas ol. Even though one's natural tendency is to enjoy having no restraints, he goes beyond his own desires and makes a commitment to carry out G‑d's will.