Holistic Living

The Code of Jewish Law rules: “All your actions should be for the sake of Heaven” and “In all your ways, know G-d.” This instruction is not referring to the commandments of the Torah or of the Sages. “Your actions” means the personal activities that you choose to do, and “Your ways” means the personal path you choose in life. Even these pursuits have a deeper intent and purpose, in the words of the Mishna: “I was created only to serve my Maker.”

A person can only fulfill his G-d-given life mission by living his life in a holistic Jewish way. To borrow an analogy from the body: When do the brain and heart function optimally? Only when all the other parts of the body — even the non-vital organs — are performing their individual functions properly . So too, spiritually: every person has individual talents and interests. And he must know that even if he discharges perfectly his obligations as a Jew, all his personal pursuits must also glorify G-d’s Name and bring him in closer relationship with his Creator.