The Palace and the Field

The Alter Rebbe gives a parable concerning the month of Elul: Throughout this month, G-d, so-to- speak, is like a king who stands in the field outside his royal city, where he greets all his subjects with a loving countenance.

The ‘field’ represents the material world, a spiritually uncultivated place. Man is given the mission to transform this world into a Divine dwelling – a holy ‘palace’ fit for the King of kings.

To transform material existence might seem a formidable challenge. Therefore, the Alter Rebbe emphasizes that the King is with you in the field. Although at first it appears barren, a field possesses enormous potential within; it only requires the human being to come and plant tiny seeds, and the field will bear fruit. And every step of the way, the King Himself is by your side, assisting, and blessing your every effort with success.