Jewish Spiritual Growth: A Step-by-Step Guide by a Hasidic Master
Can we combine simchah and responsibility? Is it possible to have purpose and direction, and at the same time to let loose and feel free? Yes. This is the type of happiness that comes from kabbalas ol, accepting G-d’s yoke. On the one hand, a person lets go of his self-consciousness, but he does not sink into emptiness; he connects to a force that
... See moreRabbi Shloma Majeski • The Chassidic Approach To Joy
people who are excited to be immersed in mitzvot that are ethically centered (bein adam l’chavero), yet mitzvot that are God centered (bein adam la’Makom) and the holiness of faith may not be as strong inside them. In fact, that same natural strength in one’s soul that drives a person toward poetry and music is what motivates a person to be involve
... See moreAri Ze'ev Schwartz • The Spiritual Revolution of Rav Kook
All of the obstacles that a person encounters are solely for the sake of desire-that is, in order that he should have a greater desire for the holy thing [that he wishes to do]. For it is human nature that the more a person is held back from doing something, the more he desires to do it. Therefore, when a Jew needs to do something that is integral
... See moreRebbe Nosson of Breslov • Kitzur Likutey Moharan (Abridged Likutey Moharan) Vol. 2
the mitzvot in this understanding gain an irreplaceable urgency that embodies delight, companionship in times of joy and sorrow, at our waking, and throughout our days.