A robust sense of Judaism as a living organism requires a way for its component parts to connect in dynamic integration; the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. That integrated whole is precisely what halakhah offers us. Without a systemic commitment to contextualize mitzvot in the evolving conversation of the Rabbis across the generations,

The significance of Lurianic kabbalah is that it is a redemption of small steps, act by act, day by day. Each act mends a fracture of the world. The way from here to there, like the journey of the Israelites through the wilderness, takes time. There are setbacks on the way – sins, rebellions, false turns. A journey of a few days takes 40 years. But

The Rambam clearly spells out this concept, writing:49 The happiness with which a person should rejoice in the fulfillment of the mitzvos and the love of G-d... is a great service.... There is no greatness or honor other than celebrating before G-d.