We're all interconnected with the Divine through our essence, our souls. The Hebrew word for soul, neshama, shares the same origin as the term for breath, neshima. Every breath we take unites us with our soul.
However, there are moments when we detach from our oneness with the Divine. The world's attractions lead us astray, fostering a false sense of separation from the Divine. During these times, our task is to struggle against these worldly influences and rediscover humility, thus reestablishing our connection with the Divine.
We can do this by seeking out the dormant fragments of Divine essence in the physical world around us. Our attraction to these fragments is not solely due to their physical appeal, but even more so because they hold a spark waiting for us to elevate. Through using these physical objects for a Divine purpose, we transform them into conduits of Divinity and we uplift and liberate those dormant Divine sparks.
There are two primary approaches to achieving this: confronting our internal struggle or embodying G-dliness so profoundly that we naturally elevate the world around us.
The Chassidic masters guide us in understanding that Torah study brings us closer to Divine awareness, causing negativity and lack of G-dly awareness to disappear from our surroundings. Nonetheless, combating our internal struggle at times demands direct engagement, and this is where prayer comes in. Prayer calls for our exertion, a battle with our egos, and self-transformation to heighten our Divine consciousness and diminish self-centeredness.
Ideally, adopting the "Torah study approach" is more pleasant. However, when that's not feasible, we must persevere in the struggle and turn to prayer.
In essence, a balanced approach involves both study and prayer.
Which method resonates with you for attaining heightened spiritual consciousness?
Wishing you a peaceful Shabbos,
Rabbi Kushi Schusterman