By: Rabbi Shlomo Ezagui
Somehow, everyone has their own place, in the grand picture of the universe. No two people are alike. Our sages tell us, “In the same way there are no two faces alike, there are no two people who think alike.” Everyone is unique, and every one, serves an exclusive purpose, in the grand scheme of things.
For someone to be fulfilled, they must sooner or later figure out how they fit in, as one, with the rest of the picture. No one can or should ever, treat his life like a free radical. If a person lives a selfish life, revolving only around themselves, if that is their end goal, they will end up a problem for themselves and anyone around them. Just like a free-radical atom.
How can a person figure out, or get some kind of idea, of their unique twist, that connects them with their own purpose? With the unique mission and purpose, G-d had in mind, when giving them the great gift of life.
When the Land of Israel was distributed to the 12 tribes, the commandment was that it should be divided, “to the larger tribes, a greater portion should be given, and to the smaller tribes a smaller portion should be given.” Sounds sensible. However, the Bible also tells us, “ ONLY, by lots, the land should be divided.”
The Talmud describes the miraculous nature of these lots, and the messages that where received through the breastplate of the high priest, that directed them, which tribe, to give what piece of land. Totally, above rational thinking. A complete surrender to G-d, higher than nature!
We know, the reason why the people of Israel where commanded to dole out the land in this supra-rational way, is because spiritually, each person in his own life, wherever he or she may be , is allocated a portion of the universe, to work and cultivate spirituality, in a similar fashion.
The foundation to life and to serving G-d is always obedience. G-d, also endowed us with a mind, and we are commanded to use it, in our service of G-d. How do the two go hand in hand.
The Talmud describes certain sages who felt drawn by their character and or circumstances to the practice of certain commandments, more than others. They felt a certain powerful personal attachment and connection, a certain enjoyment in doing certain commands over other commands.
This attraction and allure, the Talmud explains, is implanted by G-d in a way that supersedes any explanation. Spiritually, it is through this particular practice, which a person feels drawn to, that their entire connection to G-d is manifested. Like a child, who through one particular extraordinary deed, realizes his entire bond with his parents.
Sometimes, a person may notice, every time they have a good intention to do something positive or make an effort to perform this one particular observance, they encounter the most difficulty and hardships to carry it out. This, is a sign from heaven. Taking control over this issue is so critically important, to this person, therefore he is
finding it most difficult to carry it out.
It is only, because the prize is so great at the end, that the effort and price to pay, to reach this goal is so difficult. Even if the person cannot see, or understand outwardly, the connection. These hardships, are the greatest proof, that this is what would mean most for this person, if and when this deed is achieved.
When a person applies himself in joy, to the task, even though he doesn’t understand why, but only because of his faith, that this is certainly from G-d “for my good”, his eyes will become focused to see the connection, and eventually he will come to see and understand, how this commitment was exactly what was necessary, for his happiness in
his life.
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