As Heard from Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L
Perke Abot
“Rabbi Yossi says: …and let all your deeds be for the sake of Heaven.” (Abot 2:12)
Rabbi Yossi was one of the five greatest disciples of Rabban Yohanan ben Zakai. He was a Cohen and was noted to be a “Haseed,” who served Hashem in an extraordinary manner in all aspects of service. The Mishna lists for us three cardinal paths which R’ Yossi lived by. In the final one he teaches us that we can practice having all of our actions done ‘In order to serve You Hashem’, and thereby reach high levels of perfection, through mundane as well as spiritual actions.
Rambam ZT”L wrote that this principle, of making all your actions for the purpose of Heaven, is a “wondrous point.” We can utilize this great principle in all facets of our lives and thereby elevate mundane activities into the spiritual realm of holiness and serving Hashem.
Prior to eating, walking, exercising, getting dressed, showering, opening then door to your place of work etc. just say the words, for example, “I am going to sleep tonight “To serve You Hashem.” You have now elevated your sleep and transformed it into actual serving Hashem.
By making this “wondrous” practice a regular part of our everyday life it will bring us to Yirat Shamayim, Awareness of G-d, in all of our actions and it will transform the most physical and ordinary daily activities into acts of Serving Hashem. “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (Mishle 3:4) The Gaon of Vilna explains this as “Let all of your deeds be for the sake of Heaven.”
This principle will also elevate our spiritual actions to a level closer to Hashem’s will. When the women are cooking meals for their families or lighting candles…; When the men are putting on Tefillin; Even before a person is about to open a book to learn Torah.
Rabbi Miller ZT”L calls this maxim ‘a purpose of life’ and ‘one of the big opportunities to gain good deeds without number’. Say it, once a day: “I am doing this in order to be more aware of Hashem.” Make all your actions for the purpose of Heaven.
Shabbat Shalom
Related posts:
- Parashiot Tazria-Taharot Perke Avot As Heard from Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L “Rabbi...
- Parshat Behar As Heard From Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L “For they are...
- Perashiot Behar-Bechukotai As Heard from Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L “If you walk...