- A Wake-Up Call from the Alter Rebbe
The Alter Rebbe addresses his followers with deep love:
“My beloved brothers and friends, who are like my own soul.”
He calls on them to awaken from the spiritual sleep caused by worldly distractions and recognize that true life comes only from:
“The Source of Living Waters” – Hashem Himself.
- Life’s Goal Should Be Spiritual
A Jew’s primary desire should not be wealth, status, or comfort, but connection to:
- The Source of all life
- Divine vitality
- Spiritual growth
This should guide every aspect of life, from soul to body.
- Earning a Living Is Also Avodat Hashem
The Alter Rebbe does not reject business and livelihood.
Rather, he teaches that worldly pursuits should not be:
“For oneself alone.”
A Jew works and earns not merely for personal benefit, but as part of a higher mission.
- Living the Truth of “Hashem Is One”
Every morning and evening we proclaim:
“Hashem Echad”
If a person treats worldly affairs as separate from Hashem, he contradicts the message of Shema.
True Jewish living means recognizing Hashem’s unity even in:
- Business
- Money
- Family responsibilities
- Material concerns
- What Makes the Jewish People Unique
The verse says:
“Who is like Your people Israel, one nation on earth.”
The Alter Rebbe explains that Jewish uniqueness is not only in prayer and Torah, but in bringing Hashem’s oneness into earthly life itself.
- Why We Use Our Resources
The proper purpose of wealth and livelihood is:
- Supporting others
- Sustaining souls
- Filling the needs of those who lack
Through acts of kindness we become similar to our Creator.
- Imitating Hashem’s Kindness
Hashem constantly sustains the entire universe:
“Chesed Kel kol hayom”
“God’s kindness fills every day.”
When we care for others, we imitate this Divine attribute and reveal Hashem in the world.
- Priorities in Giving
The Alter Rebbe notes that Torah establishes priorities:
- One’s own wife and children come first.
- Great tzaddikim may take precedence in special circumstances.
- Particular importance is given to supporting the righteous in Eretz Yisrael.
Key Takeaway
The deepest expression of “Hashem is One” is not found only in prayer, but in how we live. When we use our money, work, and resources to sustain and help others, we imitate Hashem’s constant kindness and reveal His oneness within everyday life.