Rabash. Concerning Joy. 19 (1986) [2026-05-07] #lesson

This Kabbalah lesson, based on Rabash's article 'Concerning Joy,' explores the profound connection between spiritual work, joy, and the structure of time and holidays. The discussion begins with the idea that even when one performs mitzvot 'lo lishma' (not for the sake of the Creator), the awareness of doing so in adhesion with the Creator generates deep joy, as it prepares the soul for eventual 'lishma' (for the sake of the Creator). The lesson emphasizes that joy is not merely emotional but a spiritual state arising from wholeness and connection to the Creator, especially during times like Adar, when the light of Purim's miracle is awakened. The host explains that holidays are not just cultural events but spiritual vessels that channel divine light, with the calendar itself serving as a bridge between the corporeal and spiritual realms. A central theme is the 'branch and root' principle: external observances (like Passover preparations or Sukkot building) are not mere rituals but essential tools to elevate the soul and prepare the vessel for higher light. The lesson also addresses the paradox of using egoistic desires—envy, lust, honor—to fuel spiritual ascent, arguing that by seeking the 'greatness of the Creator' from others, one can invert the will to receive into a vessel for bestowal. The session concludes with a call to action: to build a society that radiates the greatness of the Creator, where each member fuels the other’s yearning, ultimately enabling the ascent from below upward—a revolutionary shift in spiritual work.