True Greatness

It is remarkable that the happiest and most peaceful years of Yakov Avinu’s life were spent in Egypt.

Yakov was unwilling to be buried in that incredible place of impurities. Yet, he was not influenced one iota by all of the decadence of Egypt.

Rav Kook described the high level of holiness that Yakov Avinu had attained. As long as he was alive, the servitude of the Jewish people did not begin. He was able to affect the level of all of the Jewish people.

His death had a huge effect on everyone, including the Egyptians. There was less prosperity after his death.

The “Duties of the Heart” lists the various approaches towards the study of Torah. The lowest level applies to one who merely reads the words of Scriptures, without having any interest in understanding the meaning of the text.

The highest level applied to the Men of the Great Assembly, and the leading rabbis, known as “Tannaim,” until Rav Yehuda Hanassi, the redactor of the Mishna.

The point that needs to be made clear is that we cannot even begin to fathom the high level of some of the Torah giants of previous generations. They achieved tremendously high levels of purity, that bordered that of angels. Their entire essence was holiness.

Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yakov, were also on this kind of level. For most people, it is virtually impossible to live in a place of hedonism and self indulgence, and not be affected. Yakov Avinu was unique in that not only was he unscathed by what went on in Egypt, but he managed to uplift all those that were around him.

Man’s Accountability to G-d

If there ever was a proof of man’s accountability to G-d, it would come from the story of Yosef’s revealing himself to his brothers.

The Torah tells us that he said the following: “I am Yosef. Is my father still alive?” The brothers were dumbfounded and were unable to speak. They could not believe that this was possible. They were filled with guilt and shame.

The Rabbis comment on this incident by saying that if men of flesh and blood are unable to answer their brother, how will be able to answer Hashem on our Day of Judgement?

There is accountability for all of our actions. We believe that each of us have a “book” in Heaven, where everything is recorded. We will be rewarded for our good deeds and punished for our sins.

There will be absolute justice in judging how we lived our lives.

The Talmud in Masechet Shabbat tells us that we will be asked a few questions after we leave this world. Did we deal honestly with our fellow man? Did we set up definite time periods for the study of Torah? Did we anticipate the Redemption by believing that Mashiach will come.

Reward and punishment is one of the basic principles of Judaism. Yosef and his brothers gave us proof of this reality. Time to wake up!

Humble Beginnings

There was great apprehension by Yakov Avinu to the idea that he would once again have to leave Eretz Yisrael. Hashem needed to give him assurances that this was part of the Divine plan.

He is told not to be afraid to go down to Egypt. G-d tells him that he will make a great nation from his descendants. The seventy Jews that went down to Egypt would become 600,000. It is remarkable that Israel’s population was 600,000 in 1948 and in 2024, there are now 7.7 million Jews living in Israel. We are living in miraculous times on so many levels.

Yakov is promised that he will also be brought up out of Egypt. It was necessary for this process of exile and redemption to take place. We needed to begin as a nation in the most humble manner, so that we would always realize that we are Hashem’s messengers.

Every year at the Passover Seder, we recite the words, “We were slaves in Egypt.” And if G-d had not taken us out, we would still be there.

We would do well to remind ourselves of our own humble beginnings. We must stay away from arrogance and haughtiness in the worst way. If we give in to such arrogance, we will fail.

Normally, it is correct to be fearful of having to live outside of Israel. Yakov’s situation was unique and clearly mandated by G-d. We must realize and be reminded that the safest place for a Jew to live is in Eretz Yisrael.

Maintaining Observance

When Yosef revealed himself to his brothers, they could not respond, as they were in a state of shock and disbelief. Rashi tells us that he proved he was their brother because he indicated that he was circumcised.

Rav Kook felt that there was a much bigger message that Yosef was teaching his brothers. Despite living in the most decadent place on earth, he still managed to observe all of the Mitzvot. ( The Rambam wrote that Egypt was so decadent that men married men, and women married women!)

Rav Kook viewed Yosef as the one who was concerned about his relationship with the non-Jewish world. He believed that it was not necessary to separate from the rest of society. It was necessary to show, by example, the beauty of living as a religious Jew. It was Yehuda who was more in favor of making a more drastic separation.

The philosophy of the modern day religious Zionists, was that they take their place in society by working and contributing like everyone else. The ability to interact and be accepting of others, was very important. If co-workers would see the high standard set in the areas of ethics and morality, they would respect and possibly emulate the lifestyle of the Religious Zionist.

It is most troubling to hear the excuses of the Chareidi world for not serving in the IDF. The main excuse during the current war is that if they serve, they will stop being observant. Rav Aviner of Beit-El commented on this and said that if such worries exist, they must not be that solid in their faith.

Each person must be aware of his own strengths and weaknesses. There are definitely challenges by being exposed to the secular world. However, if one has sincere devotion to Hashem, and he makes “fences” for himself, a great sanctification of the Name of G-d takes place, when he conducts himself properly. Yosef demonstrated that this definitely could be done.

Wagons and Torah Study

The initial reaction of Yakov Avinu to the news that Yosef was alive, was met with disbelief. He was very skeptical that such a thing could happen.

The Torah tells us that when he saw the wagons, known as עגלות, he realized that this amazing news was true. Our Rabbis tell us that the Agalot, was a hint to the last topic that Yakov was studying with Yosef before being sent away.

This was referring to the case of עגלה ערופה, where the neck of a calf was broken. This was part of a ceremony where a city took responsibility for the murder of one who had just visited that city.

This hint sent by Yosef to Yakov, was a reminder of the special bond between father and son. Yosef was called בן זקונים, that literally means, “the son of his old age.” We understand it to refer to the son that he taught the most Torah.

This very moving story sheds light on the potential of a unique bond between father and son. The Torah was meant to be transmitted by father to son, as we say in Shema, ושננתם לבניך, “And you shall teach your children.”

Finding the time to set up regular time periods for the study of Torah, creates an unshakable bond between father and son. There might be differences of opinion in other matters, but that centuries old tradition, started by Yakov and Yosef, creates a very deep and unique connection. This connection is one of the secrets of Jewish survival. So start studying with your sons and grandsons are like sons!

Special Bond of the Jewish People

Upon examination of the character of Yehuda that led him to becoming the leader of the family, there is one incident that stood out.

Rav Kook felt that the convincing of Yakov to send Yosef with him to Egypt, was huge. Yehuda told his father that he would be an “Arev” for his brother. Generally, the word “Arev” is translated as a guarantor. In this case, it meant a lot more.

He was expressing absolute responsibility for his younger brother. He was willing to risk losing his share of Olam Haba, the World to Come, if he did not protect Binyamin from harm.

Yehuda was demonstrating how Jews are responsible for one another. As we say in Hebrew, כל ישראל ערבים זה לזה. This became a characteristic that was unique to Judaism.

The Jewish people feel a sense of collective responsibility for one another. The pain of one Jew, regardless of where he might be, is the pain of every Jew. We are a Nation-Family, and we are taught to care for one another.

We do not find this to be true with any other religion. There does not seem to exist that same type of bond. Douglas Murray, the very eloquent non-Jewish journalist, has pointed this out specifically in the Muslim world.

There isn’t a collective sense of responsibility for the plight of the Arabs living in Gaza. Muslims in other neighboring countries, do not see this as their responsibility.

We grew up going to rallies to save Soviet Jewry. We were concerned for the Jews of Ethiopia, Syria, and Iran. Yehuda is the one who taught us that we must learn to be “Areivim” for our Jewish brothers and sisters, wherever they might be. This is but another reason, that makes being Jewish so special.

A Family Mended

Parshat Vayigash represents the story of a family that was very disjointed, but healed. After all of the grief and bad feelings that existed between the brothers, there was reconciliation and forgiveness.

The last seventeen years of Yakov’s life were peaceful and harmonious. Rav Kook mentioned that what began with a major confrontation between the two powerful brothers, Yehuda and Yosef, ended with an unbreakable bond between the two.

It probably was unimaginable that things could take such a drastic turnabout. From bitterly hating their brother and selling him into slavery, the end was filled with warm brotherly love. Yakov managed to forgive his sons as well for causing him unnecessary grief. He accepted that this was all part of a Divine plan.

This story is certainly meant to teach a lesson for all families. There are often major differences that divide family members. At times, the bad feelings created, comes with anger and pain. Sometimes these divisions are not reparable. But if there is a true desire to make things right, and it is made clear how a family member acted wrongly, there should be place for forgiveness.

If real remorse is shown in the way that it was expressed by Yosef’s brothers, there is hope for healing and harmony. We should pray that someone who goes off the path of goodness and chooses a negative, hurtful path instead, should one day repent, and ask for forgiveness.

Yakov and his family showed the way of sincerely trying to mend all of the differences and misunderstanding. The result was seventeen peaceful and happy years for Yakov, surrounded by his loving family.

Guiding the Intellect

The “Duties of the Heart,” was written by Rabbeinu Bachye, around the year, 1100. It is clear from his writings that he was influenced by Greek philosophy.

We see an example of this when he addresses the power of the intellect. He makes subtle implications of the flaws of Greek philosophy.

Unlike the Greeks who believed that one’s intellect is potentially so strong, that through it, one will attain truth, Rabbeinu Bachye had a different idea. He felt that the intellect alone could be tainted by an individual’s own human failings.

It will be difficult for a person to come to true morality, when he is unable to control his own personal drives and desires. One’s intellect cannot protect him from the very real human trait of rationalizing. He might even justify passing laws that may not be morally sound.

The only real way to tap into the powers of the intellect, is to combine one’s search for truth with the study of Torah. Human beings must have boundaries, for without them, almost anything could be justified.

This is the problem of democracy. The majority may rule, but there is no guarantee that they will rule in a highly moral fashion. This is where the Torah comes in, and this demonstrates the great contribution the Bible has to humanity. Human weaknesses are very real, and they can only be overcome by allowing Hashem to guide us in His holy Torah.

Influence of Greek Culture

Many are not aware that the Chanukah story actually began with the meeting of Alexander the Great, and the High Priest, Shimon Hatzaddik.

Legend has it that Alexander had a dream that he would meet the Kohein Hagadol dressed in his eight holy garments. When the dream came true, he made a pledge to the Jewish people that he would not harm them.

Alexander kept to his word and maintained a friendly relationship with Israel. This is why, to this day, Jews give the name Alex or Alexander or Alexandra to their children.

The occupation of the Greeks did not present a physical danger to the Jewish people, but it did present a serious spiritual problem.

Greek culture, with its emphasis on beauty and self indulgences, did manage to turn away many Jews from their religious observances. They became known as the Hellenists, who saw themselves as being more Greek than Jewish.

The ultimate battle that led to the miracle of Chanukah, was a spiritual battle together with the wars against Antiochus and his armies. They tried to enforce laws prohibiting the practice of Judaism. They thought they would succeed because so many Jews eagerly complied with these decrees.

The celebration of this holiday is not only the victory of the “few over the many,” but it was a celebration of the victory of “good over evil,” and “holiness over the profane.”

We are still fighting this spiritual battle today. If anything good could be said if the tragedies of October the seventh, is that it did arouse an awakening among many Jews who were previously distant from their Jewish heritage. There is even a name describing this awakening, by calling them, “October eighth Jews.”

Ideally we would like to see a return of our people without a tragic event. But the return will eventually come. We celebrate this return on Chanukah, and we will have even greater celebrations in the future.

Subtle Message

There is a subtle message given in the Torah that is worthy of note. This is hinted to, during the famine of the “seven bad years,” predicted by Yosef.

When the famine spread to Israel, Yakov needed to make a decision that needed to be followed by Jews for all generations. While everyone around him was starving for food, he still had food.

He realized that he must keep this quiet among his non-Jewish neighbors. He must not “show off” that he had food when others did not.

This important message was that Jews should always keep a low profile when they live among the Gentiles. They must be so careful so as not to arouse their envy and jealousy.

Unfortunately, this lesson has not been sufficiently spread. We do not need to give the non-Jews more reasons to hate us. They already are pretty good at that on their own!

If Jews are successful, they should try to be modest about it. We don’t want to hear that “Jews have all of the money.” And “The Jews own all of the banks,” and other such statements.

We should be careful not to arouse anyone’s jealousy, but certainly not the jealousy of the Gentiles. We should never underestimate how damaging this negative trait of jealousy can be. Yakov knew what he was doing, and we should carefully follow his lead.

Four Weepings

The Torah mentions four times that Yosef cried during the episode of his brothers coming to Egypt. Two of the events were in Parshat Miketz, and two more times in Parshat Vayigash. These are very emotional Parshiot.

The first time Yosef was unable to control himself, was when the brothers expressed remorse for his sale. They said that all of their troubles were because of their callousness. They confessed that they were guilty of not hearing Yosef’s pleas when they threw him into the pit. “He called out to us, and we did not listen.”

Yosef was similarly moved to tears when his younger brother, Binyamin, came down to Egypt. Yosef asked his little brother if he had any children. He was told that he had ten sons and he named each of them in memory of his beloved brother. This was before he realized he was talking to his brother.

The climax of the story was when Yakov was united once again with Yosef. These were tears of joy after not seeing one another for twenty-two years.

The final emotional moment was when Binyamin realized his brother was alive. They both cried on each other’s shoulders as they both saw a prophecy. The Mishkan in Yosef’s territory and the Beit Hamikdash in Binyamin’s territory, would be built and destroyed. Each one felt the other’s pain.

One of the character traits of a Jew is that they are רחמנים, they show pity and mercy. We see from these stories the deep love and caring that existed when our nation began.

The Leaders of the Tribes

The definite leaders of the tribes of Israel, were Yosef and Yehuda. This was not only demonstrated in Egypt when Yosef revealed himself to his brothers, but in other instances as well.

The scene at the Red Sea, had Nachshon Ben Aminadav, from the Tribe of Yehuda, the first to jump into the water. He showed the faith and courage that was needed at that time.

The Rabbis wrote that the sea split in the merit of the bones of Yosef that they were carrying. Another point made was the use of the word, וינס, which means, “to move away.” The same word was used when Yosef “ran away” from the efforts of Potiphar’s wife to seduce him. This was another reason why it was said that the sea split in the merit of Yosef.

The terrible sin of the spies, came from the representatives of ten tribes. The tribes of Yehuda, led by Calev, and Yosef, led by Yehoshua, did not participate in giving an evil report about the Land of Israel.

The Mishkan, the portable Beit Hanikdash, built in the desert, found a resting place in Shilo for 369 years. This was in the territory designated for Yosef.

The Temple in Jerusalem, was in the territory of Yehuda, although parts of it were also in Binyamin’s territory.

It is also worthy of note, that Yehoshua did emerge as one of the great leaders of Israel. David and Shlomo descended from Yehuda.

Rav Kook made these observations to show that Yehuda and Yosef had a special role in guiding the Jewish people. They each had their unique approach in doing so, but they succeeded in helping the Jewish people survive, and ultimately, thrive.

Defying History

The rise to power of Yosef, was an indication that the Jewish people are not like any other nation on earth. This was not even permitted according to Egyptian law that a slave could even wear royal garb.

Yosef was taught seventy languages by the Angel Gabriel, and his wisdom impressed Pharoah to such an extent, that the rules were changes so that Yosef could be appointed to his position.

Rav Kook wrote that this was the beginning of a trend that would show that the rules of history do not apply to Am Yisrael. It was also an indication that the Jewish people are למעלה מן הטבע, above nature.

This would mean that throughout our history, the laws of nature would change for us. The sea would split, the sun would stand still, horrible plagues would visit our enemies, fires would come down from the sky, etc.

This is what prompted Rav Yakov Emden to say that a greater miracle than the splitting of the Red Sea, has been the survival of the Jewish people, after a long and bitter exile.

The holiday of Chanukah, celebrates similar miracles. The cruse of oil that lasts eight days, instead of one; the great military victory of the few over the many, are examples of this uniqueness of the Jewish people.

We add the expression, בימים ההם בזמן הזה, referring to Chanukah and to the present time. “As it was in those days, so it shall be in these days.”

How great it is to be a part of this great nation. Am Yisrael Chai!

Learning To Be Grateful

The “Duties of the Heart” makes an interesting observation about human nature, and the manner in which Hashem created the world.

There is no commandment in the Torah that instructs parents that they must care for their newborn baby. This is built into their essence. It is an obligation that G-d places in them, so that there is no doubt that they will learn to place their child’s needs before their own.

However, it is not a built in emotion to give thanks to parents for their devotion. It was necessary to have a commandment given on Mount Sinai, that we must honor our fathers and mothers. Without this instruction, we might come to the conclusion that it is our right to be cared for, by our parents.

We must also be taught that we must show appreciation for any kindness that anyone gives to us. Nobody owes us anything. This sense of entitlement is a form of arrogance. The ability to notice and appreciate every kindness showered upon us, shows real humility.

The entitled, arrogant, individual thinks he’s special and deserving of acts of kindness. While the humble feel overwhelmed with gratitude when something nice is done for them.

We constantly need to work on ourselves to acquire that which is not given to us by nature. Recognizing the good and saying “thank you,” goes a long way. It is also an indication that we have achieved a certain level of goodness in our own personalities. This is not something to take lightly. We are “entitled” to give ourselves a small “pat on the back!”

Humble Pie

The rise and fall of Yehuda is a fascinating story in itself. We see at the beginning that he had influence over his brothers. They listened to him when he made the suggestion to sell Yosef as a slave.

Rav Kook wrote that this terrible decision led to the deaths of the Ten Martyrs that included Rabbi Akiva. They were told that they would pay the price for the kidnapping of Yosef by ten of his brothers.

The Torah tells us that Yehuda was demoted. He lost the respect of his siblings when they saw how much grief it caused their father.

As fate would have it, during that state of banishment, he fathers twins with Tamar. From them the Mashiach descended.

Yehuda was destined for greatness and as it is with many great leaders, they go through a period of humility and even degradation, before they emerge.

Yehuda was reinstated when they had the dilemma of having to bring Binyamin to Yosef. He gave his personal guarantee of his safety. He was not afraid to confront Yosef as the spokesmen of all of the brothers.

When they went down to Egypt, Yehuda was sent first. He needed to prepare the land of Goshen, as a place where they could thrive as Jews.

There are certainly patterns when we examine great people and how they ultimately achieved greatness. One of the important recipes towards achieving this greatness, was being able to consume a large piece of “humble pie.”

Two Messiahs

The idea that there will be more than one Mashiach does not come up that often in Jewish writings. We are referring to the Mashiach Ben Yosef, and the Mashiach Ben David. Most are familiar with the Davidic Messiah, and many are not aware that there is a second Messiah descended from Yosef.

Rav Kook spoke about this quite openly as he saw the coming redemption of the Jewish people. The role of the Mashiach Ben Yosef would be very much like Yosef himself. He would lay the physical groundwork for the people so that they would be prepared for the coming of the Mashiach Ben David.

The problem we have is that we are not given a clear description of who this Yosef Messiah will be. We are told in Masechet Succah that he will die, and will have a massive funeral. There will be great mourning for the loss of this great leader.

Strangely, the Mashiach Ben Yosef is brought up incidentally. The Talmud was explaining they created a separate gallery for the women in the Second Temple. The reasoning for the necessity of such a gallery is as follows: If at the funeral of Mashiach Ben Yosef where there was no levity, but only sadness, they, nevertheless, separated the men and the women, how much more so must there be a separation on Succot, when there is great levity.

Many have speculated who this person is. Some have even suggested Theodore Herzl! Others felt that it was more of a concept rather than a real person.

I do not recall this idea of Mashiach Ben Yosef brought up in the Yeshiva fifty years ago. The fact that it is coming up more and more often is a true sign that the Redemption is near. We are living in truly amazing times!

The Great Debate

The debate that caused great strife between Yosef and his brothers, involved their status while living in Canaan, before the Torah was given.

The brothers felt that they were already a very distinct Jewish nation. Yosef felt that they were still guests as the Torah was not yet given.

We see this in the explanation regarding Yosef’s speaking badly of his brothers. The Midrash says that Yosef told their father that his brothers were violating אבר מן החי, tearing the limb off of a live animal.

The Rabbis explain that certainly the brothers were not guilty of such a terrible sin. It represented a debate in the interpretation of this law. This law applied to both Jews and non-Jews, and was one of the Seven Noachide Laws.

The rules for non-Jews was more strict than for Jews. This was true of some of the other Noachide Laws. For example, stealing was punishable by death for the Noachide, while the Jew paid a fine.

In this case, a non-Jew must wait until the animal has completely stopped shaking after slaughter, before one can begin cutting up the meat. A Jew can begin the process after Shechita, even when the animal is still shaking, מפרכסת.

The brothers argued that they were already the Nation of Israel, and they followed the latter procedure. Yosef argued that they were not yet the Nation of Israel, and the Noachide Laws also applied to them.

We need to look at our Jewish biblical heroes from different eyes. There is a deeper explanation than that which might even seem like superficial quarreling. All of the brothers knew that they shared a special destiny. They only had some disagreement as to how to get there.

Yehuda and Yosef

It is clear from the story of Yosef and his brothers, that the most dominant among them were Yehuda and Yosef.

Rav Kook saw the two of them as having a different perspective as to the role of the Jewish people. Yosef seemed focused on the ability to influence all those around him. He wanted to see the entire world rise to greater spiritual heights.

Yehuda, on the other hand, felt that the way to influence, must come from within. The budding Jewish nation needed to insulate itself and remain separate. They first needed to grow in this state on their own. It would become known of their uniqueness, and people would gravitate towards it.

We see these different approaches to Judaism today. Groups such as Chabad, are very much into outreach and making themselves available to the general public. Other Yeshivot have a similar philosophy. For example, Machon Meir has hired a large truck to be filled with all of the Shabbat needs. They would go to a community with numerous students, and share with them the sanctity of Shabbat.

Others have more of a Yehuda type of approach. They stay in their own neighborhoods and are careful to strictly follow all of the rules of the Torah. The outside world is fascinated to see such devotion, and they are drawn to them.

Each individual needs to decide for himself the type of approach that makes sense to him.

Just as Yehuda and Yosef acted with complete sincerity towards Hashem and the Jewish people, so must we. There are different avenues towards reaching the destination of complete service of Hashem. Whichever path we choose, it must be one that is completely for the sake of Heaven.

Nature and Miracles

Rav Kook pointed out the connection between Parshat Vayeishev and Chanukah. It is not a coincidence that this is the Torah reading right around the time of this holiday.

He gave an emphasis to the term, נס וטבע, which means, “a miracle and nature.” The common feature of the biblical story of Yosef and his brothers, has an element of “NES VeTEVA,” as does the Chanukah story.

The brothers felt justified in treating Yosef badly. They assumed that he was the “bad apple” of the family, just as their Uncle Eisav, and great Uncle Yishmael. Throwing into the pit and eventually selling him, seemed to be the right thing to do.

The “Teva” part of that pit is that it should have killed Yosef. Nobody can survive a pit of snakes and scorpions. The “NES” was that he was miraculously saved and he was unharmed.

The Chanukah story has that small cruse of oil, that by nature should have burned only one day. The miracle was that it burned seven more days.

This simple message of “nature and miracles,” is much deeper than we think. It is our duty to be aware of this phenomenon on a regular basis. What we see as being connected to nature is really miraculous.

It is said of Leah, that when she gave birth to Yehuda, she gave thanks. She was the first to acknowledge that a baby being born was very natural. But at the same time, every baby being born represents the “miracle of nature.”

We need constant reminders that we must never take anything for granted. We must give thanks and appreciation for all of Hashem’s endless blessings. Parshat Vayeishev and Chanukah provides us with such a reminder.

The Miracle of Man

The “Duties of the Heart,” written by Rabbeinu Bachye, around the year, 1100, tries to motivate the reader to develop a recognition of the greatness of G-d.

He brings many proofs that relate to marveling at nature. When one does this, he realizes that there is a Creator, with awesome power and wisdom, far above anything that exists in the universe.

Rabbeinu Bachye suggested that one ponder the amazing creation of the human being. He should first take notice of the parts of the body that are connected to the five senses. Isn’t it remarkable that something created from a tiny drop, can develop into a highly functioning entity? The ability to communicate by way of speech is a function only of man. The interaction of the various parts of the body, each with its own function, is really like a very complex machine.

There is a discussion connected with the intake of food. As it enters the body, it serves to give nourishment and vitality. And somehow the body is capable of eliminating the wastes that have no purpose.

It is also remarkable how man is endowed with the ability to remember and forget. These are necessary for his survival. He must remember what he owns and what he owes and is owed. He must remember various dangers and to distance himself from them. Forgetfulness can be useful in order to get over depression and sadness. These various emotions are part of this creation known as “man.”

Rabbeinu Bachye was also amazed at man’s ability to express his ideas in writing. His letters could even be read in far off places as a form of distant communication.

We are certainly aware of most of these points. But we rarely take pause to reflect upon all of these fascinating details. One can only conclude that the creation of man can only come from the Divine. It should cause us to be in awe of Him, and motivate us to serve Him with greater enthusiasm and reverence.