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Learning & Values Kabbalah, Chassidism and Jewish Mysticism Contemporary Works The Basics of Chassidus Chapter 10: Dirah BeTachtonim

1. Why Purpose Matters

By Nissan Dovid Dubov and Naftoli Hertz Pewzner

From the Sichos in English Collection

2. Where to Find Purpose

The Value of Existence

Within the human experience, life can be lived with joy, enthusiasm, and drive, while missing purpose. Milestones are achieved, breakthroughs are made, knowledge and success are attained, yet a sense of purpose remains elusive. One can reach self-described perfection and still ask: “What is this all really worth?”1

An objective answer to this quest for purpose is hard to come by. True purpose must be intrinsically valuable and important, not circumstantial or subjective. For human beings to be able to perceive the ultimate purpose, we must climb beyond the defined context of our existence and look from a place of encompassing truth.2

Perhaps the most appreciated contribution of Chassidus Chabad is the single, all-encompassing purpose of existence. Founded upon classic Jewish sources and relating even to the basic underpinnings of creation, this teaching introduces revolutionary perspective and rich insight into the mission and meaning of each created being. Our world’s true significance is realized and daily life takes on infinite value and worth. The awareness of the ultimate purpose clarifies our true priorities and teaches us that we, and our choices, really matter.3

2. Where to Find Purpose

Footnotes

A basic element of every existence is its utility and purpose. One can examine any item that exists and ask: Why? Why is this here? What does this contribute to the world? This questioning prompts the discovery of the great wealth of function and utility found within the created world.

It should be noted that the question of purpose rides on the assumption of creation. Had existence come to be by chance, no one would search for purpose or even be bothered by its absence. Existence would be arbitrary, making objective purpose an impossibility. See Moreh Nevuchim, 3:13.

For this reason, many of the greatest thinkers considered this to be an unsolvable mystery. See Moreh Nevuchim, ibid. It is worthy to note that despite our lack of comprehension, one can trust in G‑d that no being or phenomenon is created without purpose. As the Talmud states regarding medical cures derived from various insects: “Of all that the Holy One, blessed be He, created in His world, G‑d did not create a single thing without purpose.” Shabbos 77b.

For a spectacular writeup on the topic, see Rabbi Tzvi Freeman, What is the Purpose of Existence? Chabad.org/52551/.

By Nissan Dovid Dubov and Naftoli Hertz Pewzner

Rabbi Nissan Dovid Dubov, a rabbinic scholar, lecturer and author, is director of Chabad Lubavitch in Wimbledon, UK.

Rabbi Naftoli Hertz Pewzner is an instructor of Chassidic thought and practice at Rabbinical College of America in Morristown, NJ

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By Nissan Dovid Dubov and Naftoli Hertz Pewzner

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