Deciphering Life’s Mission 

How can we know ourselves? Never by reflection, but only through action. Begin at once to do your duty and immediately you will know what is inside you. -Johann von Goethe 

Pinchas publicly kills the rebel prince Zimri, and his impromptu lover, Kozbi, during their act of public promiscuity, thereby stopping the deadly plague that killed 24,000 men of Israel. Pinchas is then awarded a “Pact of Peace” by God (see Numbers Chapter 25).

The Sfat Emet in 5645 (1885) states that this “Peace” is really “Completeness” and it is the highest attribute one can reach in life. However, it comes about when one finally understands his mission in this world. But to make matters trickier, he explains that it is impossible for us to find our life’s mission on our own. We can only understand it with God’s help.

The key to receiving this divine assistance, the Sfat Emet continues, is the Sabbath. On the Sabbath, a day designed for spiritual tranquility and joy, we can receive an “additional spirit” that somehow reveals our mission. Every person has their own particular hidden attributes they need to reveal and resistances they need to overcome. It’s a mission that lasts a lifetime.

May we figure out our missions and perform them successfully.

Shabbat Shalom,

Ben-Tzion

Dedication

To the Hogar Israelita (Jewish Old-Age Home) of Montevideo, on completing the important mission of achieving full Kosher certification for their facility.