* Translation by Yehoshua Siskin
Today marks 280 years since the passing of the Ramchal, Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto. In his famous book, Mesilat Yesharim (“The Path of the Just”), he offers us a clear path for growth and personal development, step by step, chapter by chapter. Here are just two powerful thoughts from the opening of the book:
“The foundation of piety and the root of perfect service is that a person should clarify and verify for himself what his obligation is in his world.”
Notice the word “obligation.” The main thing, first and foremost, is to determine personal obligation or duty — even in an age that focuses more on personal rights. Our obligations, our role, and our mission constitute the essence of life.
But we should also pay attention to what follows. After all, it may not sound very enjoyable to focus only on our obligations. So the Ramchal continues and explains what our primary obligation is meant to be:
“Man was created for nothing other than to delight in God and to derive pleasure from the radiance of His Presence, for this is the true delight and the greatest pleasure that can possibly exist.”
Wow. Our primary obligation is not meant to be a burden, but a delight. To delight in God, in holiness, in Torah, and in good deeds. The Ramchal wants us to understand that we came into the world in order to find joy in God’s presence and in everything our relationship with him requires us to do.
In his memory.
