On the other hand, if one studies [Torah] and performs a commandment with love alone, in order to cleave to Him through [the study of] His Torah and [the performance of] His commandments, then this is not termed "service of a servant," whereas the Torah has declared: [9] "You shall serve (vaavadetem) the L-rd your G-d...."

[This verb is cognate with the noun eved (servant or slave), and signifies service motivated by the fear and awe of G-d; and it is likewise written]: [10] "Him shall you serve (taavodu)...."

As explained in the Zohar (Parshat Behar): "Just like the ox on which one first places a yoke in order to make it useful to the world,...so too must a human being first of all submit to the yoke of the Kingdom of Heaven,... and only then engage in divine service; and if this [submission] is not found in him, holiness cannot rest within him...."

And (in Ra'aya Mehemna, ibid., 111b) it is written that every man must [in his divine service] belong to two categories and levels, namely, the category of a servant, [who serves his master out of fear], and the category of a son, who serves his father out of love.

And although one may find a son who is also a servant, it is impossible to attain to this degree without the prerequisite of [the higher level] of fear and awe known as yirah ila'ah, as is known to the initiated.

[It is clear from all the above that even if one loves G-d, but lacks a fear of Him, his spiritual labors will not be of the kind that the Torah calls avodah, divine service. And should he fail in his attempts at awakening a fear of G-d in his heart, he should at least arouse a feeling of fear and awe in his mind].

   

Notes:

9. (Back to text) Shmot 23:25.

10. (Back to text) Devarim 13:5.