Episode notes
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.
But what of one who finds it impossible to arouse even a feeling of intellectual awe of G-d? The Alter Rebbe will now go on to say that since this individual, too, meditates upon the abovementioned concepts, and, furthermore, his intent during the study of Torah and the performance of mitzvot is to serve G-d, these activities are therefore also deemed to constitute a completely valid form of service.
A Jew’s divine service must embrace both that of a son who serves his father out of love and that of a servant who serves his master out of fear ...
... Read more