19 Tishrei: Changing From The Inside Out

CHANGING FROM THE INSIDE OUT The ultimate perfection of the Messianic era and the era of the resurrection of the dead (the revelation of the Infinite Light in this physical world) are dependent on our actions and efforts throughout exile. For the reward for a mitzvah is the direct result of the deed itself. (Tanya, ch. 37) G-d created the world because He desired to challenge us to become His partner in refining the world. We start with ourselves by becoming more refined and sensitive to the holiness all around us. Once we’ve reached that level, our understanding will be deeper, our patience and respect for our fellow man greater, and our actions more effective. It is this elevated experience and the resulting actions that will bring about the Messianic Era. In other words, Moshiach is not a precious reward that is unrelated to the task. Rather, it is the direct outcome of raising our consciousness and our deeds from the mundane to the holy. Sichos Kodesh Shmos 5740