A city worker was observed digging holes in the city square, followed by another who refilled each hole. "What are you doing?" a puzzled onlooker asked. They explained: "It's Simple. We are really a team of three. Our job is to plant trees. We split the work like this: One of us digs, the second places the seeds and the third covers it up with soil. Our friend the planter called in sick, but why lose a day's work?!"...
Sometimes we get caught up with our work routines, and lose direction of our own values and goals beyond our immediate actions.
I was reminded of this yesterday.
Every morning for the past three years, I studied one chapter of Maimonides' magnum opus, Mishnah Torah, a clear and thorough overview of the entire system of Jewish law and mitzvah practice. This daily study curriculum was spearheaded by the Rebbe thirty-some years ago and has been adopted by tens of thousands worldwide.
Yesterday, we celebrated the conclusion of the study cycle with the final chapter of this 14-volume work.
Maimonides, in his halachic work, consistently sticks to the clear and concise Jewish legal system, without entering into underlying reasons or philosophy. But he chose to end his book on a spiritual high - two chapters dedicated to the belief in the coming of Moshiach.
With this, Maimonides conveys an important message: Even while engaged with mitzvot and good deeds, you risk reducing your experience to habits and routines.
Remember the soul and spirit of each mitzvah you do. And keep an eye on the goal. Our collective mitzvahs will help the world realize its full potential. A world free of struggles and hate. Envision the beautiful and healthy world we are creating; a world of redemption.