Chapter 19 - The Elements of Chassidut/Piety Page 371-373

Cultivating Reverence and Service Through Mindset

The provided text is an excerpt from a discussion by Rabbi Moshe Haber concerning the proper mindset for serving Hashem (God) and developing reverence. The central theme revolves around the idea that believers should use imaginative comparisons to elevate mundane daily activities and religious observances into meaningful acts of worship, such as viewing preparations for Shabbat as preparing for a visit from a great dignitary or a queen. The rabbi stresses the need to be resourceful in developing one's fear of God, seeing everyday life, including routines like getting dressed or commuting, as opportunities to serve God rather than just mundane tasks. Furthermore, the discussion highlights the importance of building up the experience of religious acts, such as preparing an elaborate Sabbath meal, to enhance appreciation and respect for the observance. The overall goal is to encourage a process where every aspect of existence is translated into a form of reverence for God's greatness, moving beyond a simple, superficial view of the world.