Q&A: Enthusiasm in the Service of God
Enthusiasm in the Service of God
Question
Does the Rabbi see value in “enthusiasm in the service of God”? Or are these just personal longings, and one should act only because it is an obligation, nothing more?
And perhaps there is even a downside to it, because it is unavoidable that enthusiasm will detract from acting out of obligation… On the other hand, it could make the action easier and prevent the risk of falling off..
Answer
Enthusiasm can help a person be careful and consistent in practice. I don’t think it detracts from the sense of obligation. At least if the enthusiasm comes on the second level (but he still remains obligated to act even without the enthusiasm). See the introduction to Aglei Tal regarding Torah study: one should study מתוך a sense of obligation, but the joy in learning does not detract.