The Spiritual Perspective Continued (11)

      When performing any mitzvah, look for its spiritual result and for the Presence of the One Who commands it.

      When a person sanctifies an object, that object becomes holy. When the Temple was standing, sanctifying animals or objects was part of life. Today, we sanctify money when we set it aside for charity, or objects when we dedicate them to holy purposes. For instance, when we begin to use a piece of parchment for a mezuzah, or leather for tefillin boxes, a certain degree of holiness is imbued into those objects. This dedication changes their spiritual nature. They become holy and must be treated according to their new status.

      The one who sanctifies an object does not have to be a scholar, a priest, or a leader of the Jewish People in order for that object to become elevated. Everyone can change the spiritual nature of something simply by dedicating it to a holy purpose.

     We know that these objects become holy when a person sanctifies them. Then, how much more so must they become holy when G-d Himself sanctifies them? The blessing that precedes a mitzvah testifies that G-d is sanctifying us with His commandments. “Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us … .”

      Just as an object is elevated in holiness when it is used for a mitzvah, so are we elevated in holiness when we do a mitzvah. Whether we are aware of it or not, our spiritual nature changes when we are sanctified by doing G-d’s will.

     When this awareness is genuine, it will also be humbling. In fact, humility is an indication of spiritual growth. Moshe was the most humble of all people. It is G-d’s holiness that we are riding on, not ours. It is He Who picks us up. Without His kindness in having given us these tools, we would be wandering around the planet like animals looking for physical pleasure. We are both sharing in His holiness by doing His commandment, and we are humbled that He allows us this opportunity.

      Remember, humility is not measured by our relationship with G-d. It is measured by our relationship with each other.

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