harav elazar mordechai kenig: on desire

The Baal Shem Tov had an only son and daughter. He greatly praised the level of his daughter, Udel, since all day, her heart was directed Above. Her only yearning and desire was to please God. Every Jew should merit such a high level, that his heart be constantly directed towards God.

There is a fundamental element to serving God called ratzon, desire. One’s desire to come close to God and please him should always be strong and powerful. Although everyone desires to do what God wants, not all desires are equal. Within one person, even during each moment, there are tremendous differences and distinctions in desire. Nonetheless, the guiding principle is constantly to desire and yearn for God.

Reb Noson says that it is impossible to describe in writing the greatness of one’s desire and yearning to do the Will of God (Likutey Halachot, Arev 3). He explains that the entire reason a soul is forced to descend from the upper worlds into this physical world is only for the sake of desire. It is only here that one can merit complete and perfect desire.