Beyond the Surface: Finding Our Spiritual Identity

Humans have a wide range of needs, and all our endeavors are directed toward fulfilling them. Sometimes we succeed; other times, we’re left frustrated.

We are complex beings, operating on many levels. On the most basic level, we are biological animals. Beneath this lies a world of emotions and intelligence.

But at our core, we are spiritual in nature. This subconscious force is, in fact, the most powerful part of us.

In daily life, we prioritize fulfilling our biological needs. Nourishment for our emotional and intellectual well-being often comes second. And for most, spiritual identity remains unacknowledged, let alone understood in terms of its own needs.

This is the matter G-d addresses when He speaks to Abraham for the first time. As the spiritual heir to the nations, Abraham is empowered with a mission that sets history in motion:

“Go forth to you from your native land and from your father’s house to the land that I will show you.” (Genesis 12:1)

Our Chassidic Masters decode this message with a profound insight: to “go forth,” one must first go “to you.” To journey outward, we must begin by looking inward.

At the dawn of history, Abraham single-handedly illuminated a world mired in confusion and decadence. He was able to do this only by embarking first on a journey of self-discovery, allowing him to shine his spiritual light outward.

Yes, this path runs counter to the gravitational pull of material existence. We are weighed down by external forces, aligning ourselves with biological needs.

But the timeless lesson we learn from Abraham, one of the most influential figures in history, is that the opposite is true: life is only healthy and meaningful when aligned with our core identity and values.

This is the journey on which Abraham embarked—and it is the path on which his descendants follow his lead.