על שלשה דברים העולם עומד על התורה על העבודה ועל גמילות חסדים (א', ב').
(Avos 1:2) "The world stands upon three things: Torah, avodah and acts of kindness."
Rabbeinu Yonah points out that this mishna does not say, "Upon three things does the world exist" as does the mishna at the end of the perek (1:18). He explains that there the Tanna is informing us that there are three elements necessary to enable the world to run smoothly: judgment, truth and peace. Our mishna is enlightening us to something even more basic - the purpose for which man was put into this world. Man was created to do three things: learn Torah, serve Hashem and perform acts of kindness.
What is so special about these three things? Man was placed in this world to achieve shleimus (character refinement). This shleimus encompasses three facets: The relationship between man and his Creator, the relationship between man and his fellow man and how man relates to himself. Avodah (tefillah) is the means of achieving the ideal relationship between man and his Creator. Gemillas Chassadim is the way to perfecting one's interpersonal relationships. Torah was given to refine one's character traits (see Tiferes Yisrael).
This mishna gives us a whole new outlook on life. Most people define their lives by their vocation, and perceive avodas Hashem as an added obligation for which one must make time. In truth one's life should be defined by his avodas Hashem, with ample time set aside to make a living. The need to make a living was a curse that came as a result of Adam eating from the eitz hadaas. As the Ramchal writes (Derech Eitz Chaim), common sense dictates that the bare minimum of time should be spent involved in an activity that came as the result of a curse. Although it is absolutely imperative that one make a living, obviously it is not the goal and purpose of our existence.
The importance of a Jew staying focused on his goal is highlighted by the following story.
Rav Wolbe was visited by a talmid who delineated for the Mashgiach the various responsibilities that he had as a Rabbi of a community. Rav Wolbe listened to his numerous obligations and then asked him if he left any time for himself. Rav Wolbe was making it clear that even when one's vocation consists of helping others in their avodas Hashem, he must ensure that he leaves ample time to further his personal avodas Hashem.
Our daily activities should include at least a small dose of these three essentials. Certainly, a day should not go by without learning and davening. The Chofetz Chaim (in his introduction to Ahavas Chessed) says that the same applies for gemillus chassadim. There are well known stories about people who would not go to sleep at night before performing an act of kindness for a fellow Jew. The possibilities for performing chessed on a daily basis with family, friends, colleagues and neighbors are endless, and one should capitalize on these opportunities. After all we are here on Earth to amass spiritual wealth, and who wouldn't put in a little effort in order to collect these brilliant diamonds?
Ask yourself and answer: Does my schedule include ample time for Torah and tefillah? Do I set aside time for chessed and grab the chessed opportunities that arise? Does my occupation revolve around my avodas Hashem or does my avodas Hashem revolve around my occupation?
Important Numbers
