Our Mission

You are the children of G-d, your G-d. You must neither cut yourselves nor make a bald spot between your eyes for the dead. 

Deut. 14:1

Moses instructed the people regarding how they must distinguish themselves from other peoples in order to remain true to their Divine mission.

It was the practice of the ancient idolatrous nations to cut themselves and rip out the hair on their head as a sign of mourning for their dead.

This verse teaches us that even those who have sunk so spiritually low that they need to be warned not to engage in the practices of pagan, idolatrous peoples are still children of G-d. They can, at any time, approach G-d directly, as children approaching their parents.

This direct connection with G-d enables us to always put our spiritual concerns first, viewing our material concerns simply as ways of aiding us in our pursuit of our spiritual ends and fulfilling our Divine mission.

—From Daily Wisdom 3