The Simple Servant
One who contributes from his wealth for the purpose of writing or publishing a sefer of a Tzaddik –
Behold, at any given time, and in any corner of the world, that a person studies from this sefer, the Tzaddik [on high] evokes merit on behalf of the donor through whom the sefer was disseminated.
—The Rebbe, Igrot Kodesh, vol 2
The Simple Servant
by Rabbi Shalom DovBer Schneersohn of Lubavitch
The Simple Servant is part of the classic, legendary treatise known to Chasidim as hemshech Samach-Vov. This series of sixty-one discourses, delivered from the beginning of 5666 through the winter of 5668 (1905-1907), was revolutionary in its wealth of topics and profundity.
This is the first translation into English of a discourse in this historical series.
The discourse elaborates upon three personalities with distinct approaches to divine service: 1) The child of G-d – whose commitment to G-d requires no work on his part, no meditation or introspection - yet is natural. 2) The loyal servant of G-d – who, although remaining a distinct entity with some self awareness and identity, is motivated by his appreciation of, and love for, G-d, and therefore derives great pleasure and joy from doing the will of G-d. 3) The Simple Servant of G-d- who is driven by his acceptance of the yoke of heaven, is not motivated by an overwhelming love for G-d, and has no pleasure in the work he does. Yet he does his work consistently because he has no other identity outside of being a servant of G-d.
