Everyone Can Serve Hashem
Maimonides emphasizes that “everyone” has the potential for holiness. Humanity is generally divided into two groups: those dedicated to study and those engaged in business. He clarifies that not only Torah scholars, but also individuals involved in worldly affairs, can serve Hashem. Moreover, he expands this idea beyond the Jewish people, borrowing language from the Mishnah in Tractate Rosh Hashanah, which states: “On Rosh Hashanah, all the inhabitants of the world pass before Him like a flock.” This implies that even non-Jews can achieve holiness if they dedicate themselves to divine service in the spirit of the Levites.
Near and Far – Two Forms of Divine Service
To reach this sanctity, a person must “set themselves apart.” However, this does not mean complete withdrawal from the world but rather maintaining an awareness of separation from worldly distractions. One must not become immersed in vanity but should remain spiritually focused.
Maimonides then describes two ways of serving Hashem: ministering and serving. Ministering signifies closeness, as seen with Joshua, the minister of Moses, who “never left the tent.” Serving, however, does not require closeness. As Rashi explains in the Talmud (Menachot), certain forms of service, like slaughtering a sacrifice, do not require priestly status and can be performed by non-priests. This distinction illustrates that divine service can be fulfilled both through direct connection and through dedication from afar.
Engaging the Heart and Mind
To fully realize this service, Maimonides specifies two conditions: “whose spirit inspires him and he understands with his wisdom.” This highlights the necessity of both emotional inspiration and intellectual understanding. The generosity of spirit comes from the heart, while wisdom and comprehension stem from the mind. When both faculties are engaged, a person’s commitment to divine service becomes complete.
Every individual has the ability to dedicate themselves to Hashem. By balancing intellectual understanding with heartfelt devotion, and by maintaining awareness of holiness while engaged in the world, one can truly become sanctified—regardless of background or occupation.