How would you define a “life goal”?
A “life goal” is something that if you did not accomplish, you would be left with a feeling of great disapointment. It will have the quality of bringing you to a hightened state of being. For example, a businessman’s goal is to be rich. Trading stocks or investing in real estate is the means to help accomplish that goal.
A similar formula applies to Judaism. The goal of Judaism is to cultivate the greatest possible relationship with God.
The 613 mitzvot are separate constructs, principles for ataining pleasure, which teach us about the reality of God’s existence and how to live with that awareness.
Most of the 613 mitzvot (commandments) in the Torah require the performance of a certain action – like giving charity, or eating matzah on Passover. These are the means to the end.
The “goal mitzvot” are the Six Constant Mitzvot. Rather than requiring the performance of a certain action, these mitzvot are a state of being, of living with the reality of God’s existence.
The Six Constant Mitzvot are:
- Know there is a God.
- Don’t believe in other gods.
- God is one.
- Love God.
- Fear God.
- Don’t be misled by your heart and eyes.
Every moment of awareness is another occasion to actualize these goals. None of the other mitzvot has that same constant opportunity, and that’s why the Six Constant Mitzvot are our priority. All the other mitzvot only build and bolster these goals.