The Merit of the Fathers: Finding Our Place of Choice

Wednesday Tens Learning Community Lesson

We're so fortunate to meet like this every Wednesday. This week has been so inspiring on so many levels. Let's hear Rav's words in the first clip explaining what we all experienced in the regional convention over the weekend.

Clip: The Goal Is to Attain the Revelation of the Creator

We have set ourselves the goal of attaining the revelation of the Creator; this goal must remain before us day after day. In this instance, by desiring this and remaining steadfast, we have taken a very significant step forward. A new state has been established here—a new Kli (vessel) that already contains a sense of connection, a sense of unity, a sense of the goal, and an understanding of how to reach it. This is a major step. Some felt a greater degree of closeness to this, while others felt less. Some experienced it from the perspective of the Kelim (vessels), while others experienced it even from the perspective of the Orot (lights). Some individuals realized just how far they still are from truly being within this state, which brought them a certain recognition of the evil [within them]. We have gone through a great deal. I heard from many people who were deeply affected—experiencing both negative and positive reactions—as they moved from one place to another, from one state to another. They felt the intense impact of the Light, the group, the subject matter—everything unfolding here. It was heartening to hear that they discovered, on one hand, that there is still something within them that requires correction. On the other hand, we discovered the "greatness of the Kli"—that is, the power of the society or environment—which, when active, can shape each individual exactly as it chooses. A person is truly under the influence of their environment. Certainly, there is still a lack of consistency in this, and there is still a need for greater self-nullification by each individual toward the society. Certainly, there is still a need for a greater force from the society—one that will define for each individual exactly what they should be focused on. Yet, the connection has definitely been established, and I believe that in the near future, we will begin to discover—more and more—the fulfillments within it. Michael Laitman

It's incredible to see how Rav is always encouraging us to build our spiritual vessel. I'm so thrilled people see they have what to correct. But on the other hand a person is under the influence of the environment. We heard so much wonderful feedback about the amazing vibe at each of the regional conventions. We all felt o inspired by this society that lifts us on the one hand. And how on the other hand - we understand what else we need to correct. With that in mind we're going to read the article Ancestral Merit. Let's see how to connect what Rabash is saying here and our advancement on the path. With our connection we'll try to connect with these two great teachers of ours - Rav and Rabash.

The wisdom of the fathers gives us the strength and the possibility to make a choice. As Rabash explains, without the merit of the fathers, we would have no place from which to make that choice.

What does this mean in practice? Our teacher Michael Laitman , explains that the merit of the fathers is not simply something we inherit or receive. We need a system in which we can put their teachings into practice. That system is the group.

The fathers left us a path and clear guidance. Our responsibility is to build a group that lives according to those principles, where we support one another, learn to rise above our natural self-interest, and create the conditions in which everyone can advance. The group becomes the environment through which the spiritual work of the previous generations can continue and become real in our lives.

This raises an important question: What would a group look like if it fully realized the instructions left to us by the fathers? How would its members relate to one another? How would they work together? What kind of responsibility would each person feel toward the others?

But even when we have this foundation, Rabash reminds us that we still need great mercy and help from above. Having the opportunity to choose does not mean that making the choice is easy. The real choice is to move away from self-love and accept love of others as our direction, so that our entire intention becomes to bring contentment to the Creator.

This is the work we are engaged in. We are not simply trying to improve our relationships or become better people according to ordinary standards. We are trying to change the intention behind our actions: from receiving for ourselves to giving to others.

During the convention, we had the opportunity to see many examples of what this choice looks like in practice. People from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds came together with one common goal. We saw people making room for one another, supporting one another, overcoming personal limitations, and working toward a shared connection. These moments are not just pleasant experiences. They are opportunities to recognize and exercise our freedom of choice.

As Rav Michael Laitman explains, the work of the fathers is connected to the very structure of our spiritual development. The moment a person receives a point in the heart and begins to ask, "What am I living for?" something new awakens within them. It is a desire to rise above ordinary self-centered existence and discover a higher purpose.

Some parts of the collective soul have already undergone correction. These are called the fathers. They serve as examples and as a foundation for all the other parts that are still in the process of awakening and correction.

Rav Laitman compares this to a body in which some parts have already begun to function while others remain unconscious or disconnected. The functioning parts can help awaken the others, gradually bringing the entire system back to life. Just as someone recovering consciousness is first helped to hear, feel, respond, and move, the corrected parts of the system help the remaining parts awaken and begin their own work.

This is the meaning of using the merit of the fathers. We are not starting from nothing. We have a spiritual foundation established by those who came before us, and we have a group through which we can connect to that foundation and continue the process.

The convention gave us a glimpse of what becomes possible when we work together in this way. But the real test begins when we return to our everyday lives. Can we continue choosing connection over separation, the needs of the group over our personal calculations, and the benefit of others over self-interest?

The fathers have prepared the way. The group gives us the environment. The choice is now ours to make, again and again, until connection becomes the common intention guiding all our actions.