Editing Chassid (section)

==== Kabolas Ol ====
Chassidus teaches us that we must fulfill mitzvos with kabolas ol (acceptance of the yoke). Like a servant who is subordinate to his master and must obey all his instructions, so too we are subordinate to Hashem's yoke and must fulfill His mitzvos even when we want to or understand them.

Even the mitzvos called 'mishpatim', those 'logical' mitzvos that can be understood by human intellect (like "do not steal"), must be fulfilled with kabolas ol. Meaning, not because we understand their logic, but because this is what Hashem commanded.

When we fulfill a mitzvah solely because it is Hashem's command, the connection to Hashem is complete. Fulfilling mitzvos for additional reasons (like logic or fear) also connects the Yid to Hashem, but this connection isn't complete.

After serving Hashem with kabolas ol comes the stage of understanding and recognizing Hashem's greatness. Then we feel self-nullification toward Hashem and fulfill His mitzvos with a deeper feeling of understanding and identification.

On one hand, this is a higher form of divine service. On the other hand, there is a special advantage specifically in kabolas ol. When we don't see or feel Elokus, yet still fulfill Hashem's mitzvos - this is true self-nullification.

One of the Tzemach Tzedek's chassidim once entered for yechidus. "I have no desire to learn Torah," he confided to the Rebbe. "That's good," the Tzemach Tzedek surprised him, and after a moment explained himself: "You can force yourself to learn and fulfill Hashem's mitzvos with kabolas ol, which is something great and wonderful. But I," continued the Rebbe, "very much want to learn. What should I do? How will I merit to learn Torah with kabolas ol?"...