A haredi teen came up to me at the Kotel early this morning and asked, "What can I tell a friend of mine who asks, 'Why should I sit and learn Torah, and do all these strict commandments when instead I could be running out in the world having a good time.'"

     I told him what I think is one of the most important teachings we can ever give to religious Jews.

     "There are two ways to learn Torah." I pointed my finger and shook it harshly at him and said, "You got to learn Torah,"

     Then I held my hands out in front of me, palms up, raising them some, smiling, looking up toward Heaven, "or, you get to learn Torah."

     Because your friend is learning only that he's got to learn Torah it comes to him as being harsh and dry. When he puts on tefillin and makes the blessing, he ties the strap with the same mindset he has as when he ties his shoes… he's careful that they don't fall off. If instead he would pay attention to the words of the blessing he just said, "Who has made us holy with His commandments…" if he would remember that when he fulfills a mitzvah he receives holiness, it would bring him so much joy that he would never think to run out into the nonreligious world. He would see that he gets more joy from fulfilling a mitzvah than he would by smoking dope!"

     The boy smiled and thanked me very much.

     Serving Hashem right brings great joy. Running around trying to satisfy our lusts serves our animal inclination.