Hashem (ה׳) created a system where man can do something for Hashem and thus earn his existence. This is accomplished by praising Him and fulfilling his mitzvos. The ikar hatava we have is by earning our existence. The hatava is not money, health or power. Since mitzvos enable man to earn his existence, which is the greatest hatava, they are then performed with simcha. Only when done willingly and with simcha is there a relationship. If it is viewed as a burden that is no relationship and it is not doing a mitzvah (מצוה).
Rabbi Zweig challenges Freudian psychology by arguing that the basic human drive is not pleasure-seeking but rather the painful awareness of non-existence, and explains how only a relationship with God can provide the feeling of true existence and simcha.
An exploration of the deeper meaning of 'amirah' (saying) as empowering others by recognizing their uniqueness and building meaningful relationships through authentic, individualized communication.
