Connecting to a leader
Prior to the commandment of emulating G-d, Rambam explains that one should connect to Torah scholars:
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The 6th mitzvah is that we are commanded to be close to the wise and to associate with them. We should constantly be close to them and to be with them in all possible ways of friendship, such as eating, drinking and doing business, in order to thereby succeed in emulating their actions and knowing from their words the true way of looking at things. The source of this commandment is G-d's statement (exalted be He), "And cling to Him." This commandment is repeated, "To Him you shall cling," and is explained in the words of the Sifri: "Cleave to the Sages and their students."
Rambam, Sefer Hamitzvot, Positive Commandment 6
Before a person emulates G-d, he must cling to scholars from whom he receives his G-dly nourishment. Through cleaving to them he becomes a proper receptacle to receive the light of his soul. Through cleaving to G-d by way of cleaving to scholars, he acquires the ability to walk in G-d’s ways in an infinite manner.
When a person performs mitzvot afterwards in a way that expresses the essence of his soul, he can draw down G-d Himself, so to speak, and “walk” in G-d’s ways in an infinite manner. Through this he will ultimately merit the ultimate expression of G-dliness in the time of Moshiach.
(Based on Likutei Sichos 4, reworked by Rabbi Dovid Markel. To see other projects and to partner in our work, see: www.Neirot.com.)
