When is it easier to serve G-d, in winter or in summer?
At first glance, this seems like a strange question. What connection could there be between serving G-d and the seasons? However, it turns out there is a connection—not referring to the external or environmental conditions present in winter or summer, but rather to the very essence of these periods.
According to the teachings of Chassidic philosophy, nothing is accidental or "natural." Everything, even the most natural phenomena like the sunrise, has spiritual roots. The physical phenomena we see are actually reflections and manifestations of spiritual realities.
Reflection Down Below
We took the sunrise as an example, and it’s actually a good one. The physical sun—our sun —is itself a reflection of another sun: the “Sun of G-d.” The rising of our physical sun is a manifestation of the rising of the infinite Divine light.
Therefore, we pray at sunrise and perform certain commandments specifically during the daytime and not at night (it is also known that during the day, the letter combinations of the Divine name Havaya shine, whereas at night the letter combinations of the Divine name A-donai shine).
In truth, the very fact that the sun rises results from the rising of the “Sun of G-d.” Since the Divine light of the “Sun of G-d” begins to shine, our physical sun also shines. It is like a reflection or a shadow that behaves exactly according to the source of the shadow.
If we continue this line of thought, we conclude that the fact that in summer there is more light and heat from the sun than in winter is due to differences in the degree of revelation of Divine light between winter and summer.
In Summer, More Divine Light
Indeed, Chassidic teachings elaborate at length that serving G-d during the summer months differs from the service in winter, because in summer the “Sun of G-d” shines with greater intensity than in winter.
The Previous Rebbe, the Rebbe Rayatz, would say it is easier to serve G-d in summer than in winter.
In fact, winter and summer represent two different modes of serving G-d. One can serve G-d primarily by increasing the soul’s light, or primarily by refining and purifying the body.
Both paths lead generally to the same goal—drawing closer to G-d. Both paths lead to the revelation of the soul and refinement of the body.
The Afternoon of Erev Shabbat
Whoever takes note of what is happening in the world can see that the present time is erev Shabbat before candle-lighting time.... All the troubles and tribulations of the past and the present constitute an immersion in boiling water to remove all uncleanliness, in order that our people should be able to receive the worthy guest [Moshiach] whose arrival — speedily, in our own days — is being awaited by the eager eyes of our Jewish brethren throughout the whole world, including the Holy Land. The world’s erev Shabbat is a busy day of preparation for the imminent holy Shabbat day.
Previous Rebbe, reprinted From Exile to Redemption, with perm. from Sichos in English
When the Sun Shines (continued)
The difference lies only in the direction of the movement: whether one reaches the revelation of the soul through refining the body, or one increases the soul’s light first, and the body consequently refines itself.
In winter, the primary work is the refinement of the body. During this time, there is no great revelation of the “Sun of G-d,” and therefore the soul’s light does not shine strongly within the body. It is generally a time of coldness, and serving G-d during this period involves overcoming this coldness by refining and purifying the body.
In contrast, in summer there is a great revelation of the “Sun of G-d.” The infinite Divine light shines with great intensity. The soul absorbs this illumination and begins to reveal and shine within the mind and body.
Therefore, the physical body and animal soul find it much more difficult to oppose or interfere with serving G-d. Naturally, it is easier to serve G-d, and there is a greater natural awakening to draw close to the Divine.
For Good or for....
However, it is important to remember that these processes are quite complex. When the great revelation of the “Sun of G-d” cannot be expressed positively in the service of G-d, it may expressed in negative channels.
In this regard, it is like any force that exists in the world—one can use it for good or for harm.
The above refers generally to the fact that in summer there is a greater revelation of Divine light and a natural tendency of the soul to draw closer to G-d. So if you love summer—know that your soul loves it too, because then the “Sun of G-d” shines!
