Man’s task is to continue the creative work which G-d initiated. He thus elevates the world to perfection. The family is the focal point of this partnership with G-d.

Ancient Greek philosophy claims there is no purpose for existence. It views human history as a long string of haphazard happenings. In contrast, Judaism declares that the world has a definite purpose and that all events are perfectly ordered to advance mankind toward its ultimate goal.

This concept is reflected in the Jewish outlook on the partnership between man and G-d. The verse in Genesis (2:3), which concludes the description of creation tells us that G-d blessed the seventh day “because on it He rested from all His work which G-d had created to do.” The Sages explain: “The Holy One said to man: ‘Up to this point, I have done the work; from now on, you do it.’”

Our task is to continue the creative act G-d initiated and thus elevate the world to its perfection.

The family is the focal point of this partnership with G-d. In raising children, we perpetuate not only life, but also the Torah’s morality, our guide to achieving social perfection.

Family life is thus deeply connected to our conviction that the world has a purpose. If the faith of a man and woman are strong, so, too, will be the home they build together. The disintegration of the family in contemporary society is a clear indicator of the weakening of the iron-clad faith which distinguished the Jewish people throughout the generations.

If we believe we are agents in a master plan for the world, we must ensure that the struggle between Judaism and Greek philosophy concludes victory for Faith and for the family who bear the torch of that Faith.