INTRODUCTION

Human beings by nature are citizens of two worlds: the physical world governed by material ambition and the spiritual world which beckons us to develop a personal relationship with our Creator. For the most part, modern society subscribes to the belief that the physical and the mundane are lower, or subordinate, to the spiritual and transcendent.

As Jews living in the 21st century we need a new compass that instead of pointing north, points south. By understanding the Chassidic concepts of "Dirah Bitachtonim" ("dwelling place in the lower realms") and "Avoda" (commonly translated into English as "work") we can learn how to live to "work", not work to live.

As a professional writer and speaker, I have presented my personal experiences and scholarship on these concepts in both relgious and secular settings. I have a passion for teaching and would be glad to share my ideas with you and/or your organization. For more information please contact me at shaina@livingtowork.com.