Rabbi Abraham Maimuni HaNagid (also called "Rabbi Avraham ben HaRambam") was the only son of Maimonides (the famed Talmudist, codifier of Jewish Law, philosopher, physician and statesmen, Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon, 1135-1204). Born in 1185, Rabbi Abraham succeeded his father as the leader of the Jewish community in Fostat (old Cairo), Egypt, at the tender age of 19. He wrote many responsa and commentaries explaining and defending his father's writings and Halachic rulings. Rabbi Abraham passed away on the 18th of Kislev of the year 4998 from creation (1237).
Rabbi Baruch was the son of Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov's daughter, Adel, and her husband, Rabbi Yechiel Ashkenazi. He was born in 1753 in Mezhibuz, the town from which his illustrious grandfather led the Chassidic Movement. He was one of the pre-eminent Rebbes (Chassidic masters) in the 3rd generation of Chassidism, and had thousands of disciples and followers.
There’s more than one way to be spiritual.
You could be an enlightened being.
You could spend your life far from humanity, contemplating the oneness of Infinite Light.
Or you could stay here with us.
Perhaps as a schoolteacher, cultivating small minds, instilling in them a sense of wonder for the world in which they live.
Or run a business. You’ll make G‑d your partner. Together, you will treat stakeholders fairly, create real value for people, and support those in need.
Which way will you be closer to G‑d?
That depends. Where is G‑d?
If G‑d emanated a world spontaneously, like the sun shining light, aloof and distant, then G‑d is found beyond this world, and you’ll be much closer staying far away from us.
But if G‑d created a world deliberately, because that is what He desires and cares for, and so He invested Himself within that creation, so that His very essence and being can be found here, then stay here, and find Him here now.
Because if this world is here on purpose, the purpose is here now.