The book of Sifrei Devarim, a commentary on Deuteronomy, touches on this very idea. It connects our wholeness, our completeness, directly to our relationship with God.

It says, "Whole shall you be with the L-rd your G-d": When you are whole, your lot will be with the L-rd your G-d." (Sifrei Devarim 174:13). It's a stunningly simple equation, isn't it? But what does it really mean to be "whole"?

It’s not about perfection, that's for sure. We all have our flaws, our struggles. Maybe it’s about integrity. About aligning our actions with our beliefs. About showing up as our authentic selves, even when it's difficult.

King David, that complex and deeply human figure from the Bible, understood this. He sang, "And I in My wholeness will go — redeem me and be gracious unto me," (Psalms 26:11). He recognized that his wholeness, his integrity, was intertwined with God's redemption and grace.

David doubles down on this concept later on, singing, "And I, in my wholeness You supported me, and You placed me before You forever." (Psalms 41:13). Think about the weight of that statement. To be supported and placed before God because of your wholeness. It's a profound thought.

So, how do we cultivate this wholeness? Is there a secret formula? Well, Sifrei Devarim offers a clue, shifting our focus outward.

It states, regarding the nations the Israelites will inherit, "For these nations that you inherit": Do the mitzvah stated herein, in reward for which you will inherit them." (Devarim 18:14). A mitzvah, a commandment or good deed. So the tradition seems to imply that when we are engaged in doing what we’re supposed to be doing, fulfilling our purpose, we are moving toward wholeness.

Maybe wholeness isn't just an internal state. Maybe it's something we achieve through action, through engaging with the world and fulfilling our responsibilities. Through doing the mitzvot that are incumbent upon us.

It's a reminder that our connection to God, our sense of purpose, isn't a passive thing. It's something we actively cultivate. Something we build through our actions, our choices, our commitment to living a life of meaning.

So, the question remains: How will we strive for wholeness today?