Is the overall obligation to direct all actions toward the sake of Heaven (l'shem shamayim) a formal halakhic requirement or a pious aspiration (middat chassidut)?
Synopsis
The Mechaber and Aruch HaShulchan formulate the l'shem shamayim standard as an obligation ('chayav adam'), while the language 'not praiseworthy' for failures suggests it is an ideal rather than a formal prohibition in most cases.
More in All Actions for the Sake of Heaven
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Discussion
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