What three things are needed for complete service of Hashem?

Question: The Ben Ish Chai offers another explanation of the three branches. What are the three components of serving Hashem?

Answer:

The three branches symbolize:

1. Thought: a person’s inner intention.

2. Speech: the words that come out of his mouth.

3. Action: what he actually does.

According to the Ben Ish Chai, service of Hashem is complete when all three components work together.

For example, when a person gives tzedakah:

- In thought: he intends to help another person.

- In speech: he addresses the needy person respectfully and with kind words.

- In action: he gives him real help.

When thought, speech and action come together, the mitzvah reaches a special completeness.