Talk about ‘Aha!’ moments.
I watched this very poignant story on Youtube this week, which I highly recommend CLICK HERE TO WATCH.
In it, after describing his philosophical struggles, Mr. Lasky approached my mentor the Lubavitcher Rebbe and asked him “Where is G-d”? The Rebbe answered “G-d is everywhere.”
But Mr. Lasky was unsatisfied and pressed on “But, where is G-d?” To which the Rebbe replied “G-d is in your heart…”
I’m so glad I heard this story at this time of year, because it really sheds light onto a major High Holiday theme.
Teshuva.
Teshuvah is commonly translated to mean ‘repent’, but its literal meaning is actually: ‘returning’ to G-d.
Like many of us, you too may see the words ‘returning to G-d’, nod your head and continue reading. Because let’s face it, it doesn’t exactly ooze with practical implications.
Is ‘returning to G-d’ just an abstract and pious idea or is it something realistic and do-able? Where does one go inorder to ‘return’ to G-d?
After watching this video, the idea of ‘returning to G-d’ suddenly seems a little more pragmatic. Because, although G-d is found everywhere, He is first and foremost found in the heart of each Jew. ‘The essence of a Jew is tied to G-d through the Torah. Think about that for a minute!
If there is a spark of G-d in your heart, then returning to G-d actually means: ‘Returning to yourself’.
No need to look further. During this season, when we self-reflect and evaluate the status of our inner hearts and minds, by getting in touch with our true selves - we really are ‘returning’ to G-d.
It may sound intense, but it certainly is attainable!
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Yossi Zaklikofsky