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Filling the Hole
Posted by Rabbi Infinity
The Filling-the-Hole analogy is actually something I heard from an ex-junkie. He was talking about how he got into hard narcs to begin with--trying to fill that hole.
That's how he managed to get clean, too. Getting clean is a pretty heroic act--success rates are pretty low. But he stopped filling that emptiness inside with chemicals and switched over to heavy-duty spirituality. Meaning that he traded his heroin addiction for an addiction to things like Kabbala and random acts of kindness.
Pop in your words over here. Let us know how this hit you and where it took you.
-- Rabbi Infinity
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70 Comments Posted
This emptiness or "hole" is all too typical of the "modern" Western lifestyle. Not only are such "holes" or perceived deficiencies epidemic, but there are many other dysfunctional and maladaptive methonds by which people may attempt to "fill" such holes and assuage their pain. Excessive food consumption and addiction/dependency on various other sources of perceived stimulation/meaningfulness are running rampant. My point? Not only is addiction to drug abuse undesirable, BUT SO ARE VARIOUS OTHER ADDICTIONS THAT PEOPLE WILL INDULGE IN. This very "issue" brings up and suggests the importance of the question as to what actually makes a life more meaningful and how are we to strive for the attainment of this meaningfulness?
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Excellent blog .... BUT, most people are unaware of this "hole" inside which needs to be fed!
The "hole" has different labels such as - emotional and sexual needs, ambitions, need for love, belonging, craving for food, status and money...and the list is endless!
Unfortunately, junk food can also provide fuel for a time, until that fatal "D Day" - when something disturbing takes place in our lives! That's is of course the hard way to get in touch with our empty space, nevertheless, it is the most effective way.
As soon as that happens, promptly we know for sure - the "hole" is still vacant ! Our life lacks purpose, and emptiness is all we embrace.
G-d, in His wisdom has created an empty space inside men which can only be filled by Himself! Nothing else substitutes His presence.
So, still the "key" word is how to get in touch with the empty hole. After we do , the door to Hashem is open, and spirituality starts to make sense, and to bear fruits.
Rabbi Infinity (?) ......hope and pray you get the job done!
Shalom from Israel.
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Great little 'toon! When I saw the title I immediately thought of AA because that's where I learned about that big empty hole we were trying to fill with everything except God. And as I watched I thought, hmmm, I hear this great message four times a week at meetings. Then I saw the posting at the end and just smiled! The empty hole is that great yearning we all have for love, acceptance, internal peace, meaning, happiness, connectedness to others. Since AA, I've learned that Judaism is filled with the same wisdom, the same tools and the same concepts although for me, it wasn't so easy to find. AA brought me back to Judaism, a common story among us in recovery. One big difference is that we have a sponsor who lovingly and firmly will point out when we're trying to fill that hole with anything except God and mitzvot.
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Rabbi Tzvi Freeman, You did it again! Yishar Koach! From bringing Heaven to earth to teaching "Moshiach style" through vision, you have accomplished a huge step forward in the vision and mission of the Baal Shem tov, to spread the wellsprings outward! Keep it up! I can hardly wait for segment 2!
From your freinds Down Under in Australia
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Fun and profound piece. I hope there will be more.
Perhaps the "hole" is the size of your own self.
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First, the animated feature is terrific. I had hoped it to be longer. It's remarkable how effective this art form can be, even on a brain as old as mine.
I, too, first heard this expression of filling the G-d sized hole when I first came into sobriety. I don't hear it much anymore, so it was a joy to hear it this morning.
My personal experience is that nothing would remove my obsession for alcohol, nothing in this material world, that is. I had to make a decision, to continue on as I had for 22 years, being a slave to that obsession, or to find freedom through a spiritual way of living. Alcohol would fill that hole quickly, but being a caustic chemical, like battery acid, it would evaporate by daybreak, leaving a still larger hole in its wake. A spiritual way of life, on the other hand, slowly fills the hole, a drop at a time, mending it, and so long as I nurture it, it does not discipate.
Now, here is something else: I am grateful for the experience. Had the hole burned by alcohol been smaller, I would likely have not sought to remedy it. I most certainly wouldn't be hanging out at chabad.org!
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Blessings to you, I smiled when I saw that toon, and I too felt that it was very well done. I know God is the only one who fills us up to do what he has called us to do. Everything else is empty, and if our motives aren't Torah they are fruitless. I enjoy this site and it is a blessing to me and others keep up the good work.
Shalom,
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Sorry, but this cartooon is a little lame and very cliche.
Also, it is not clear to me who this aimed for... if it is for kids, words like "melodrama" are way over their heads. If it is for adults, the message is very simplistic, cliche, and unoriginal.
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Why so short? When do we get more?
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Great toon, wish it was longer. I also liked what was written.
As always, what seems to catch my interest/eye when I go to the internet (I have Chabad as my "home page" so everytime I access the internet, this site is what opens first) was very appropriate for me - today is my last day of smoking ciggarettes. I'm going to use this to help stop filling my hole with ciggarettes.
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very nice!
i just think that it was too quick, it should have been slower, with more time to 'digest' the content. the message is to deep to hear it like a basketball game report!
keep it up!
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I was skeptical - a Kabbala 'toon'? - but clicked on the link anyway, knowing I always find spiritual substance on this site. Indeed, I found this mini-video wonderful and blessedly instructive. It makes its point deftly, warmly and humanely. I think part of the beauty of this is that it is for anyone, of any age. Thank you, Rabbi!
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Is simple automatically simplistic? When something becomes cliche, does it become meaningless? Thank G-d for simplicity! Life feels so complex and convoluted sometimes, I feel bombarded by too much information all at once. It is at those times that simplicity prevails. Not bumper sticker mentality, mind you. Just something bite size, just big enough that I can put my teeth into it. When things begin to sound cliche to me, I am reminded that the problem is mine, and what I must then do is poke through the thick crust of familiarity. Please make make more toons!
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What happens when Rabbi Tzvi Freeman is used
to fill your hole clamoring for laughter.....when
he becomes the fix you need every day for fun?
This new cartoon series is a wonderful concept - MAD Magazine meets Rabbi Freeman and the result is Cosmic Consciousness!!!!! Who could ask for anything more?
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Why is your name Rabbi "infinity"? Do you think you have inifinite knowledge??
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Interesting idea but it needs more work. It would have been enough to just bring up the idea of the 'G-d size hole', and leave the conclusion for why acting in a G-dly way fills the hole 'till another episode.
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Chabad.org is a great site, but this cartoon is definitely not upto par with it's other content. It's much too short to bring across any message. Make it an Itche Kadoozy episode. Itche will make it work better, he's the most awsome rabbi ever!!!
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It is nice to see a Jewish cartoon. I asked our children to tell, write, & draw something together. Now I can tell them that I saw this. Maybe they will come up with something.
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QUESTION: CAn't you fill that hole with something other than G-dliness - like a good friend or other productive things, like a helping out someone?
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the toon was alright, but the voice ruins it (nothing personal, just have someone with a more mystical voice do the rabbi voice)
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From someone who is feeling a little like the hole is extremely empty lately, this hit the metaphorical bullseye.
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Great cartoon... Nice thought... we want more and longer please...
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Toon aside, the message hits home, they're right you know. eh. All too easy in this life to go about trying to make oneself happy with stuff from the store. However, if each of us but took a moment or two each day to reflect upon the lessons learned in the Torah.... Then perhaps we'd all be a bit better off. Would you not say the same my friends.
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The idea is grand!
I think the message was a little bit, as someone up there put it, "typical of the modern western lifestyle." It kinda has a Christian edge, as well, a little preachy.
Or perhaps its the voice. He sounds a little holier than thou, which you gotta be sensitive with...
Also, perhaps some practical application? In other words, How DOES one act like G-d?
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Do you use the term "hole" because this is geared toward children? "
I experience the 'hole" as a space devoid of spirituality, aching to understand and be closer to G-d. I nourish myself with learning Torah, starting from "square one".
Thank you for creating Kabbalatoons. I'm excited to discover where this goes. I'm trying to imagine Kabbalah as taught by Rabbi Infinity.
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Rather light...To what age group is this appropriate? IMHO not adults. Besides, how can a human who can't begin to conceive the almighty act like a G-D? We still cannot explain the Holocaust more than 60 years later...was that a G-D like act? What did it fix? Is Ovadia Yoseph right that it was a divine punishment? You're creating more questions than answers!
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As a reader I am offended by the condescending and reductionistic approach of this video. It aims to be cute yet assumes that we are all pathetic, empty beings who are in need of Rabbi Infinity to bring G-dliness into our lives. Wow, thanks for solving all my problems. All I need is G-d. Funny, the guys who knocked on my door the other day with some literature said the same thing...
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R. Freeman is a very talented writer and I expected something more sophisticated than this..time will tell where this goes and how it affects others...what is the readership of Chabad.org ie distribution of age , interest and level of knowledge of Torah? I can see this being a "turn off " for some...It might be appropriate for younger children (5-10)..those adults who are interested in what children are watching will be pleased to see this. Good Luck and Lashana tova...
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Animation is always cool...and I have a great respect for R. Freeman. Having said that I think perhaps a hole "closed" might be more to the point. In the context of addiction yes, one is trying to fill a hole with all sorts of stuff. Torah leads one to know that there never was a hole to begin with....nu?
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It seems that many of those who object to this simple message presented by the character of "Rabbi Infinity" are in fact challenged by it.
May we all surender our will and thought to the will of G-d during this High Holiday season.
Shalom vechag sameach!
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It would appear that several of the commenters here have a hole that they think can be filled with cynicism. That's sad.
That was a nice video with a simple (but not simplistic) message. For those wondering whether it's for kids or adults, it seems clear that it is meant for the two to watch it together, to discuss it.
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Not informative. Wasted 30 seconds of my life I won't get back.
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While for the most part, I agree with the writer of 'Typical,' the point that we're approaching the 'hole' wrong is a good one. Often times it's not getting something, but becoming something, which is what is actually fulfilling.
Unfortunately, telling people to fill the hole with G-d isn't a particularly good bit of advice, in my humble opinion, because it's not specific... G-d is unknowable and infinite.
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I enjoyed this cartoon very much. Is this meant for younger people or for adults? either way I think it brings across a great message.
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Yes, a whole hole is a miracle.
Why can't people say nicer things about this video?
Why should adults not be allowed to have cuteness?
This doesn't sound holier-than-thou to me at all, just funny!
Nice.
Maybe it is hole-i-er than THOU, but not than ME.
I just relate.
Yay.
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i thought this was clever and fun! thanks for finding more ways to spread the message!
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a valid message, but the cartoon format, tone, and especially Rabbi Infinity's G-d-shades, really lower the value. i much prefer your articles to kabbalatoons.
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Your video was cute, humorous, clever and very clear about it's message. I can relate to the message. On days when my life is void of doing good deeds etc. I feel this depressing feeling that i can't put my finger on its cause. Yet, invariably that feeling disappears as soon as I say psalms or connect to g-d and his torah that feeling is replaced with one of joy and optimism. Keep them coming.
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It would appear that several of the commenters here have a hole that they think can be filled with cynicism. That's sad.
That was a nice video with a simple (but not simplistic) message. For those wondering whether it's for kids or adults, it seems clear that it is meant for the two to watch together, and to discuss it.
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Rabbi Freeman,
This is amazing! The best part of all this is the blog. Have a look. Like a master teacher, you speak and a whole community discusses. What a magnificent idea! Put a little more edge on your blog and let's see those discussions fly!
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I have to agree with Dovid from Storrs.An amazing flurry of comments just overnight! This is good,very good.
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I too traded drugs for G-d. I went from a $500.00 a day, non-stop, 5 years cocaine habit to totally drug free. 17 months and counting.
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As another recovering addict who smiled when watching the toon I will definitly show my children and discuss it's message. Keep up the good work! I would like it to be longer.
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Although there's nothing new under the sun - THIS says it all - I love it!. Yasher Koach Rabbi and I'll look forward to all the episodes!
Shana Tova!
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That's an amazing feat - Just didn't want you to think it went unrecognized... Excellent sketch. It would be great if you guys would introduce some other characters and make the episodes longer! Chabad.org has the BEST children's entertainment around (Itchy Kadoozy) keep it up, and as the Rebbe said: Do more, more more!!!
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Gabi wrote:
"QUESTION: CAn't you fill that hole with something other than G-dliness - like a good friend or other productive things, like a helping out someone?"
Hey, what's so unG_dly about a good friend? Or helping someone out? Or other productive things, like making neat 'toons?
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But isnt everything from G-d, because G-d is everything. Of Course The things like breaking mitzvos is not good. But still eating, sleeping, talking, all serve a higher purpose. The Animals for example, the praise and Glorify the Almighty by just doing what they do. Its nice to praise G-d Directly, but G-d can be still be seen and praised in life indirectly too. Because every thought, action, word, everything, was created through G-d. There is nothing beside Him.
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Rabbi,
I was delighted to read your posting of September 2nd (19 Elul), as I have heard this analogy in the 12 step program I attend. In making teshuva from my own addictions, I feel very much that it was (is) Chabad that kept my pintele yid burning, through my wonderful experiences by Rabbi Y. Loschak in Austin, TX, 1977-79. By G-d's grace and the merit of my parents and ancestors, I have been clean and sober for 5+ years, Baruch HaShem. I needed to hit a hard bottom, including a brief period in state lodging, which I euphemistically call, "the gated community." It took what it took, but I'm closer to my family now that I was during the lost but materially successful years. Miracle among miracles, I never lost my tallis or teffilin and somehow came out with a box of seforim, including my Tehillas HaShem and Chumasim. I got sober through the 12 steps and find myself in Chabad. LaShana Tova.
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You have a lot of potential. Work from the first episode.
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I like this kabbalah toon and even so we learn as Jews that spirituality does not mean giving up all material goods. Some religions have attracted American Jewish youth because the belief system says you will be more spiritual if you give up your possessions, but we, as Jews, know that the kiddush cup, seforim, tallit and tefillin are the objects we must cling to in order to serve our spirituality.
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Has great appeal to we scular Jews.....keep up your good work in the USA.
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My wild wish to see your talent used to do children's work has been granted, praise G-d!
Although it wasn't what I "envisioned" this is cool, I think more edgier than I thought.
I wished for a tale written for kids with an adult audience in mind-a hard feat to master, I think you delivered!
I like the sci-fi meets kabbala style
Keep it coming!
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It's cute, fun and brings the right message! Keep up the good work!
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I think these toons are AWESOME. First of all the picture/animation and the acting are excellent, top notch, but most importantly the messages are perfect and inspiring. I loved watching them all. thank you.
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This is great. I love it! My 1.5 year old is jumping up and down. Keep it coming...
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I loved the toons it was very inspirational to me to hear
1) the message
2) the fun that went along with it!
3) It was very uplifting for me to see that even after all the criticism Kabbalah toons is up to # VI!!!! Keep it up!! Don't worry about the critics! We must continue to Bring Heaven Down to Earth!
And for those who asked who it's for: Its to help children become adults.
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I am a recovered crack cocaine addict. Thank G-D I filled the hole. I went to cocaine annonomous, which I went to once before and it did not work, then this time I did the 12 steps as outlined in the book of recovery. However what made the difference for me was my contact with G-D. I could have never done this without the help of downtown chabad from Toronto. Chabad showed me a way to live through study of torah, and through daily praying. The hole has been filled. Baruch Hashem
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"And for those who asked who it's for: Its to help children become adults. "
Actually, it's to help adults to become children again--and re-learn everything they have forgotten since then.
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Only He can fill the "hole"..Not just acting ..But G-d in us.. Our actions are the result of Who is in us. Children becoming not just adults.. but mature adults , growing in the nurture and admonition of He who is greater than us all. Love the toons by the way..and so do my children !!!
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I was on meth amphetamines for about five years. Hashem, in His loving mercy, filled the hole with Himself and His Holy Torah. He made it so easy for me. Baruch Hashem.
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Talk about right on. I had a Texas size hole countless rehabs and general bad behavior. When I finally accepted defeat and let G-d in the hole it was filled.quickly and still is full close to thirty years later The only problem is that it took so long to come to that awareness
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I'm a recovering addict too, and i tried just about everything to fill the hole. it's still a struggle, even though I'm clean and sober... and going to a Chabad House every Shabbat. there are no easy fixes. But oh, how it has helped to fill my soul every Saturday morning.
the struggle hasn't ended, but it has eased, thank G-d.
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I've just come across these toons and I'm loving each and every one of them. This is truly a magnificent and ingenious way to put across such vital concepts to our spiritual growth. They all resonate deeply within me. Keep up the great work! Kol ha-kavod!
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I wish I could remember the name of the psychologist from B.C. who recently (Nov/Dec 2007) authored a book and proved that addictions can be cured with this same idea: filling in the hole with good alternatives... naturally!
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TO: Anonymous
You are on the right track. It took a while for me to get as messed up as I was and it takes time to get well. I read the 119th Psalm daily keeps me focused keeps the hole closed. Remember you are a child of G-d don't give up you will never fail
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Great, it speaks to the heart and the head. Please continue and G-d Bless
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Some people underate what you are doing. It is fine nicely done. The meaning should be simple, so that we can understand the deeper thoughts. The basics provides for the deeper meaning.
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