Getting Closer

Autoplay Next

Getting Closer

Is our relationship with G-d predicated solely on "obedience" or is there something else at play as well? On the significance on the mitzvah

Topics:

Mitzvah

« Previous

Romance of Attraction

A Universal Question

By Manis Friedman

Rabbi Manis Friedman, a noted Chassidic philosopher, author and lecturer, is dean of Bais Chana Women's Institute of Jewish Studies.

More in this section

Join the Discussion

Sort By:

NewestOldest

7 Comments

zeynep October 15, 2013

Rabbi Friedman's genius is a cause for Celebration. I bet the Heaven does and we do our share here. Reply

Timothy Pantages September 5, 2013

This was only 5 minutes long, yet, it was one of the most profound messages I have ever heard. Thank you Rabbi Friedman! Reply

Elena Ester Rivka Gadagnini Brescia, italy September 12, 2011

the Truth Thank you dear Rabbi Friedman for explaining something so important, that always puzzled me. Now I see mitzvas as a means to be closer to Hashem more than pure commandements from Him, and this sounds really right to me, a simple concept based on the infinite love G-d feels for us, but - at the same time - a truth very well conceived from our human and limited sight. Thank you a lot. Reply

ruth housman marshfield hills, ma February 11, 2010

the word "close" It's interesting that close is a word that has two meanings, in English, because to be close to another is to share something deep, and to close the door on another is its opposite.

I do perceive that words have a dual meaning as cruel and crewel, and that running through language there is this dichotomy.

I feel deeply that I am very close to the Source, to the Divine, and it's not about the laws of kashrut, because for me personally, it's not what God is asking and I can say, I am close, and I feel a very personal shared love that's powerful and follows me all the days of my life.

We can have a personal relationship to God and it will differ, as we differ, the one way does not preclude the other.

As praise is to prays so it is, I feel Divinity every step of the way, and love is something that cannot be commanded but it is, in deep ways, earned and learned. And if it is a need, it will be satisfied, because God was lonely and God created a world and wants us, and needs us. Reply

Carol February 10, 2010

Thank you! I really enjoyed this video.

I love celebrating Shabbat and I'm so glad it was used as an example of how to get become to our creator.

May we all draw closer to G-d.

Thank you Rabbi Friedman. Reply

Anonymous coconut creek, fl February 7, 2010

Thank you Dear Rabbi Friedman,

I have been trying so hard how to explain to my husband how beautiful it is to be closer to G-d but I have been going about it the wrong way. Thank you for showing me the way with such an amazing and clear explanation. G-d willing, he will understand and WANT to be closer to G-d. Reply

Laura Ellen Truelove Sewanee, TN, USA October 30, 2009

Closeness Rabbi Friedman is absolutely brilliant here! A beautiful explanation that brings great clarity to the whole notion of submission and surrender to G-d. G-d has invited me into an intimate relationship. He tells me how I can draw closer to Him. Thank you! Reply

Getting Closer

More in this section

You may also be interested in...

Join the Discussion