Rabbi Manis Friedman, a noted Chassidic philosopher, author and lecturer, is dean of Bais Chanah Women's Institute of Jewish Studies.
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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.
Posted By ruth housman, marshfield hills, ma
Posted: Feb 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.
Posted By Carol
Posted: Feb 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.
