by Ruchi
Q. We learn about building a relationship to God, but how are we supposed to do that? It seems too abstract. We can't experience God with our 5 senses, so how are we to connect to this concept?
A. That's a great question! (All your questions are great!) Many people find that their relationship with God is fraught with confusion. Does He exist; is He a He; if so, in what capacity? Does He care about my petty trials; why does He allow bad things to happen to good people? If I have good things, will He take them all away one day in light of my imperfections? Therefore, we have to attempt to build this relationship.
How do we build any relationship? With communication. Communication must be a two-way street. If the wife does all the talking, and the husband does none of it, ain't nobody gonna be happy.
How then do we communicate with God? We talk to him via prayer. He talks to us via Torah study. Without communication, the relationship slowly dies, or fails to ever thrive. Does it feel weird, to talk to or learn the message of a Being that you are unclear on? Yes, as much as it feels awkward and weird to have an honest conversation with a family member that you don't get along with. Avoidance of the issue feels good in the short term. But cutting yourself off from a loving relationship is self-damage of the highest degree.
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