But Where is G-d?

But Where is G-d?

Eliot Lasky, who was born to Holocaust survivors, grew up in a traditional Jewish family. At the age of 18, he left school and eventually joined the Rolling Stones on their American tour during the height of the hippie era. In this time, Eliot desired to fit in more than anything else.

As time went on, the allure of his new lifestyle faded, and he found himself grappling with profound philosophical questions about faith and life in general. One question in particular kept recurring in his mind: "How can Judaism be right while the rest of the world is wrong?" Upon seeking advice from a friendly rabbi, he was directed to seek counsel from the Rebbe.

Without an appointment, Eliot arrived at the Chabad headquarters in Brooklyn, New York, on a bitterly cold January evening. As the Rebbe approached the main entrance, Eliot, with his shoulder-length hair, tight jeans, and leather jacket, approached and asked, "Where is G-d?" The Rebbe replied, "Everywhere. In everything."

Eliot persisted, "But where is He?"

"In your heart. If that's what you're asking,” the Rebbe responded.

Eliot then asked, "When we recite the Shema — 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our G-d, the Lord is one' — do we mean that there is one G-d for all people, whether African American, Indian, or Jewish?"

The Rebbe responded, "The essence of an African American is to be true to his identity as an African American, the essence of the Indian is to be true to what he is as an Indian, and the essence of the Jew is bound to G-d through the Torah and its Mitzvot."

This introduction to their 15-minute interaction captures the essence of education and the art of empowerment. While seeking knowledge, guidance, and direction may require turning to inspiring educators and leaders, the conviction and moral strength to make right choices and the courage to effect positive change can only be found within oneself.

"At that moment," Eliot later recounted, "I began to cry; it was an incredibly emotional experience for me."

I left with one clear understanding — I had just encountered a man of absolute truth and sincerity. However, it took time for his words to truly resonate. Eventually, thanks to the Rebbe, my life changed irrevocably, and I, in turn, influenced the lives of many others. All for the better. All for blessings." (His video interview can be found here.)

In 1984, both the Senate (88 to 11) and the House of Representatives (337 to 77) overwhelmingly passed the Equal Access Act, upholding the First Amendment right to religious expression in public schools. This legislation was prompted by the Supreme Court's decision in Widmar v. Vincent (1981), which upheld these protections on public university campuses. Furthermore, many states introduced laws mandating a moment of silence in public schools.

The U.S. government has a longstanding tradition of explicitly affirming faith in G-d, evident in our currency's inscription "In G-d We Trust". Similarly, each session of Congress begins with a prayer to the Almighty. It is common for athletes, coaches, and even spectators to engage in prayers or moments of reflection before significant sporting events.

These potent expressions of faith in G-d within the public sphere have not been without opposition. Some may question the necessity of connecting with and communicating with G-d in seemingly secular spaces outside of synagogues or religious educational settings.

Judaism teaches that establishing communication and cultivating a relationship with G-d in our daily lives is integral to leading a meaningful, ethical, and productive life.

As the renowned saying from the Kotzker Rebbe (1787-1859) goes, "Where is God? Wherever you let Him in."

Each of us has a distinctive relationship with G-d and possesses the ability to communicate and express our thoughts, requests, and gratitude every day of the year. Simultaneously, there are specific moments or periods throughout the year when we are particularly attuned to the divine energy pervading the world, drawing us closer to G-d.

Today we celebrate Rosh Chodesh, the new month of Elul, the beginning of the High Holiday season. While widely recognized as a period of introspection, assessment, contemplation, repentance, and prayer, it's also a time when we enjoy unrestricted access to request and receive all our needs for a good and sweet new year.

One of the acronyms for Elul is derived from the verse in the Song of Songs, “Ani l'dodi v'dodi li,” meaning "I am to my beloved, and my beloved is to me." Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi (1745-1812) shares a parable that captures our relationship with G-d during Elul leading up to the High Holiday season:

"Throughout the year, when the king resides in his palace, most subjects cannot have an audience with him. Even those who seek an audience are rarely granted one. But there comes a time when the king leaves the capital and ventures into the field. During this period, every one of his subjects can approach and greet him. The king graciously receives every single one of them and shows a happy and radiant face, granting them their requests. As they accompany him back to the palace, only a select few are granted an audience. However, those loyal subjects who greeted the king in the field are now part of this privileged group and enjoy an audience with the king in his inner chamber."

This parable mirrors our connection with G-d during the month of Elul. Throughout the year, G-d is likened to a king in the palace. Out of immense love for us, during Elul, G-d so to speak goes into the field, making Himself accessible to all. This outpouring of love uplifts and encourages even those who feel distant due to their actions. When we witness G-d's gracious reception in the field, smiling and fulfilling our requests, we are motivated to reconnect and align our conduct with that of loyal subjects. Thus, during the High Holidays, we escort the King back to the capital, where we rejoin Him in His inner chamber.

One might question whether it is appropriate to expect G-d to meet us in the field while we are engrossed in our daily routines, work, or other seemingly mundane tasks. Shouldn't we strive to communicate with G-d in more spiritually elevated environments?

Undoubtedly, attending services, engaging in Torah classes, and striving to connect and celebrate with our Jewish community whenever possible remain vitally important. As Maimonides asserts, "The prayers of the community are always heard." However, the Torah teaches that G-d's presence is very much evident in our homes, workplaces, and personal lives as well. We have the ability and responsibility to connect with G-d in whichever environment we may find ourselves.

Furthermore, the purpose of creation is for us to "make a home for G-d in the lowest world" (Midrash). By infusing our daily lives and surroundings with meaning, spirituality, and joy, we fulfill the ultimate intent of creation in the most profound way.

This is why G-d ventures into the field and delights in our welcome. His desire to manifest in the "lowest world" is exemplified by His departure from the palace to enter the humble "field," where His people embrace Him as their king.

May we utilize these auspicious weeks to usher in a time of peace and prosperity for all nations on earth with the coming of Moshiach. May you be inscribed and sealed for a good and sweet new Year!