Love
One of the 613 mitzvos is to love Hashem. "V'Ahavta es Hashem". We say it twice a day (minimum) in shema. The question is how? Who is our role model?
The amazing thing is that the answer is right there in front of us. All we have to do is look at the bracha immediately preceeding shema both in shachris and maariv. The bracha starts with Ahavas Olam or Ahava Raba Ahavtanu Hashem Elokainu.
The key before even attempting to love Hashem, is to know and recognize that Hashem loves us. If we look a little bit more closely, we can ask the question of "why?" We (I don't know about you, but this definitely applies to me) sin before Hashem just about every day in some way shape of form, and yet, Hashem truly loves us unconditionally. Sure, we are sometimes , punished for our actions, but even that is a sign of the love. It is there to help us correct our mistakes. If Hashem didn't love us, he wouldn't care or bother with punishing us. Think for example how you would react if your child or one close to you, ran into the street without looking. If you didn't punish the child, you wouldn't be doing your job as a caring loving parent.
What an amazing concept. What an amazing blueprint for us to learn how to love.
Good Shabbos!
The amazing thing is that the answer is right there in front of us. All we have to do is look at the bracha immediately preceeding shema both in shachris and maariv. The bracha starts with Ahavas Olam or Ahava Raba Ahavtanu Hashem Elokainu.
The key before even attempting to love Hashem, is to know and recognize that Hashem loves us. If we look a little bit more closely, we can ask the question of "why?" We (I don't know about you, but this definitely applies to me) sin before Hashem just about every day in some way shape of form, and yet, Hashem truly loves us unconditionally. Sure, we are sometimes , punished for our actions, but even that is a sign of the love. It is there to help us correct our mistakes. If Hashem didn't love us, he wouldn't care or bother with punishing us. Think for example how you would react if your child or one close to you, ran into the street without looking. If you didn't punish the child, you wouldn't be doing your job as a caring loving parent.
What an amazing concept. What an amazing blueprint for us to learn how to love.
Good Shabbos!
posted by A Frum Idealist | 12/02/2005 09:49:00 AM
5 Comments:
Wow, there must be something in the air... EVERYONE is blogging about love! What is coming over us?
Great post!
I've thought about this a lot - we're told to love Hashem, but how many of us think about it and actually feel it the way we're supposed to.
The primary point to remember though, is that Hashem loves US! That reminder alone, should be enough to motivate us to love and be passionate in return.
Avodah ShBeleiv is Tefillah..
Love is in the heart..
The time I feel the most love for Hashem is by davening..
That is a beautiful statement and one that I use all of the time. I love that you posted it here. ood luck on loving Hashem..T
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