Good News

Shalom God,

I have some good news to share with You. Today in my 8th grade Rabbinics class we were debating what the three most important aspects of Judaism are - and You came in #1. The class agreed that the belief that You are One is the most important aspect of Judaism.

The next item on the list was prayer but the students were a bit hesitant about that. I think many people are intimidated to talk to You. So next to prayer, or perhaps instead of it, they listed Gemilut Hasadim (Acts of Loving Kindness.) Finally the students listed Torah: Learning it and living it as the third most important aspect of Judaism.

I found it interesting that all of the students listed Your Oneness as a top aspect, but then struggled with prayer, one of our most poignant connections to You. I struggle with how to help other Jews be able to pray to You b'chol libam, with all of their heart. Most of the time I'm able to find my way into prayer. Every once in a while I'm distracted, but more often than not, You end up having to listen to me.

I wonder sometimes if it is Your very Oneness that makes You so hard to approach for so many. Maybe it's because ein kamocha, there is none like You, that we are afraid to deepen our relationship with You. I wish I knew how to help people not be afraid. I wish everyone could feel as loved by You as I do.

Laila Tov,
David