Where God Is Depends On Us

When children ask us, "where is God?" We usually tell them that "God is everywhere."

It's a beautiful answer, completely true, but it doesn't help when you are older. When we see what goes on in the world, we often ask ourselves the very same question, "Where is God?" The truth of the matter is that God's presence in the world is hidden and difficult to perceive.

After the Jewish people received the Torah on Sinai God instructs them in Parshat Terumah, "And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them." (Shemot 25:8). God instructs the Jewish people to create a vessel to experience the indwelling presence of God.

Shabbat is another vessel for us to experience the indwelling presence of God in the world. For on Shabbat, teaches the Sfat Emet, we experience the truth that everything that we have and do exists only because of God, and we are able to recognize the sanctity of all creation.

When we gather at the table and bless the Shabbat on Friday night with our candles, wine, and meal, the Shechinah, the indwelling presence of God is with us.

When we gather as a community to sing, dance and pray especially on Shabbat -- the Shechinah, the indwelling presence of God is with us.

Whenever we wonder where God is, it usually means that we're not making a place for God. Because when we live a life full of Shabbat and community, of gratitude and giving, we cannot help but experience the proximity of God.

God's presence in the world is truly, as the Rebbe of Kotzk taught, wherever we let God in. Our lives, and the whole world, can be a dwelling place for God. This is what the Torah is all about.

But our relationship with God depends totally on us.

Shabbat Shalom.