MITZVAHS ARE LIKE HUGS FOR HASHEM

In our Tanya class this week, we spoke about the most beautiful concept taught by the Alter Rebbe of being able to hug Hashem? This profound thought had me completely moved. Do you remember what it was like not to hug family and friends during Covid and the elation one felt when we could again? Imagine the feeling one shares when you hug your best friend and then multiply infinitely…a hug that embraces the essence of the Creator! This physical act allows us to understand(in our limited human capacity) it is in our ability to show compassion to Hashem!

Hashem in all His awesomeness, humbly reveals Himself into this material world in many tangible, everyday items with which we perform mitzvot. When we learn Torah or perform a mitzvah, it’s like we’re giving G‑d a hug, connecting to the G‑dliness found within the physical. So whether it’s giving tzedakah or using a beautiful challah cover, we are able to connect into spirituality specifically through these objects.

The story of our soul starts as a part of Hashem and then has a tough time entering this world and becoming its own entity. The material world promotes everything it is opposed to, yet Hashem leaves it up to us giving us multiple opportunities along the way to do mitzvahs and make our souls feel whole again. Mitzvahs are a way we are able to connect our neshama to Hashem. Physicality is not a distraction from wholeness it is the medium through which every part of our being can connect to G‑d on an intimate level. So yes, mitzvahs must be like hugs…here is to many more!

(Inspired from Chapter 45 of Tanya and the inspirational words of Rabbi Yosef Hazdan)