This month is a new beginning within the Judaic faith. The teachings begin again as we re-read the Torah for another year, which starts with the words: “In the beginning … ,“ and we step into our exploration of the interconnected universe one more time. We’re on a spiral staircase, going up into more understanding of our world and ourselves each year, and this year is simply one more step upward.

In this first chapter of our new beginning we’re told about the creation of our planet and everything that exists upon it. And we’re told that it’s all good. But there’s much more to this story that it doesn’t say.

It doesn’t say why we’re here, or what is the meaning beneath all of this brilliantly designed planet. It’s only when we’re ready to explore the inner aspect of our life that we can begin to find out just how connected we are to everything that has been created. We need to realize that we don’t just walk on top of the planet—we are, at the same time, intricately connected with the creative process that designed everything.

In other words, there is really no separation between us and the One we’re taught to pray to. In fact, we’re all part of this One. The teachers of the Inner Torah, Kabbalah, insist that we realize this interconnection; this is possibly the reason why many people are afraid to know more about it. It can seem much easier for us to think of ourselves as independent beings who walk on the surface of the planet, rather than consider the possibility that we could discover and live in relationship with the Oneness of it all.

But sometimes, when bad stuff might happen, and we have to venture more deeply into the recesses of our mind to figure out how to resolve our difficulty, we’re forced to deal with whatever problem has come before us. Right now, Jews are in a challenging place: anti-semitism and anti-zionism stare at us more frequently, daring us to either run away or fight. But there’s also a third way to deal with these challenges, and it’s probably the most demanding way of all. This third way dares us to look into the reason for our existence—to question exactly why we are here—only then can we find a more comprehensive solution to this dilemma—and it’s actually hidden in plain sight in the Torah. According to Moses, the Creator keeps telling us: “When you listen to Me you will have what you need.”

How are we supposed to listen? There is no One to see. But that’s only because the creative source of all life has brilliantly hidden our connection to this Oneness deep inside of us. This is where our solutions are concealed, on the inside of our own being! And this means we have to listen within very carefully to find out what we need to do in every situation.

When we dare to take time and listen, we can uncover a wise, loving power that exists inside every person’s very own essence. When we each explore the inner aspect of our life, with great compassion and much respect, we can find that deep inside every one of us is an invisible source of amazing wisdom that is completely beyond our usual awareness. Underneath everyone’s faith, every person’s inner inquiry, is the truth of who you really are. When you are ready to patiently listen within, from the center of your own being, you can discover the real truth of your own authentic self.

Rabbi Moshe Chayim Luzzatto teaches that “God’s supreme unity is the foundation of faith and the root of wisdom.” This means that the whole universe is completely one—whole in its oneness—so every particle is interconnected with every other particle, which creates one whole harmonious universe.

When we see challenges in our lives, it means that we are not quite in harmony with the oneness of everything. It’s not about judgment, but about assessment. We have to find out what was missing in us that disconnected us from the whole. Then we can rectify it and come back into the flow of all life.

Since Yom Kippur we’re seeing a tragic misstep on the part of the United States. Many thousands of people have been forced to flee for their lives. How can we correct this? Is there any way to correct this? My heart aches to see such suffering. People have had to leave all their possessions behind and run away from their homes, without knowing whether they will survive, where they will find a safe haven, even for a short period of time. If ever there was a time for prayer from the heart, it is now.

Kabbalah teaches that we can heal any problems through the love that awakens in the heart. When we reach into the very depths of our loving heart, and call out to God, yearning from our inner truth, we can lift ourselves above the basic, harsh physical reality of pain and suffering that we see right now, and connect everything into the higher level of oneness that exists for us all. Only when we are united, with loving hearts, will our world become more filled with loving kindness.

In this week’s parshah, Ha’azinu, Moses exhorts the Children of Israel to come into the light of God’s wisdom, and then be that light to the rest of the world. It’s only when we dare to step into this light of God that we will change the pain and suffering that exists up to this very day.