With all the challenges against Judaism occurring in Israel and other parts of the world at this time, we need to be clear about who we are and what we stand for.

Judaism teaches that every one on earth has a life that is uniquely precious. And when we start to take this unique preciousness seriously, we can find that there is more to who we are than we could ever have imagined.

Deep inside every one of us is a source of consciousness that is beyond our usual awareness. This is a greater consciousness that can only be experienced when we are open to receiving its wisdom in the stillness of our being. This is the part of the conscious universe—the one we call God—that is always present inside of us when we take the time to listen from within. This is what Moses was commanding us to do when he declared: “Shema!!” “Listen to the Oneness that belongs to you!”

With all the challenges against Judaism occurring in Israel and other parts of the world at this time, we need to be clear about who we are and what we stand for.
Judaism teaches that everyone on earth has a life that is uniquely precious. And when we start to take this unique preciousness seriously, we can find that there is more to who we are than we could ever have imagined.

Deep inside every one of us is a source of consciousness that is beyond our usual awareness. This is a greater consciousness that can only be experienced when we are open to receiving its wisdom in the stillness of our being. This is the part of the conscious universe—the one we call God—that is always present inside of us when we take the time to listen from within. This is what Moses was commanding us to do when he declared: “Shema!!” “Listen to the Oneness that belongs to you!”

It’s only when we think we are separate from our planet, and separate from the vast expanse of the conscious universe, that we feel isolated, vulnerable, and powerless; when we can come to terms with the fact that we are each an integral part of the Divine consciousness of the universe, we can begin to realize that whatever we experience here on earth is given to raise our awareness of the inner connection we have to this greater wisdom.

Our Judaic teachings were passed down to us to guide and support us into a life of enlightened awareness, so that we could develop the kind of humility that would open up our minds and allow us to discover the awesome and powerful connection we each have with the brilliant wisdom of God. This realization can empower us, and strengthen us in all that we do.

The great kabbalist Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto taught that we all live within the realm of this conscious energy of God. He wrote:
“God has influence over everything that exists at all levels of existence. God arranged all created things in a system of steps and sequences, thus all details of existence are sustained.”