Love for God: An Accessible Path for Everyone According to Tanya’s Teachings
Finding genuine love for God is a journey many believe is beyond their reach. We often think that a deep spiritual connection with God is reserved only for chosen sages or saints. But what if there exists a path open to absolutely everyone, regardless of their level of knowledge or spiritual development? The teachings of Hasidism reveal this simple and accessible method, which is literally at anyone’s fingertips.
The Hidden Fire: Awakening Love for God in Your Heart
Within every Jew lies a divine fire—a spark of love for the Creator. It may be dormant, imperceptible, but it’s always there. How can we ignite this fire? How can we make it burn brightly and illuminate our entire being?
In Chapter 46 of the book “Tanya,” Rabbi Shneur Zalman reveals a surprisingly simple way: love is reflected in love, just as a face is reflected in water. When a person realizes the boundless love that the Almighty shows towards them, their own heart naturally responds in kind.
The Mirror of the Soul: How Love for God Reflects Divine Love
“As in water—face to face, so is the heart of man to man”
This wisdom from the Book of Proverbs becomes the key to understanding. When we look into water, we see our reflection. Similarly, when one person sincerely shows love to another, the second naturally reciprocates.
And if this works between people of equal status, how much stronger will the response be when a great king shows love to a simple, insignificant person? The heart of such a person will melt even if it were made of stone!
The Boundless Love of the Creator for Us
God, the King of all kings, has shown incredible love to the Jewish people:
- He chose them among all creations in the universe
- Led them out of Egyptian slavery
- Gave the Torah specifically to them
- Continues to love every Jew at all times and in all places
This is similar to if a great king descended from his throne, came to a dump where a despised beggar lay, and not only helped him but brought him to his palace, to the inner chambers where even ministers are not admitted. There, the king would embrace him, kiss him, and share his most intimate secrets with him.
Union with God Through Torah and Commandments
When a Jew studies Torah or fulfills commandments, something amazing happens—their soul unites with God:
- The words of Torah are “kisses” from mouth to mouth
- Understanding Torah is the union of spirit with spirit
- Fulfilling practical commandments is “embracing” the Almighty
This union is so complete that a Jew becomes sanctified with the same holiness as the Almighty Himself. Therefore, in blessings it is said: “Who has sanctified us with His commandments”—like a person sanctifying a woman in marriage.
Why Don’t We Feel This Unity?
An important question arises here: if such deep unity truly takes place, why don’t many people feel it?
The answer is simple yet profound. The materiality of the body dims the vision of the soul. The body, which has not yet been purified, becomes a veil hiding this spiritual union. But lack of understanding does not negate the fact of union!
As Asaph said: “I was foolish and did not know, I was like a beast before You. Yet I am always with You.” Even when a person feels like a “beast,” not understanding or feeling spiritual heights, they are still “always with You”—united with God.
Practical Application: How to Cultivate Your Love for God
To activate this mechanism and nurture your love for God:
- Reflect on God’s boundless love for you personally
- Recognize how He chose the Jewish people and you among them
- Imagine how the great King descends from the heights to bring you closer to Him
- Allow your heart to naturally respond with love for God
This is especially effective during the “Shema Yisrael” prayer and its accompanying blessings.
Spiritual Equality: A Discovery for Everyone
The amazing discovery is that when it comes to connecting with God through Torah and commandments, there is no difference between a great sage and a simple person. The holiness of Sabbath and holidays equally illuminates the souls of all Jews, regardless of their level.
Moreover, the lower a person’s spiritual level, the stronger their response to the realization of Divine love can be, creating an even more profound love for God. Just as the lower a person’s position, the more they are struck by the attention of a king.
This direct path to nurturing love for God is open to absolutely everyone. It requires no deep knowledge or special abilities—only awareness and gratitude for the Almighty’s already existing love for us.
This article is based on Chapter 46 of the book “Likutei Amarim — Tanya” by Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, one of the greatest Hasidic thinkers.
Afterword: The text of this article has not been approved by any sage, Torah scholar, or rabbi and is merely a simplified adaptation of the sacred text for general understanding. For comprehension of true wisdom and a deeper understanding of the original text, you should refer to the sources.
