Exploring Reality: The Nature of Existence

In today's discussion, we explore profound questions about the nature of reality and existence, especially in the context of our spiritual essence. As we delve into a significant prayer that emphasizes God's unchanging nature, we are invited to reflect on what it truly means to say that God is one. This prayer challenges us to see beyond the physical world, which can often feel like an illusion, and recognize that the true essence of existence flows from God Himself. Through engaging stories and Kabbalistic insights, we come to understand our mission in this world—to elevate our physical actions and sanctify God's name through our behavior. Join us as we embark on this enlightening journey that intertwines spirituality with everyday life.

What is Core Prayers with Rabbi Ari Herzog?

Welcome to "Core Prayers" with Rabbi Ari Herzog from Chabad of the Valley and recorded every morning at Chabad of Encino. In this enlightening podcast, we'll explore the heart of Jewish prayer and its profound relevance to our daily lives.
Join Rabbi Ari as he breaks down essential prayers, unveiling their deeper meanings and showing how these ancient words can guide us through modern challenges. Whether you're seeking spiritual growth, practical wisdom, or a deeper connection to tradition, "Core Prayers" offers insights for everyone.
Tune in to discover how the timeless teachings within our core prayers can transform your perspective and enrich your everyday experiences. Let's embark on this spiritual journey together.

The Reality of Existence: Understanding Our Spiritual Essence

Welcome everyone. Today, we dedicate our class in honor of a full and speedy recovery for Shmuel Nehemia Ben Hinder. May we hear only good news.

Let's start with a thought-provoking question: In an age where virtual reality immerses us in vivid experiences, what is truly real? Is the world we see around us genuine existence, or is it an illusion? Keep this question in mind as we delve into a profound prayer that offers deep insights into our understanding of reality.

This prayer begins with a declaration of God's unchanging essence. It reminds us that before the world was created, and even now, God's essence remains infinite and unchanged. When we say that God is one, we are acknowledging that there is nothing else that truly exists outside of God Himself. The physical world we perceive is merely an illusion, a matrix that distracts us from the ultimate truth.

The Kabbalistic concept of "Tsim Tsum" describes how God constricted His infinite energy to create our finite world, making it seem real and independent. However, without God's continuous energy, nothing could exist. Our lives are like a movie projected onto a screen; they seem real to us but are dependent on God's essence for their existence.

Consider this: if the power to the projector were cut, the movie would cease to exist. Similarly, if God were to withdraw His energy, our world would return to a state of nothingness. This highlights the delicate balance of our existence and the essential role of God's essence in sustaining it.

As we reflect on this, we recognize our mission in this world. The prayer calls us to sanctify God's name through our actions. By living with integrity and respect, we can be a light to the world, demonstrating the divine moral values that God wants us to embody.

Let me share a story that illustrates this beautifully. In January 2020, 93,000 Jews gathered to celebrate the completion of the entire Talmud. The next day, a Jew was pulled over by a state trooper who, noticing his yarmulke, asked if he had studied his daily page of Talmud. The trooper had witnessed the respect and joy of the Jewish community at the event and wanted to encourage the Jew to continue this positive behavior.

This incident exemplifies how our actions can sanctify God's name and demonstrate the truth of our existence.

As we continue our class today, let’s deepen our understanding of the prayer and reflect on our role in this world. Wishing you a meaningful day filled with blessings.