At least once a week, someone in our congregation talks to me about their journey to understand the Jewish concept of God.  Understandably, many of our young people wrestle with their own beliefs in a greater power, but adults, too, are often struggling with their spirituality.  As young children, many of us pictured an old, bearded man with a chariot who was all-knowing and all-powerful who would punish evil and reward goodness.  As we grew up, our ability to see the world with maturity and understanding grew, but all too often, our ideas about God remained child-like.

Last year at this time, I wrote my monthly Tebeam article about our continual striving to make God a part of our lives.  I received more feedback from that article than any I had ever written, and I have had a number of requests to reprint its content.  Following is an excerpt from that article.      

Throughout Jewish history, Jews have struggled with God and with the idea of God. Our tradition has always understood that there are three pillars upon which Judaism stands: God, Torah and Israel - a belief in something larger, a moral compass, and a sense of community. As one of the central pillars of Judaism, God plays an important role in Judaism. It is through our relationship with God that we understand our place in the world. A belief in a force larger than ourselves gives us the purpose, the vision and the hope to find meaning in life.

Our understanding of God and relationship with God clearly changes as we change. This is a personal spiritual issue, and religious issue with which most Jews, liberal and traditional, struggle. This personal spiritual issue is ancient as well. Abraham and Moses both argued with God, questioned God, and changed their relationship with God as they grew and developed as human beings. The Torah also tells us that Jacob struggled with God and was rewarded with a name change - he became Israel which means to wrestle with God. Jacob's struggle is ours.

Whether we are lighting the flames on the menorah this Chanukah, grieving the loss of a loved one, or celebrating a family simcha, let us not forget the presence of God in our lives.  And if acknowledging and accepting God is a struggle, let us be reminded that we are in good company, and that our struggle, in and of itself, is very Jewish.  During this festival of lights, may we all find a sense of peace and spirituality, and may we know that we are truly part of the people of Israel when we struggle with God.

Happy Chanukah to all,