People often think that fearing G-d means one is always scared and cannot have any fun? Well, that's not really what it is all about. It is not as if one is supposed to be walking around terrified and not enjoy life.
Let’s think about it like this: When a parent is walking up a hill holding their child extremely tight, they are not holding on with such strength because they fear their own offspring, they are taking these actions because they love their child and do not want them to fall and get injured. Such a scenario is how one can think of the concept of fearing the Almighty. The dread is more of a sense of being afraid of losing something of extreme value or importance. In essence, this corresponds to a special connection shared with our Creator.
So, being G-d-fearing has little if anything to do with being anxious, restless, or apprehensive all the time. Having the fear of Hashem is about loving and valuing our relationship with Him so much that one takes intense care on their actions, where they venture, and with whom they spend their time. One is not living in fear; instead, a person is making choices that keep that awe-inspiring relationship with G-d strong.
In short, being frightened or alarmed of Hashem’s existence is not about being terrified. Rather, such a notion encompasses emotions of love and a mindset of respect, as well as ensuring one keeps a special bond with the divine going firm.
R’ Yaakov Rahimi of Lakewood, N.J. has created a storm in the Jewish world bringing back many unaffiliated young men and women to the pathways of Hashem through Chazaq, TorahAnytime, NCSY, BJX, and Partners in Torah. R’ Rahimi is a graduate of Deal Yeshiva, and learned in Beth Medrash Govoha, his hometown, becoming a very close talmid of Rabbis Yeruchem Olshin shlit”a, and Yitzchok Sorotzkin shlit”a. R’ Rahimi partook in the Sephardic halachic project Mishnah Berurah Tiferet. The rabbi can be reached at, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
What Does It Mean To Fear Hashem?
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