Learning to Listen to Hashem
When I was a small child, I loved to jump off things. Sometimes these literal leaps of faith turned out fine; other times, they were disastrous. Once, my uncle took me swimming, but before he could put on my floaties, I rushed straight to the pool and jumped into the deep end. He yelled for me to stop, but I wasn’t listening. I was “doggie paddling” around the pool, living my best life there, utterly oblivious to what could go wrong.
Other times, I was unsuccessful. For instance, while trying to do my best Superman impression, I jumped off the back of a couch and ended up wearing a sling for weeks afterward. That wasn’t the only incident; once while at the zoo, I leaped without listening and ended up covered in mud. Somewhere between the aquarium and the gorilla exhibit, I jumped off a park bench, tumbled down a hill, and landed right in a mud puddle.
As I continued through life, the phase of literal jumping transformed into metaphorical leaps. I often found myself diving headfirst into unhealthy relationships or reacting in anger when I should have simply walked away. However, something magical happens when we learn from our mistakes: we grow wiser. I experienced this growth myself. As I flourished spiritually, I realized that the solution lies within me if I pause, take a breath, and listen.
“Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One” (Deuteronomy 6:4)
How does Hashem Speak to Us?
Some refer to that “still small voice” as our conscience, but I believe it’s the voice of G-d speaking softly to us. He comforts us, imparts wisdom, and guides us to joy, but we must learn to listen. It takes practice and astuteness.
Gone are the days when G-d spoke directly to biblical heroes like Moses and David. Now his voice is woven through the fabric of daily life. You may hear him through a stranger’s smile, an intuitive nudge, or an unexplained feeling of peace amid life’s most treacherous storms.
G-d also speaks to us through his written word. Each page of the Torah is Hashem’s instruction manual for life. It’s replete with age-old wisdom that has stood the test of time. It’s there waiting for us if we only take the time to slow down and listen.
What the Torah Says About Listening to Hashem
One of my favorite passages from the Torah is the Shema prayer, which means “listen” or “hear.” This beautiful verse emphasizes the significance of listening to God and following the instructions laid out in the Torah.
“Hear, O Israel! The lord is our God, The Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and all your might. Take to heart these instructions with which I charge you this day. Impress them on your children. Recite them when you stay at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you get up. Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them serve as a symbol on your forehead, Inscribe them on the doorposts of your home and on your gates.” Deuteronomy 6:4-9
In the Jewish faith, this prayer is recited twice daily and summarizes God’s instructions on how to listen to and follow His teachings. It has become a powerful tool in my daily life, helping me maintain my focus and stay committed to my faith.
It has been a long time since I’ve taken those metaphorical leaps, and it feels like millennia since I jumped off things like couches. These days, I am more inclined to slow down, pray, and meditate on the word of God. Thank you for taking the time to read my article. Whatever challenges you may be facing in life, I hope you are finding solace in your faith and that you are surrounded by blessings. Shalom, friends!
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