Episode 91 - Building Divine Connections: Teaching Our Children God's Presence

The Trust Factor

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Have you ever wondered if our focus on religious practices might be overshadowing something more fundamental? While teaching our children the commandments, prayers, and rituals that define our faith, we often miss teaching them how to build a genuine relationship with the Creator.
Today's reflection centers on a profound insight shared by rabbis worldwide: if you're going to give parents in this generation one book to focus on, it would be "The Gate of Trust" (Shaar Habitachon). Why? Because our next generation struggles to establish authentic connections with God based on faith and trust rather than mere obligation. I share a striking story about an Orthodox Jewish teacher who, when asked by a student "How do I know there's a God?", had no answer ready—highlighting a critical gap in our spiritual education approach.
My own journey taught me an important lesson: spiritual growth should never come at the expense of our families. When we advance on our path alone, we risk alienating those closest to us. True growth happens when we bring our spouses and children alongside us, making adjustments to ensure everyone develops together. I offer two complementary approaches to building a divine relationship: the intellectual path of recognizing God through the perfection of creation (just look at the complexity of a human brain or eye!), and the emotional path of developing interactions where you ask, God delivers, and you respond with gratitude.
One of my most treasured moments of connection came when I showed my eight-year-old daughter a maple seed with its natural "propeller" design—a perfect teaching tool about divine intelligence in creation. These everyday wonders create opportunities for our children to recognize God's presence. Remember the principle: "Open up for me a hole the size of a needle and I will open up for you a hole the size of an auditorium." The key is taking that first step toward God, and He will reciprocate by coming closer to you. How will you build that relationship today?

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Chapters

1. The Importance of Trust in Faith (00:00:00)

2. Teaching Children About God (00:02:29)

3. Growing as a Family in Faith (00:04:47)

4. The Orthodox School Dilemma (00:06:30)

5. Two Paths to a Divine Relationship (00:08:40)

6. Lessons from a Maple Seed (00:09:50)