Meeting G-d

G-d, being infinite, cannot have any relation with our finite existence. This statement was expanded by the Greek philosophers of ancient times. They reasoned that since G-d was so great, being defined as infinite, it made no sense he would relate to such limited beings as humans. Providence didn’t make any sense either, why would such a limitless G-d take any interest in our petty business, he surely doesn't care!

Amazingly, our trial of defining G-d, in purpose of relating to him, turned into a statement claiming that any relation is impossible and irrational.

If we’ll return to our last discussion, we may find a possible answer. Understanding that the human understanding of G-d is our own yearning for the moral good, we see that there surely is this side of complete identity and immersion between Man and G-d. Prophecy is all about this inherent connection between creation and creator. So we see there are these two sides which seem to be connected, but contradicting.

In Jewish philosophy, this is an issue widely discussed and explained. The infinite G-d has these two parts, which can be explained using the human soul as an example. Every man has the essence of his soul, which stays mysterious and unknown, even to him. This soul reveals itself to others through names. Names are tools of the soul to communicate with the world. Johnny, Mr. Smith, Daddy and Honey are all legitimate names for one person. They all represent different aspects of his life, different revelations of his soul which remains unknown. In such a sense we may understand this seeming duality in our understanding of G-d. G-d himself, his essence is indeed infinite and unrelated, but he reveals himself and communicates through his names, through the prophets of all ages.

That is why, as Jews, we treat the names of G-d with reverence. This is G-d as far as we can grasp, his names, his only way of revealing himself. Actually, that is one of the reasons it is custom to call G-d “Hashem”, only meaning- “The Name”.