Q&A: Feelings of Love for God
Feelings of Love for God
Question
I have seen more than once in the Rabbi’s words that there is nothing to value in an emotion, since it is a fact. But it must be emphasized that since emotion is something a person activates, influences, and shapes within his soul, and if God requires us to love Him—and simply understood, the intention is that a person can plant feelings in his heart—then there is very much to value in emotion, since it is not a mere fact but the fruit of effort.
Answer
If a person intentionally creates an emotion within himself, then the effort has significance. And still, the emotion is only the result. I have written and said this more than once. Regarding love of God and other emotions in Jewish law, I have suggested an argument that this is not speaking about emotion.
Discussion on Answer
Search here for my articles on emotions in Jewish law. Also in Column 22.
I would be very grateful if the Rabbi would send a link to the sources. The point is that if this is a halakhic question about the meaning of the verse, then in the end we would need to follow the determination of the Sages, or the majority of halakhic decisors, or else treat it stringently in a case of doubt.