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Ahavas Hashem/ |
One of the six constant mitzvos is to love G-d. One of the most powerful ways to fulfill this mitzvah is to appreciate His creation. The opportunities for fulfillment of this mitzvah are as bountiful as nature itself. Consider the endless wonders of creation: birds, flowers, meadows, canyons, mountains, scenic vistas, star-studded skies and babies – even the very balance of the ecosystem or the intricacies of the human body. It's all miraculous, and new scientific discoveries continually reveal how much more there is to discover and appreciate. G-d is hidden in nature; being cognizant of the wonders and perfection of creation leads us to discover His presence.
“You shall love Hashem your G-d with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your resources.” – Deuteronomy 6:5
Rambam (Maimonides) writes: What is the path to love (and awe) G-d? When one ponders G-d's great and wonderful acts of creation, and sees in them a genius that has no comparison, then automatically a person will love, praise, glorify – and deeply desire to know the greatness of G-d. (Foundations of Torah 2:2)
The Talmud tells us that one of the first questions we're asked when getting to heaven is: "Did you taste all of G-d's fruits?" The beauty of fruit is that, not only is it a nutritional food, but it's especially pleasurable to consume because of its sweet taste, variety of textures, eye-pleasing colors and unique forms. All of us will be asked, "Did you taste all the fruits?" In other words, did you appreciate all of G-d's gifts in this world?
We are commanded to love G-d with all our heart, with all our soul and with all our resources. Realizing that G-d is the ultimate source of all of our wealth, talent and strength and knowing the bountiful blessings He bestows on us are potent expressions of this mitzvah. Since the more you know of someone or something the more you can love, getting to know G-d through the study of Torah is the ultimate expression of this mitzvah.
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