How to Build a Personal Relationship with G-d: Teachings from Rabbi Noah Weinberg

"Setting a clear goal in life is the key to success in any area. For example, a businessperson might say their goal is to become wealthy. The means to reach that goal could be through stock trading or real estate investment. Similarly, in Judaism, the ultimate goal of a human being is to develop a deep, personal, and powerful relationship with G-d."

The way to learn about G-d's existence, and how to live the best possible life, is through the commandments (mitzvot). Most mitzvot are expressed through concrete actions such as giving charity, eating matzah on Passover, and so on.

There are six commandments that are considered constant—always relevant, every moment of the day. These mitzvot involve awareness, thought, and emotional consciousness. Fulfilling them brings us closer to our life’s purpose: living in a state of connection with G-d.

The 6 Constant Mitzvot:

1. Know that G-d exists

2. Don’t believe in other powers

3. Know that G-d is One

4. Love G-d

5. Stand in awe of G-d

6. Don’t be misled by your eyes and desires

"Every moment of awareness is an opportunity to fulfill these mitzvot," Rabbi Weinberg explained. "No other mitzvah can be fulfilled so continuously. That’s why these are so central, and everything else is intended to reinforce them."

“I am the Lord your G-d who brought you out of Egypt.”
The first of the Ten Commandments, teaches us to know G-d.

Rabbi Weinberg asks why is this even a commandment? If you’re already following the Ten Commandments, isn’t it obvious that you believe in G-d?

Judaism does not ask us to believe blindly. We are commanded to investigate, to seek evidence, to think deeply, to learn and to question. We are required not just to believe, but to know.

Judaism calls for both intellectual and emotional knowledge. Intellectual knowledge means understanding that G-d runs the world. Emotional knowledge means living with that awareness so deeply that it shapes how you live your life.

To illustrate, Rabbi Weinberg offered a parable: “A circus performer is willing to walk on a tightrope high above the ground because he knows there’s a safety net below. A child will leap off a high ledge into his father’s arms, because he trusts his father will catch him.

The goal of life is to build that same kind of trust in G-d. How do you know if you truly believe in G-d? By your trust. If you’re willing to walk the tightrope, you know you believe.”

Step 4: Everything that happens is for your ultimate good.
G-d doesn’t need your mitzvot. He doesn’t need you to keep kosher or observe Shabbat. He wants to give, because He loves you. Everything He asks of you is for your benefit.

If He doesn’t give you what you asked for, ask why. Maybe 100 million dollars would lead you to arrogance, greed, or an empty life. Maybe you’d rely on others instead of building yourself. “Just like a loving parent,” Rabbi Weinberg said, “G-d sometimes says ‘no’ to protect you or to guide you toward something better.”

If something bad happens, ask: Why? Not as a complaint, but as a wake-up call. G-d is trying to elevate you. He knows what’s truly good for you and wants you to enjoy the best life possible.

Rabbi Weinberg shares a story from the Midrash: Both the wise and the foolish are given the Torah and told: “Learn it.” The fool looks at it and says, “This is impossible! It’s like trying to move a mountain into the sea. Even if I work all day, I’ll never finish. What’s the point?” So he fills one bucket with sand, gives up, and goes to sleep.

The wise man says, “I get paid by the bucket. I may never move the mountain, but if G-d asked me to try, it’s worth it.” He starts shoveling one bucket, two buckets…until eventually, he hits a rock, pushes it, and suddenly the whole mountain collapses into the sea.

That’s how life works. One step at a time, one mitzvah at a time, one dollar a week, and the mountain will fall.

Rabbi Weinberg quoted the Chafetz Chaim: “When fundraising, ask people for what’s appropriate to their status. If you ask a newspaper vendor for 500 dollars, that’s offensive. But if you ask for a penny, that’s also insulting. Ask for 50. If he gives 20, you’ve succeeded.

“Ask a wealthy businessman for $5, and he’ll think you’re joking. Ask for 5 million, he’ll negotiate. You might get 500,000—a generous gift!

“Now imagine you're asking a billionaire for help. Don’t insult him by asking for pennies. Aim high. If you’re approaching G-d—your Father, your Creator—don’t hold back. What’s a billion dollars to Him?”

Judaism teaches us to dream big, pray big, and trust big. When we work hard and aim high, G-d helps us succeed. He gave us the Torah as a gift, and He wants us to grow, stretch, and do the impossible. Even if you think you can’t do it all, just start. Every effort counts.

As the verse says (Deuteronomy 30:14): "This thing is very near to you, in your mouth and in your heart, to do it."

We simply need to be willing to try.