Goal Of Hisbodedus [#216]

February 12, 2018

Question:

What is the purpose of hisbodedus with Hashem – is it to feel alone with Hashem and thus become isolated from people, or is the purpose of hisbodedus to be able to relate to others in a better way after I do hisbodedus?  

Answer:

Of course hisbodedus improves your interpersonal relationships, but it is not the ultimate goal. The ultimate goal of hisbodedus is to feel how you’re alone with Hashem, and this of course improves your relationships, but that’s not the point. In a sense, though, the purpose of hisbodedus is really meant to be carried over into your relationships, because when you do proper hisbodedus, you reach greater connection with Hashem, and then you are able to shine that light of emunah onto the rest of the world. Avraham Avinu excelled in the middah of chessed towards others, but what did he mainly do? He taught people about emunah in Hashem.