BS’D
Every day we recite in our tefillot: “Blessed are You Hashem who chose His nation Israel with love…” and “You love us with an eternal love…” Hashem loves us unconditionally.
The Torah also commands us: “And you shall love Hashem your G-d.” When the Torah makes a commandment pertaining to our actions, we can do our utmost to fulfill them, but how can the Torah command us about our emotions? Love cannot be forced.
The Chassidic masters explain that an immense love of Hashem is embedded in every Jewish heart; we must simply open this channel of love. The mitzvah to love Hashem obligates us to cleanse our hearts and reveal what is hidden under many layers of ego, negativity, and transgressions. We are not forced to love Hashem; but uncover the love that already exists.
Every Jewish heart holds a G-dly spark; a luminous glow of holiness. The yetzer hara tries to destroy it but cannot. He therefore tries a different tactic – to cover it until no one sees or feels their bond to G-dliness buried underneath.
This is the meaning of the verse: “And it will be because you will listen… and I will love you.” The verse is telling us that we will feel Hashem’s love! Although His love for us is always present, it is not always felt. If we will keep the Torah, thereby removing the cover off our hearts, we will actually feel Hashem’s deep love for each and every person.
