The Sifrei Devarim, a collection of legal midrashim on the Book of Deuteronomy, grapples with this very feeling. Specifically, it asks a profound question: how can we, as mere mortals, possibly “cleave” to G-d? I mean, let's be real, isn't G-d completely beyond our reach?

The text pulls no punches, reminding us of the awesome, consuming power of the Divine. It quotes Deuteronomy 4:24, "For the L-rd your G-d is a consuming fire." Yikes! And then it throws in the vision from Daniel 7:9, describing G-d's throne as a "fiery flame" with wheels of "burning fire." Double yikes! How can we possibly get close to that?

So, are we doomed to forever remain distant? Is connection an impossible dream?

Thankfully, no. The Sifrei Devarim offers a surprising, and ultimately comforting, answer. It suggests that we can "cleave" to G-d by cleaving to the sages and their disciples. By connecting with those who dedicate their lives to understanding and living the Torah, we, in essence, connect with G-d.

Think of it like this: the sages are like antennas, receiving and transmitting the Divine signal. By tuning into their frequency, we can access that same wisdom and connection.

But here's the kicker: it's not supposed to be easy. The text emphasizes that acquiring Torah isn't a passive activity. It's not like picking fruit from a tree. It's a struggle. The Sifrei Devarim says that it's “as if you had waged war and taken it.”

Whoa.

Why the combative language? Because wrestling with the text, questioning assumptions, and pushing ourselves to truly understand demands effort, dedication, and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths. It's a battle against our own limitations, our own preconceived notions.

This idea is beautifully captured in Psalm 68:19: "You ascended on high; you took spoils; you took gifts for man." The ascent, the struggle, the "spoils" – these all point to the hard-won wisdom that comes from engaging deeply with Torah. The "gifts for man" are the insights and blessings that flow from that engagement, enriching our lives and bringing us closer to the Divine.

So, what does this all mean for us today? It means that the path to connection isn't about mystical experiences or unattainable heights. It's about engaging with the wisdom of our tradition, challenging ourselves, and connecting with those who are also on the journey.

It's about finding our own way to "ascend on high" and bring back those "gifts for man," making the Divine a little more present in our lives and in the world. Now, that's something we can all strive for.