בס "ד

G-d in Heaven — and Here on Earth

What a Hasidic Teaching Reveals About the Power of Action

Based on a discourse of the Rebbe, 1984

Sometimes a single teaching can open our eyes to something timeless — about who we are, what G-d means to us, and how we bring holiness into everyday life.

In this post, we’ll explore a Hasidic discourse that the Rebbe shared in 1984, during the joyful days of Simchas Torah. Though it isn’t a long or overly complex talk, it carries a message that feels deeply relevant: how the divine can be found not only in spiritual feeling or lofty thought, but in the simple, tangible actions of daily living.

This teaching invites us to see the world — and our role within it — through new eyes. It reminds us that holiness isn’t hidden somewhere above the clouds, but woven into the things we do right here on earth.

The Question: “Where Is Your G-d?”

The discussion begins with a short verse from the Book of Psalms (115:2):

“Why should the nations say, ‘Where is your G-d?’”

And the Jewish people reply:

“Our G-d is in the heavens; whatever He pleases, He does.”

At first glance, this sounds simple — but behind these few words lies a deep philosophical question that has echoed through generations.

The nations of the world aren’t asking whether G-d exists. They’re asking something subtler:

“Where is your G-d now? We’ve heard of the miracles done for your ancestors — Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. But we don’t see that in you. Where is the divine presence in your lives today?”

It’s not a question of disbelief; it’s a question of perception. They look at the Jewish people and see ordinary lives, not open miracles. They wonder: If G-d is truly with you, why isn’t it visible?

Two Ways of Seeing the World

In ancient times, many nations believed that serving G-d meant being spiritual — thinking lofty thoughts or feeling deep emotions. For them, G-d was close to the heavens but distant from the earth.

In their view, creation was a long chain of cause and effect: from the divine, to the spiritual, to the material — with a clear break between heaven and earth.
G-d’s influence, they said, stops in the spiritual realms. The physical world is simply too far away.

So they concluded:

“If you want to connect to G-d, rise above the material. Think, feel, meditate — but don’t worry about the physical world. It’s too low for the divine.”

The Jewish View: Creation From Nothing

Judaism sees creation differently.

The world, we say, isn’t a chain of causes — it’s an ongoing act of divine will. G-d doesn’t just set creation in motion; He continuously brings it into being, every moment.

That means there is no real separation between heaven and earth, between the spiritual and the physical.
For G-d, they are equally close.

So when the Jewish people answer, “Our G-d is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases,” they mean:

G-d acts in both heaven and earth. His presence fills every corner of existence.

There is no “above” or “below” for the Infinite.

The Essence of Serving G-d

This idea leads to a profound difference in how we serve G-d.

If G-d is present only in the spiritual, then serving Him would mean thinking and feeling.
But if He is present everywhere — including here in the physical world — then we must serve Him through action.

Judaism teaches that love, faith, and understanding are important, but they are not the goal. The ultimate connection with G-d happens when we faire something — when we bring holiness into the material world.

That’s why we have mitzvot — commandments that involve physical things: lighting Shabbat candles, giving charity, putting on tefillin, eating matzah. Each of these connects heaven and earth.

From Fragrance to Oil

Our sages describe this difference beautifully.
Before the giving of the Torah, the deeds of our forefathers were like a fragrance — something spiritual and elevated, but fleeting.

After the Torah was given, mitzvot became like oil — substantial, enduring, and transformative.

A fragrance may smell sweet, but it fades. Oil lasts; it nourishes, it soaks in, it changes what it touches.

So too, our actions — the things we physically do for G-d — are what truly transform the world.

Why Action Matters

It’s easy to say, “I love G-d.”
It’s easy to say, “I feel for others.”

But feelings alone don’t feed the hungry or comfort the lonely. You can tell someone, “I feel your pain,” but if you don’t help them, your words mean little.

Judaism insists that action is what counts.
Not only thoughts, not only prayers, not even love — but what we actually faire.

Because through action, we bring G-d into the world.

The Rebbe’s Message

When King Solomon built the First Temple, he prayed:

“May the Lord our G-d be with us, as He was with our forefathers.”

He was asking for something powerful — not only that G-d should bless His people, but that His presence should once again be visible through our deeds.

That prayer still echoes today. Every mitzvah, every kind word, every moment of moral courage is another step toward making the world a dwelling place for the Divine.

The Answer to the Question

So when the nations ask, “Where is your G-d?”
The Jewish answer is simple — and yet infinite:

G-d is in the heavens, and He is here on earth.
In the light of our faith, and in the work of our hands.
In our prayers, and in our deeds.

We don’t find Him only in the heart or the mind, but in the action that brings holiness into the everyday world.

The Main Thing Is the Deed

Belief and love are beautiful.
But without action, they remain incomplete.

Judaism teaches that G-d is not found in our thoughts alone, but in what we faire.

That’s how heaven meets earth.
That’s how the infinite finds a home in the finite.
And that’s how we answer the question — not with words, but with deeds.

“The main thing is the deed.”

With thanks to Rabbi Tuvia Serber for the shiur and the feedback.

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