13 Comments
User's avatar
Danielle Rosenberg's avatar

Great stuff Yaacov!!! I can relate to this ;) and I also find myself struggling with this. Changing soon to action though, going to Israel to volunteer. Thank you for this and yes, am Israel chai!!!!

Expand full comment
Yaacov Lyons's avatar

Thank you!

Expand full comment
VivZ's avatar

What an interesting piece! Thank you! Am Y'Israel Chai!

Expand full comment
Yaacov Lyons's avatar

Thank you so much!

Expand full comment
shulman's avatar

you're really a good writer and you write about such incredible things! (and that picture of those protesting cakes! o my!)

chazak veamatz!

Expand full comment
Yaacov Lyons's avatar

Thanks so much I really apreciate that!

Expand full comment
Keren's avatar

Lovely article ❣️ Is it about commitment? We want love but fear the work it will eventually reveal to keep it alive so we play the field like happy hippies until we become bored of our own shallowness? Is God not our main relationship defining all other relationships?

Expand full comment
Shui Haber's avatar

Love this piece!

Expand full comment
Yaacov Lyons's avatar

Thanks so much Shui!

Expand full comment
Ian Michael Lessard's avatar

Well done Yaacov. Your last paragraph was especially moving. I was raised Evangelical Christian and so, I am well familiar with the commandments to love and fear thy God. I struggle (and always have) with the notion of loving anyone on command. Fear on command is a no-brainer. Love is something else entirely (as your essay does a good job of conveying). I would welcome any further words of wisdom. Keep up the good work!

Expand full comment
I Read This Over Shabbos's avatar

This is a beautifully written piece, so descriptive and alive. The illustrations are also next level, really creative and well executed.

I'm curious though about the answer to the question you asked of whether your love for God has enough substance because you feel so blessed? Is the answer that it is accompanied by fear of God, so that it balances out that "starry-eyed" love?

Expand full comment
Yaacov Lyons's avatar

I was trying to get across that merely feeling gratitude, love or even fear are not ends in themselves. That these emotions need to be channelled through concrete actions if they are not to remain abstract.

Expand full comment
User's avatar
Comment deleted
Feb 9, 2024
Comment deleted
Expand full comment
Yaacov Lyons's avatar

Thanks for the wonderful feedback!

Expand full comment