Yiras Hashem

Question

The Torah tells us l’yirah ליראה Hashem. This is frequently translated as to fear Hashem. I have always understood this to mean to respect or be in awe of Hashem. What do you belive it means?

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Answers

  1. The Just Ask! - AskTheRabbi.org Team

    It can mean either depending on the context. Our Sages teach us that the beginning of our relationship with Hashem normally begins with the concept of fear. However, as our relationship progresses, a new dimension of love is added. For someone who works hard on their connection with Hashem and who is aware of Hashem’s Presence in all that they do, the fear and the love of Hashem blend together to create a new element of awe.

    Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team