G-d, religion, spirituality—it all sounds so abstract and sophisticated. Surely, it’s not quite a topic for young children? Or maybe it really isn’t for anyone? The story of a young boy’s tears shed about G-d informs us that this is decidedly not the case.

No one likes conflict, yet we all admire those who can successfully navigate through it. But Israel’s dual description as being both a “gift” and an “inheritance” teaches us that as tempting as equilibrium is, the confidence that emerges from resolving the tempest of discord might just be even greater.

Most would agree that emotions and logic are key ingredients to a successful relationship: It’s got to make sense, and it’s got to feel right. But in our relationship with G-d, there’s a critical third ingredient—found in the difference between Noah and Abraham

Many hobbies and interests consume a person, eventually turning into an entire way of life. And really, the Torah is right up there on that list. With its opening narrative of the story of Creation, this is the story the Torah tells.

Jewish tradition abounds with stories of pious ascetics who ate black bread and slept on wooden boards. But that doesn’t seem to be so commonplace these days. Should we go back? The sukkah—a primal hut, but with all the trappings of a house—provides an innovative and healthy approach.

That we can always improve is pretty much a no-brainer. Yom Kippur comes along each year and adds: Today, your soul receives a reboot. You’re a new person now. You can improve—and dramatically so.

There comes a time when thinking people stop and ask themselves, “Do I really matter?” It’s a scary question. The shofar-blowing ceremony provides a reassuring answer: Beyond anything you might do, G-d decided you matter—and that’s who you are. Go ahead and relish that.

“Fear of G-d” and submitting to authority are central planks to religious Jewish life. But who wants to live in fear and submission? No one. The good news is that Judaism doesn’t demand that from us. In fact, “fearing G-d” is quite the opposite: It is an edifying and empowering awareness to enrich your life. Discover how.

Our claim as the “chosen nation” has too often been misconstrued and misunderstood. It’s time to set the record straight and internalize what this idea really means: We are entirely humble before G-d and here to serve. Now it’s time to get to work.

Squaring the idea of an omnipresent G-d with the reality of evil has always been a thorny theological problem. Discover the surprising premise that upends this entire conversation: it’s along the lines of, “G-d can make a rock He can’t pick up—and then pick it up, too.”